A Gift of Time and Tenderness: DeTar Hospital North Receives CuddleCot Donation
12/17/2025
Compassionate device from Ashlie’s Embrace helps families hold, love, and say goodbye to their babies
In moments when words fall short and hearts are heavy, time becomes one of the most meaningful gifts a family can receive. DeTar Hospital North is honored to receive a CuddleCot donation from Ashlie’s Embrace—an organization dedicated to supporting families navigating the unimaginable loss of a baby.
The CuddleCot is a specialized bereavement device that allows parents precious additional time with their babies following a stillbirth, neonatal death, or intrauterine fetal demise. By gently slowing the natural cooling process, the device gives families the opportunity to hold, love, and create lasting memories during an incredibly tender time.
“This special gift allows parents to spend meaningful moments holding, loving, and honoring their babies,” said Mary Claire Bradshaw, women & children’s services director at DeTar Hospital North. “That time together—however brief—is invaluable.”
Using a flexible cooling pad that continuously circulates chilled water, the CuddleCot helps delay tissue deterioration, providing grieving families the space they need to say goodbye in a dignified and compassionate way.
“In these incredibly difficult moments, the CuddleCot gives families something priceless—more time,” Bradshaw said. “It allows parents to grieve at their own pace, surrounded by love and support.”
The donation also aligns with recent legislative changes in Texas. On September 1, 2025, Texas House Bill 37, known as Everly’s Law, took effect, establishing a new standard for perinatal bereavement care at hospitals with a maternal level of care designation. The law defines a perinatal bereavement device as technology capable of delaying tissue deterioration for up to 72 hours following pregnancy or infant loss.
“With Everly’s Law now in place, the CuddleCot will continue to be an essential resource for both families and caregivers,” Bradshaw said. “We are deeply grateful for this donation, which strengthens our ability to provide comfort, dignity, and compassionate care during life’s most heartbreaking moments.”
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