We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mallorie Isom a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mallorie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

When I was just shy of 20 weeks gestation I gave birth to two perfect baby boys. They were perfect in every way. But their bodies were too small to sustain life. Heartbreak doesn’t even begin to describe it. My world turned upside down. I was overcome with grief. I was expecting to be busy with twins but instead my days were long and still and so quiet. To occupy my mind and hands I started crocheting. I remembered the tiny hats my boys received when they were born. I learned how to make hats that small. On what would have been my first Mother’s Day with babies at home I donated almost 100 tiny hats to a local hospital. Then I started making blankets. Friends and family learned of what I was doing and started supporting the mission of every baby deserving a blanket (and hat). Now, over 6 years later, we have donated over 30,000 items (primarily hats and blankets) to over 200 hospitals all over the United States. We’ve got volunteers all over the US and Canada. This is how I mother my angel babies. In providing hats and blankets that fit these tiny babies, I hope to bring comfort to other families going through the moment no parent can prepare for.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Bundles for Babies is a nonprofit organization supplying hospitals all over the US with tiny hats and blankets for babies born too early to live (typically before 22 weeks gestation). We are 100% volunteer driven. Our “community of volunteers spans across the continent. Each of our hats and blankets are handmade (crochet, sewn, knit, quilted) with love. Anyone who would like to can support our mission by making and donating hats (2.5”x2.5” laying flat) and blankets (12” squares). Find out more about us at www.makebundlesforbabies.org

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Coming home from the hospital with the number for the crematorium instead of two brand new babies was crushing. To pick myself up and go on living, at times felt impossible. Though they’re not here, my twins have taught me so much. They taught me to be gentle with myself, to be vulnerable, to ask for and accept help. They’ve taught me how miraculous it is to even be alive. Going public with Bundles for Babies was not easy. As with any new beginning I had fears and hesitations. I am forever grateful for those around me who encouraged me along the way. Running Bundles for Babies is how I show my love for my boys who are not here. It’s how I mother them. I am in awe of the support BfB has received. So many people want to give their love to families saying “goodbye” to their babies. I know that grief. I know what a difference a handmade hat and blanket can make. My hope is to provide some comfort to these grieving families. To let them know they’re not alone, their babies are loved and important, they will make it through.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before my twins were born and shortly thereafter died I did not know babies didn’t make it home from the hospital after birth. I mean, I’d heard horror stories but that’s all they were, stories. I didn’t know how heartbreakingly common it is. My pregnancy was healthy, typical, going according to plan. Until it wasn’t. I found myself giving birth to babies that fit in my hands. I found myself naming my first children and then deciding if they should be buried or cremated. The future I’d been imagining was gone. Through self-compassion and vulnerability, with the help of therapy and community, I came through. But the ache, the loss, the grief will always be with me. I’ve learned to be okay living with that grief. Life is messy. It’s joyful and it’s gut-wrenching. And we come through.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.makebundlesforbabies.org
• Instagram: BundlesforBabies
• Facebook: Make Bundles for Babies