February 19, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a HYWL memorial gift?

Our mission is to acknowledge life by creating personalized memorial jewelry for families who have lost a baby in the womb.  To that end, we gift our HYWL Signature Necklace and/or HYWL Signature Keychain to families all over the world.  It is our honor to build these gifts for you.

How can I receive a HYWL memorial gift?

We would love to build you something special to hold onto!  To place a HYWL memorial request all you have to do is visit our Shop, choose from the HYWL Signature Necklace and/or HYWL Signature Keychain, add them to your cart, and enter the memorial request code at checkout to remove the item cost and pay only the $5 shipping fee.  – Watch a quick demo here

The request code can be found on the Shop homepage as well as our Facebook and Instagram pages.  We are open for requests 24/7/365, so whenever you are ready so are we.  All memorial requests received will ship within 4 weeks.  You can use PayPal or a credit/debit card when submitting your request. 

Who can receive a HYWL piece?

A HYWL memorial gift will be given to families who have survived the loss of their baby in the womb through all forms of miscarriage and/or stillbirth. So often, these precious lives are referred to as “fetal demises” and not fully-acknowledged; the truth is that they were our much loved and anticipated children. If a baby takes just one breath of air, they are recognized as being born and usually receive a birth certificate. We exist to recognize and acknowledge those who are born in silence.

*The general wording of pregnancy loss includes all medical terms for miscarriage and stillbirth: chemical pregnancy, blighted ovum, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, vanishing twin, live miscarriage, and stillbirth, etc.

Do you offer anything specifically for fathers?

We offer our Signature HYWL Keychains, which are built with a square logo.  Fathers may request even if a mother has already received a necklace from us.

Families may request necklaces and/or keychains in the same order and only pay the shipping fee once.

What about LGBTQ+ Families?

HYWL supports and affirms all types of families.  If your family consists of two moms or two dads you can choose two keychains or necklaces when you place your request.

Can I get my baby’s name engraved on the back of the pendant?

We do not have an engraver to customize names/dates on our pendants as we order them custom from a laser engraving shop.  We have had moms take their necklaces to a retailer such as Things Remembered and have this done.  A jeweler who engraves on stainless steel may be another option.

What if I have had multiple losses?

We provide one necklace and/or keychain free of charge for the parent(s).  You are most welcome to choose a special charm or birthstone for each of your losses; just let us know what you would like in the notes section of your order request.

I lost my baby years ago, can I still request a piece?

YES! There is no time limit on grief, we would be honored to make a necklace/keychain for you. We have sent hundreds of necklaces to families with losses over 10 years ago.

How long will it take to receive my necklace?

We currently have an approx. 4 week wait to receive your necklace/keychain from the time that you submit your request.  Requests are often fulfilled much faster – we know it is difficult to wait when you have already lost so much.  We do our best to build and send each memorial piece in a loving and timely manner.  Once complete, you will receive an email with tracking information letting you know your memorial pieces are on their way.

Is there a way to receive HYWL pieces sooner?

Our shop is open 24/7 and 100% of the proceeds go right back into the mission of gifting memorial pieces to families.  We are completely volunteer-run and we have no paid staff.  The shop is our biggest fundraiser and also provides an avenue for those who wish to purchase a HYWL piece for friends or family members.  We have many items available in our shop to express the special bond of our babies having been held their whole lives.  All shop orders will ship within 1 week.  All apparel orders will ship after the 2 week wait to receive items from our local print shop.

My friend/relative lost their baby, can I submit a request for them?

No. We ask that the parents personally submit the memorial request for a free piece.  That way they can design their pieces exactly as they see fit and order their memorial gift whenever they are ready.  We know that your heart is in the right place –  if a family is not aware of our organization, please refer them to our website so that they can submit their request.

We have many beautiful gifts available to purchase in our shop.  You can add a personal note in the comment sections at checkout and we can even gift wrap!  As always, 100% of shop proceeds go to filling memorial requests year-round.

My baby passed away after they were born, may I still request a HYWL piece?

Our nonprofit status allows us to serve families who have experienced the loss of a baby in the womb, at any weeks gestation. We are unable to make a free HYWL memorial gift in honor of children who have passed away after birth. We have many resources that we can refer you to if you are looking for support. Please contact [email protected].

We have received feedback from moms who have purchased items in the shop to honor their child(ren) gone too soon, at any age, who are touched by the Held Your Whole Life sentiment/mission.  You are most welcome to do the same – your purchase will help to provide memorial gifts for grieving families.

I do not live in the United States, can I still request a necklace/keychain?

Yes, we are currently shipping internationally.  Please note that the flat-rate shipping charge for international orders is $15.  HYWL is not responsible for any additional shipping/handling charges, customs/duties, VAT, etc., which may be incurred after your package leaves the USPS First Class Mail International system.

What’s the deal with the copyright?

Held Your Whole Life is a registered trademark and copyrighted.  This means that using this phrase without permission from Held Your Whole Life, Inc. for anything other than personal use is illegal.  We do enforce our copyright and will pursue legal action as appropriate when we find someone violating it.  Why?  Because as a volunteer-run nonprofit, we depend on support from donations and fundraisers.  If other jewelry makers or products bear our name, this could create confusion and make it more difficult for both donors and recipients of our free pieces to find us.  Please let us know if you have questions or would like to help us fundraise by offering an endorsed HYWL product. 

Isn’t the copyright just about protecting your profits?

No one makes a cent from HYWL.  All monies from product sales go toward funding our mission.  All work, including making jewelry and administrative work, is done by volunteers.

How do I make a donation? If I do not have PayPal can I donate another way?

You can donate through PayPal on our site. If you do not have an account it is fast, secure, and easy to set one up.  If you would prefer, you can send a check or money order to:

Held Your Whole Life, Inc.
P.O. Box 1077
Malta, Montana 59538

HYWL is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. Checks can be made payable to Held Your Whole Life, Inc. 

Can I use the HYWL logo on my blog or publication?

Our logo is copyrighted, trademarked, and registered with the Library of Congress, US Patent Office. You may use our logo with prior written permission from our founder Larisa Barth.

Contact [email protected] 

How can I help publicize your mission and project?

If you would like to feature us on your blog or support group, please contact [email protected].  We also provide brochure packs to hospitals/organizations for their memorial and/or bereavement resources.  You can share our Facebook announcements and invite family and friends to do the same.  

Can I host a fundraiser for HYWL?

We would love that!  We truly appreciate any funds generated to help us continue our mission.  A little goes a long way at HYWL and all monies raised will go into fulfilling free memorial requests for families.  We can provide you with more info, promote your fundraiser on our social media pages, and also get our volunteer team involved. Contact [email protected]