Miscarriage is something nobody wants to talk or think about. And who can blame them? But the reality is that it does happen, and in higher numbers than we'd like to believe. According to verywell.com, "About 15 percent to 20 percent of all women with a verified pregnancy will end up having a miscarriage." Alarming, isn't it?

Overwhelmingly, these angel babies are lost in the first trimester when they are so small that even preemie sized clothing won't fit, leaving them to be buried or cremated naked. I have seen many parents' heartbreak over the fact that their child has so be buried cold and bare. And that is where Teeny Tears steps in.

Founded by Megan Bradshaw in November 2011 after the loss of her son Dex, Teeny Tears sets out to make extra small diapers, hats, blankets, and tunics for the smallest of babies via an army of volunteers across the US and Canada.

Though many different items are needed to send to hospitals to distribute to the parents of angel babies free of charge, I have found that making the two sizes of diapers is easiest for me, although I'd like to someday try my hand at making blankets. The pattern is available in a welcome package when you sign up, or alternatively you can purchase the wooden templates, as I have.

Fabric choice is very important here. The inside must be flanel as it is soft and absorbent. Fleece is off-limits for the inside as in the hours after death the skin begins to weep and the fleece fibers tend to stick to the angel babies. As for the outside, you can use flanel as well, or quilting cotton. I prefer flanel or something equally soft because it makes it slightly thicker and more professional looking, but I have used both.

Colour and patterns are also important. For obvious reasons, patterns like skulls and bones are a major no-no, and logos are incredibly tacky (the welcome packet said someone even sent in diapers with beer company logos all over it - eeek!). Words generally don't do well either because not only could they be offensive in this particular situation (think "good night") or they will be clipped off and spell out something unintended. Solid colours are great, but brown, black, and red are off-limits. Many hospitals like solid white or neutral coloured diapers.

So without further ado, I shall now demonstrate how to make the larger size diaper, which fits about 24-32 weeks gestation (the small diapers fit around 18-23 weeks, and blankets are used for babies who are even smaller). What you need are as follows: 2 diaper pieces, - one flannel and the other flannel or cotton - a size 2 safety pin, and matching thread. There is no need to pre-wash the fabric unless you want to, but I don't to keep it looking as new as possible.

The process is extremely simple. First, put your diaper pieces right sides together and sew at 1/4" inch all the way around, leaving about a 2" open gap on the broader side for turning.

Trim the sewn part by about half, excluding the gap.

Turn and press.

Topstitch at either 1/4" or 1/8". I do 1/8" to make sure I catch the fabric from the gap, plus 1/8" looks nicer in my opinion.

Once it's all sewn up, it's time to fold and pin it. With the broader section at the top, fold up the sides of the skinnier section just a bit and fold the whole thing up to meet the upper edge of the broad section.

Fold the right flap over the middle.

Fold the left flap over the right one, and pin with the size 2 pin.

But you're not done yet! Diapers are donated in pairs of two, with one for the angel baby and the other for the parents to keep in their memory box. Each diaper must be exactly the same, so make sure you have an even number when you cut them out.

When you're ready to donate them, request a donation card with the Teeny Tears logo and a dedication, whether in memory of a particular angel baby or for "all angel babies gone too soon." Stick this card in one of the diapers and wrap them both with ribbon and you're done.

Because a person's a person, no matter how small.