Jackson, Tennessee (September 24, 2015) — The West Tennessee Women’s Center and Heaven’s Cradle announce the purchase of two Cuddle Cots for use at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Cuddle Cots are small cooling units for babies who are stillborn or die shortly after birth.

Deena Kail, executive director of the West Tennessee Women’s Center explains; the Cuddle Cot offers precious bonding time for grieving families to take pictures, create plaster molds, and allows family members time to meet the baby. According to Kail, research has shown having offerings such as Cuddle Cots available in the hospital encourages families to spend time with their baby without feeling rushed as they begin their grieving and mourning journey.

Abby Lackey, founder of Heaven’s Cradle says, “Every child is a precious and an important part of the family. We are excited to extend the length of time families are able to be with their babies to make memories. When a baby dies, the most precious gift is time.”

Kail said, “Parents have already bonded with their baby through pregnancy. Offering this choice is a healthy way to begin their mourning and grieving. We support and care for them as they say hello and goodbye in a short period of time.”

There are currently only 70 Cuddle Cots being used across the United States. Jackson-Madison County General Hospital is the first hospital in Tennessee to have the units.  The Cuddle Cots were purchased through funds raised at the 3rd annual Twilight Run and Rooftop Rendezvous which is the largest fundraising event for Heaven’s Cradle.  Heaven’s Cradle was established in 2011 by Gary and Abby Lackey in memory of their son, Davis Arnold Lackey, who was stillborn. The group works to remove the silence surrounding infant loss and to ease suffering of grieving parents and grandparents.