On the 3rd August 2015 our daughter, Madelyn, was born at home in traumatic circumstances. We had planned our home birth down to the very fine details, but we couldn't have prepared for the situation we found ourselves in. Having visited earlier in the evening, the midwife had left to allow my labour to progress and did not make it back in time to deliver our baby. Adam and I were coached through the birth by my Mum, who was receiving instructions from the paramedic call handler. Madelyn was in the breech position which had gone undiagnosed, and obviously unnoticed by us until she was being born. Due to the nature of the birth, Madelyn suffered a prolonged period of oxygen loss which resulted in a very severe brain injury. After two days in the neonatal unit, and many discussions between Madelyn's wonderful care team and us, the decision was made to withdraw treatment and our beatiful baby girl died in our arms on 5th August 2015.
Whilst spending those days with Madelyn in hospital, we were able to make some lovely memories such as foot and hand prints/moulds and taking locks of her hair. All of these moments captured on a camera provided to us with a memory card that was to be ours to keep. All very special for us, but also for our son, Noah. He has fond memories of spending time with his baby sister in hospital because of all of these things and we will be forever grateful. Even after Madelyn passed away, we were able to spend as much time as we wanted with her, because we had the opportunity to use a "cuddle cot" to keep her little body cool.
Two of the charities that made this possible and have helped us are Sands Lothians and SiMBA. Sands offers support and free counselling to bereaved families following the loss of a baby, and SiMBA provide lovely memory boxes and support. Any money we raise through events we are organising will be split between these two charities, but eventually I'd like to be able to create memory making kits for siblings.