Preparing the Body
It ’ s important to keep the body cool . While cooling the body will slow down the decomposition process , there is no way to prevent this natural process from occurring .
Whether the family , a licensed funeral director or someone trained in natural death care prepares a body for burial , Mount Auburn insists that the container holding or shroud wrapping the body be free of any visible bodily fluids . ( This requirement is true for acceptance into Mount Auburn ’ s crematory also .) In the event of visible bodily fluids , Mount Auburn will request that the family or funeral director who presented the body for burial take the body back to the funeral home to clean and prepare the body again for burial later on that same day ( overtime fees may apply ) or the next day .
Mount Auburn recommends burial within four days from the time of death . Regardless of the time frame , Mount Auburn will not accept any body if the outer container – casket or shroud – shows any signs of bodily fluids .
Transporting the Body
Mount Auburn recommends that the body arrive in a closed vehicle such as a hearse or a van ; not an open pick-up truck . State law currently allows for either a funeral director or a non-paid family member or friend to provide this service .