New Jersey Startup 3D Prints Baby Sculptures for Families Enduring…

According to the CDC, there are about 3,500 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in the United States each year, which, frustratingly, have no immediately obvious cause, and I cannot imagine how devastating this is for people to experience. The March of Dimes reports that approximately 10-15% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and stillbirth affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies. These statistics represent not just numbers, but thousands of families annually facing the unimaginable pain of losing a child before or shortly after birth.

Obviously, it’s a pretty traumatic event for families, and many seek help from counselors, support groups, or faith-based organizations. The grieving process after pregnancy or infant loss is complex and deeply personal. Healthcare professionals emphasize that grief after pregnancy loss is valid and significant, despite societal pressures to “move on” quickly. Some families find comfort in creating memorials, planting trees, or keepsakes that honor their child’s memory.

But registered ultrasound sonographer Glenda Barachko, who owns an elective 3D and 4D ultrasound business called WonderTime LLC in New Jersey, has another innovative idea to help parents honor their lost children through the power of 3D printing technology.

Barachko, who is also an advisory board member of Three Little Birds Perinatal, a local resource for families enduring pregnancy and infant loss, said, “I decided I wanted to make a sculpture either based on the 3D ultrasound picture or from a newborn photograph.”

3D Printing Technology Creating Meaningful Connections

We’ve seen many different companies create 3D printed ultrasound statues for parents who are visually impaired or just want a different kind of keepsake than a 2D sonogram photo to hang on the fridge, but this is the first time I’ve heard of the technology being used to create sculptures of children lost during pregnancy or in infancy. The application of 3D printing in healthcare continues to expand, from prosthetics to organ models, but this emotional application brings the technology into the realm of grief and healing.

The process combines traditional artistry with modern technology. Artist Kristi Centinaro manually sculpts the baby’s face based on ultrasound photos, creating a 3D model that is then printed in porcelain resin. This hybrid approach ensures both accuracy and emotional resonance—the human touch that pure digital models might lack. Research on 3D printing in healthcare shows that personalized models can provide significant psychological benefits for patients and families.

The Story Behind the Startup

Here’s how Little Faces Limited came about: Barachko was the ultrasound sonographer for Tina Rouh, who went through two long in-vitro fertilization attempts to finally become pregnant with Madelynn, her second child. CDC data on assisted reproductive technology shows that IVF success rates vary by age, with many couples requiring multiple attempts. The emotional and financial investment in IVF makes pregnancy loss even more devastating.

But sadly, the newborn baby died in her sleep the day she came home from the hospital, and the only explanation the grieving family received was SUID. SUID cases are particularly heartbreaking because they often occur in seemingly healthy infants with no warning signs, leaving families with unanswered questions.

“She was so perfect. She was a unique person that we wanted desperately and she was taken from us,” said Rouh.

“When you lose your child, there’s no moving on. There’s no forgetting your baby. You grieve forever.”

Barachko had just posted her idea of creating 3D printed newborn sculptures to Facebook, and reached out to Rouh to see if she’d be interested in something other than a photograph to honor her daughter. The answer was yes.

“It just looks just like her. The chunky cheeks and the very defined brow line and she had, like, a divot over her nose,” Rouh said.

The Art and Science Behind the Sculptures

Artist Kristi Centinaro uses ultrasound photos to create detailed faces, in miniature, of the babies, before they’re 3D printed out of porcelain for families to take home. The process involves several steps:

1. Photo Analysis: Centinaro carefully studies ultrasound or newborn photos to identify facial features
2. 3D Modeling: Using specialized software, she creates a digital 3D model of the baby’s face
3. Artistic Refinement: Hand-sculpting ensures accuracy and captures subtle details machines might miss
4. 3D Printing: The model is printed in porcelain resin using high-resolution 3D printers
5. Finishing: Final touches are applied to ensure the sculpture meets quality standards

“It’s not just photo accuracy,” Centinaro explained. “No machine could do this. It takes an artist’s touch to really make it go that extra mile.”

Thus, the Little Faces Limited startup was born. Led by women, the small business makes its products in the US, with 90% of its materials sourced here as well. This commitment to domestic manufacturing is significant in an era when many companies outsource production overseas.

“We aren’t just some company that manufactures and sells a product. We are founded on a love of moms, dads, and babies,” the website states.

“In order to give back, a portion of every purchase goes to the TEARS foundation which is a non-profit that provides financial support to families that are dealing with the loss of a child.”

Comparison Table: Memorial Keepsake Options

Memorial Type	Description	Typical Cost	Pros	Cons
3D Printed Sculpture (Little Faces Limited)	Custom 3D printed portrait from ultrasound/photos	$55-$157	Highly personalized, tangible, artistic	Requires good photo, 6-8 week wait
Photo Portraits	Digital or printed photos, canvas prints	$20-$200+	Quick, affordable, familiar format	2D only, less tactile experience
Jewelry	Lockets, charms, cremation jewelry	$30-$500+	Portable, wearable, discreet	Small size, limited detail
Planting Memorial	Trees, gardens, memorial benches	$50-$2,000+	Living tribute, outdoor focus	Requires outdoor space, seasonal changes

Products and Pricing

These 3D printed sculptures aren’t just for grieving families, however. Little Faces Limited is now taking orders for all families that want a 3D printed keepsake in honor of their newborn, as a baby shower or “push” gift or even a present for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Grandparent’s Day. The online ordering process is simple:

1. Upload Photo: Upload an ultrasound or newborn photo that has a clear shot of at least half the baby’s face (check out specific upload guidelines here) and list the quantity
2. Add Options: You can add angel wings to your sculpture for $10 if you’d like
3. Select Product: Choose your option:
   • Digital file download: $55 (great for those who want to print themselves or use the file for other purposes)
   • 5″ x 6″ 3D printed sculpture in porcelain resin: $139 (finished, ready-to-display sculpture)
4. Choose Frame: Pick a natural wood or a white shadowbox frame (each one costs $18)
5. Receive: You’ll receive your custom 3D printed sculpture in less than two months

