The news was understandably devastating.

And while nothing could ease the pain, a care package from charity Bears of Hope, given to the couple in hospital, has helped make coping that little bit easier.

Ms Malsem said she had never heard of Bears of Hope until their own baby died.

She said it was a small charity which was there for grieving families in their darkest moments by providing packages which, included precious keepsakes such as a candle, seeds, a photo frame and a CD with music.

“It contained a lot of information for parents who were experiencing the loss of their child and support networks available,” Ms Malsem said.

“The most precious item was the teddy bear that had been tagged in honour of another sleeping (stillborn) baby.

“We were able to take photos of Archie sleeping next to the bear and it meant that we did not have to leave hospital completely empty-handed.”

The bears are donated from one family to another and also symbolised that Ms Malsem and partner James McKay were not alone in their journey.

“Another family had been through the same devastating loss,” she said.

“The bear now sits on our bedside table and is there to cuddle when we need it.”

Now the couple hopes to help others by fundraising for Bears of Hope through the Beards of Hope campaign, which encourages all men to grow a beard during winter and brave the shave in September.

Mr McKay has been growing his beard since June and they have so far raised more than $2200.

Ms Malsem said the campaign was twofold – it raised much-needed funds to help grieving families, especially fathers, while also creating awareness for the worthy charity.

“In the past 12 months, three women have given birth to a sleeping baby in Moruya that I am aware of,” Ms Malsem said.

“The Bears of Hope is an organisation that supports the maternity ward at Moruya - giving support and advice to parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth.  

“This is a really important charity organisation - it helps thousands of families across Australia and, more specifically, families such as ours who live in our local area.”

Visit the couple’s online fundraising page, http://beardsofhope2015.gofundraise.com.au/page/McKayJames to donate.

Donations can also be made at a collection tin at Cameron’s H Hardware in Moruya.