Sewing up covers for manaaki mats

HOLDING THEM CLOSE: Annie Meredith holds samples of fabric that have been donated to make manaaki mat covers to be used in the event of a baby passing away. The mats are dry ice packs which are slipped inside the covers and placed under the baby. Ms Meredith, who is an end-of-life doula and manaaki mat educator, is organising a sewing bee for people to make the covers, which will be donated to Gisborne Hospital. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

A sewing bee has been organised to make manaaki mat covers in honour of families affected by pregnancy and baby loss here.

Manaaki Mats are special dry ice packs which freeze much colder than regular ice. They provide a safe, simple and effective way to care for your baby at home after death. Keeping baby cool will slow down the natural changes that happen. They are effective because the temperature of baby remains consistently cool while being held.

The frozen Manaaki Mat is placed within a fabric cover and goes under baby. This means parents can choose where to place their baby or to be able to hold their baby knowing the temperature is remaining consistently cool.

The covers are made out of cotton. Parents may keep the cover used for their baby.

The mats will be donated to Gisborne Hospital.

Annie Meredith, End of Life doula and manaaki mat educator acknowledges all the babies and their families in the Tairāwhiti region and beyond who have used the mats and those who were not given the opportunity.

“For parents to have a selection of covers so they can choose fabric that suits their baby is important.

“Some of this fabric used for the sewing bee has been donated in honour of Tyrer Wolf Dain-Cutlerhunt born April 7, 2022.

“Tyrer's parents organised a Givealittle in honour of their beautiful son and with the money a freezer, mats, books to help grieving parents and fabric was purchased which will go on to help other families who find themselves dealing with the devastation of the loss of a baby.

“The design of the Manaaki mat cover is similar to a pillowcase but smaller.”

October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month.

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