Comparison Table: Little Faces Limited Product Options

Product	Price	Size	Delivery	Best For
Digital File Download	$55	N/A (digital)	5-7 business days	DIY enthusiasts, international customers, those needing quick delivery
Porcelain Resin Sculpture	$139	5″ x 6″	6-8 weeks	Display-ready keepsakes, gifts, memorial pieces
Sculpture + Natural Wood Frame	$157	5″ x 6″ + frame	6-8 weeks	Warm, traditional display, nursery decor
Sculpture + White Shadowbox Frame	$157	5″ x 6″ + frame	6-8 weeks	Modern, clean display, memorial walls

Future Plans and Social Impact

In the future, once the startup gets off the ground a little, Barachko will work to bring the product to a larger audience in order to benefit other parents who have lost a child. The potential impact extends beyond individual families—by normalizing conversations around pregnancy and infant loss, companies like Little Faces Limited help reduce stigma and provide resources for grieving parents.

Barachko said, “Once we start to generate a profit, I want to fund research to build awareness so that people that have to live through this can get proper support.”

The social mission is clear: this isn’t just a business, it’s a way to support families during one of life’s most difficult experiences. Studies on grief and memorialization suggest that physical keepsakes can play an important role in the healing process, providing a tangible connection to lost loved ones.

Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

Like most other businesses around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some issues for Little Faces Limited, but the startup does have one advantage. Most obstetrics facilities were limiting capacity during the pandemic, but at Barachko’s business, up to five guests—wearing masks, of course—were allowed to accompany the mother during ultrasounds. This policy, while adhering to safety guidelines, provided a compassionate approach to prenatal care during a time of isolation for many.

“When they’re going in for their anatomy scan, what they really want is to bring their husband in, have him be able to see the baby too. But with that gone away because of COVID, it’s been actually a good thing for my business because more people are coming to see us,” Barachko explained.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the grief of parents who have experienced the loss of a child during pregnancy or infancy. On October 15th, many around the globe participate in an event called the International Wave of Light by lighting a candle for an hour starting at 7 pm, local time, to honor all babies that were gone too soon. This annual event creates a wave of light that travels across time zones, symbolizing the shared experience of loss and remembrance.

Star Legacy Foundation and other organizations work year-round to provide support, education, and advocacy for families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. See also: Best Budget 3D Printer Upgrades That Actually Impr…. These organizations emphasize that every loss matters and every family deserves support.

Everyone grieves in different ways, and there’s no “right” way to mourn the loss of a pregnancy or infant. Some families find comfort in support groups, others in private memorials, and still others in creative expressions of remembrance. If you know someone who is suffering the loss of a pregnancy or child and think they might appreciate a 3D printed memorial sculpture, tell them about Little Faces Limited.

(Source: WPVI-TV Action News / Images: Little Faces Limited)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive a Little Faces Limited sculpture?

For digital file downloads, delivery typically takes 5-7 business days. For physical 3D printed sculptures in porcelain resin, the turnaround time is approximately 6-8 weeks. This timeline allows for the meticulous hand-sculpting process and 3D printing to ensure the highest quality result.

What type of photos work best for creating the sculpture?

Little Faces Limited accepts both ultrasound images and newborn photographs. The most important requirement is a clear shot of at least half the baby’s face. Specific upload guidelines are available on their website, but generally, high-resolution images with good lighting and facial detail work best. 3D ultrasound images often provide the most detail for sculpting purposes.

Can I order a sculpture for a baby who didn’t have ultrasound photos?

Yes, Little Faces Limited can work with newborn photographs if ultrasound photos aren’t available. Many families who lost infants shortly after birth use hospital newborn photos or other clear photographs. The key requirement is having a clear image that shows facial features well enough for the artist to create an accurate sculpture.

What materials are used to create the sculptures?

The physical sculptures are 3D printed using a high-quality porcelain resin material that provides both durability and a smooth, porcelain-like finish. This material is chosen for its ability to capture fine details while being sturdy enough to become a lasting keepsake. The company reports that 90% of materials are sourced within the United States.

Is Little Faces Limited only for families who have lost a baby?

No, while the company began with a focus on memorial sculptures for families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss, they now serve all families who want a 3D printed keepsake of their newborn. This includes baby shower gifts, “push” presents, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts, and memorial gifts for grandparents. The service is available for any family who wants to create a unique, personalized 3D portrait of their baby.

How does the donation to the TEARS Foundation work?

Little Faces Limited commits to donating a portion of every purchase to the TEARS Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to families dealing with the loss of a child. The TEARS Foundation helps cover funeral costs, headstones, and other expenses associated with child loss. This donation structure allows customers to support other grieving families while purchasing their own memorial keepsake.

Can I customize my sculpture beyond the basic options?

Yes, beyond the basic product options, customers can add angel wings to their sculpture for an additional $10. The choice between natural wood or white shadowbox frames also allows for personalization based on home decor preferences. For more extensive customization needs, customers are encouraged to contact Little Faces Limited directly to discuss their requirements.

What if I’m not satisfied with my sculpture?

Little Faces Limited takes pride in the quality and accuracy of their work. Because each sculpture is custom-made, they work closely with customers throughout the process to ensure satisfaction. Specific return and revision policies should be confirmed directly with the company, as custom orders typically have different policies than standard retail products.

The post New Jersey Startup 3D Prints Baby Sculptures for Families Enduring Pregnancy or Infant Loss appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.

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