Bear Cottage is privileged to provide families the space to grieve, reflect and find comfort in one another's presence, while keeping their baby close. Bear Cottage acknowledges those babies who have died and the unique grief of pregnancy and infant loss.

“Our sweet Josiah was born prematurely at 24+4 weeks on December 5th, 2024, weighing just over 400g. For seven weeks we lived in the NICU with him – hopeful, expectant, believing we would one day bring our boy home. That day never came. On January 22^nd, 2025, Josiah passed away. It was unexpected and quick. There was no time to prepare, no time for slow and gentle goodbyes, no time for loved ones to gather, or for photographers to capture the memories we had so longed for. 

When we were offered the chance to spend time at Bear Cottage with Josiah, we didn’t know what to expect. What we found was a gift beyond words. Bear Cottage became a sacred place for us – a place where time slowed, where we could simply be with our son in ways we never could in the NICU. We got to hold him as long as we wished, lift him into our arms whenever we wanted, and study every tiny detail of his body – his soft hair beneath our hands, his delicate fingers and toes, the perfect lines of his face. We read to him, kissed him, cuddled him endlessly, and created memories we will carry forever. We slept with him in a cot beside us at night, walked him in a pram, and even took him outside. 

Being at Bear Cottage allowed family to meet Josiah who hadn’t yet met him. It gave them a chance to say goodbye; to touch him and hold him for the first time. 

We got to create some of the most precious keepsakes. Necklaces with Josiah’s little handprints and footprints on them, perfect casts of his tiny feet, with every wrinkle and toenail captured, and family photos of the three of us that we will treasure always. Heartfelt Photography, who had once taken Christmas photos in NICU of Josiah, came to Bear Cottage after his passing. Because of this, we have the only family portraits we will ever know.

The staff at Bear Cottage were extraordinary. They cared for us with such tenderness, and they cared for our family too. They fed us, supported us, gave us guidance, and stood with us in our deepest grief, surrounding us with deep care.

Bear Cottage gave us something immeasurable: time and memories with our son that would otherwise have been lost. As parents who will never get to watch their child grow, who knew our son only through the confines of hospital walls, this gift is beyond what words can express. 

We will forever carry Bear Cottage, its incredible staff, and the time we had there with Josiah deep within our hearts, with gratitude too great to fully express.” Jess & Josh - Josiah’s Mum & Dad.