Saline Immersion: An alternative concept in bereavement photography
Written by CuddleCot Bereavement Consultant Sian Ness
Although photography in bereavement care has long been a method of memory making, saline immersion photography is a newer bereavement photography technique that has very little published research at this time.
What is Neonatal Immersion Photography?
Neonatal Immersion Photography (NIP) is the practice of fully immersing an infant in water for the purposes of underwater photography after they have passed away. With the use of a clear tub and saline water, the baby is immersed and then photographed through the clear walls of the tub
When using this technique, the use of normal sterile saline (NaCl) is preferred over water. Sodium Chloride (NaCl/normal sterile saline) is a nontoxic, isotonic solution that does not damage tissues and contains essential salts needed to hold water in the extracellular spaces. There is some thought that given its electrolyte properties, it could contribute to the reduction of bacteria and therefore minimise decomposition.
This technique is used as a tool simply to provide remembrance photography and is not recommended as a solution to keeping a baby cool. Water immersion in perinatal/neonatal bereavement photography is a fairly new concept in the UK and more commonly used in the US. This practice is intended to enhance the quality of the photographs provided to families following their loss. It is more commonly used in smaller gestation babies who may not have previously met the gestation requirement for remembrance photography.
This method of capturing precious images can be used by midwives as well as professional photographers in addition to more traditional neonatal bereavement photography. It does not require special skills or equipment and can be implemented in virtually any perinatal setting.
The technique involves gently immersing the baby in water after death to obtain photographs. Using only a basin of water and a camera, water immersion photographs closely resemble how the baby would appear in a buoyant intrauterine environment.
What are the benefits of Neonatal Immersion Photography (NIP)?
While the practice of NIP is still very new, the benefits for can be seen below:
- Baby’s skin colour which may have previously appeared red or dark returns to a more natural lighter colour
- Any flaws or marks on the baby appear to improve as the baby enters the water
- The appearance of natural decomposition is reduced as the skin becomes saturated with water and it appears smoother, softer and plumper.
- The infant’s limbs become more agile once baby is immersed in the water making it easier to move baby into positions perfect for capturing beautiful images
- NIP mimics the look of a baby in the mother’s uterus
- The practice of professional bereavement photography has been proven to aid in the grieving process for families and the enhanced quality of photographs produced with this method can potentially provide a source of comfort to bereaved families. 1
Who is eligible for Neonatal Immersion Photography (NIP)?
NIP is mainly practiced in the Maternity Unit, Labour/Delivery wards and the NICU unit. Water immersion appears to be most helpful following a second trimester fetal demise 1
While water immersion is a technique that can be utilized by both midwives, perinatal nurses and professional photographers, additional consideration should be given to ensure the family is included in this process. In the same way that parents of living newborns are frequently encouraged to participate in their baby’s first bath, parents of deceased neonates might appreciate the opportunity to experience water immersion by submerging their own hands in the water and helping to position the baby 3
Can baby be returned to the CuddleCot following NIP?
There is no evidence to suggest that a baby should not be returned to a CuddleCot after NIP. Improvements that may be seen in a baby’s condition whilst they are in the water may last for a short time once baby is removed however natural changes will occur once baby is returned to air. The use of the CuddleCot following removal from the water will slow down any decomposition due to baby being actively cooled whilst in the air. General safety precautions should be taken when handling a wet baby near an electrical appliance so we would suggest gently drying the baby with a soft cloth, removing excess water whilst taking care not to cause any damage to delicate, friable skin and tissues.
Where can healthcare professionals and photographers find more information?
Remembrance photography charity ‘Remember My Baby’ is currently exploring the use of saline immersion as an alternative to traditional methods.
Photographer Deneen Bryan is the founder of ‘Capturing Hopes Photography, Inc’ and ‘The Little Lights Bereavement Program’ who specialise in Neonatal Immersion Photography for bereaved families in the US.
You can read her blog at: https://www.capturinghopesphoto.org/blog-post/introducing-neonatal-immersion-photography or follow her on Tiktok: tiktok.com/@deneenbryan
To learn more about the CuddleCot speak to our team today!
info@cuddlecot.com
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USA: +1 800 992 8977
- Bryan,D, https://www.capturinghopesphoto.org/blog-post/introducing-neonatal-immersion-photography, 2022
- Fernandez R, Griffiths R, Ussia C. Water for wound cleansing. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;2
- Duffey, H, ‘Water Immersion in Neonatal Bereavement Photography’, Nursing for Women’s Health, Volume 18, ISSUE 5, P429-433, October 2014