At 9.54am on Thursday 18th July 2019, our third child, Charlotte was born. Unfortunately Charlotte didn't get to come home with us.

As with my previous two pregnancies, in my third pregnancy I developed Gestational Diabetes. One of the side effects is a condition called Polyhydramnios. Which means there was far too much fluid around my baby. This can lead to early labour and other complications. So the decision was made for me to be admitted to hospital at 36+3 weeks for monitoring, steroids to help mature my baby's lungs and a plan for our daughter to be delivered a few days later at 37 weeks.

I went into hospital on Wednesday 17th July 2020. Charlotte was monitored. My blood sugars were taken. Everything was fine that day. I was given the first steroid injection. But, later that evening as expected, my blood sugar levels started increasing as a side effect of the steroid injection. 

One major thing was missed that night, how was my baby getting on? A blood ketones test should have been carried out, but unfortunately I has an inexperienced Midwife who didn't know how to do it. She asked her colleague (a Senior Midwife) how to do this simple and quick test. Her colleague refused to assist her as she needed to get to a handover. We now know that I developed ketoacidosis and my body was pumping toxins around my body but most importantly, to my baby. An expert opinion confirms that if this test had been performed and acted upon, then Charlotte would be here today. 

At 4.48am,  Charlotte was finally monitored. After 30 minutes, there were concerns that something wasn't right. Although I hadn't been told. After two hours of concerns, I was switched to an older monitor. Both machines showed issues regarding Charlotte's heart rate and movement. Nothing was done to investigate further or help my baby, or even tell me, as her mother that they were worried.  

It got to 9am,  there was a handover of staff. At around 9.20am, so after  4.5 hours of concerns, a Consultant Obstetrician was called. He observed the CTG for what felt like seconds, then said "This baby is bradycardic, we need to get them out now!" that was the first time I knew anything was wrong.

I was then rushed to theatre. When I opened my eyes, I was instantly told that my beautiful baby girl had been poorly and hadn't made it. That she had died. Charlotte survived for 41 minutes after birth. In that time the Pediatric team were doing everything they can to save her.

The hospital opened an investigation into Charlotte's death, which confirmed her death was due to medical negligence after a catalogue of errors in our care.  Our hospital fully acknowledge liability and we are working with the hospital and further afield to make sure this can't happen again. 

But in the meantime, we have to carry on. Charlotte has an older brother and sister and she is a huge part of our lives. Considering she was only here for a few moments, Charlotte has made such an impact on so many lives. We are so proud that she was ours.  

So many families like ours, who have lost a baby in any circumstance, rely on help and support from so many amazing charities. We have chosen to raise money for "Sands" to help them fund research and also to provide that support so very much needed.    

’Sands’ Sands is a UK charity that works across the country to support anyone affected by the death of a baby; improve the care bereaved parents receive from health care and other professionals; and reduce the number of babies who do die by funding research and working closely with other organisations to create a world where fewer babies die. Sands Memory Boxes provide a place for parents and families to create and keep memories of their beloved baby.

In Charlotte Olivia‘s name we would like to raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity . Their work is so important and the support they provide is nothing less than amazing! Please help us to raise as much money as possible so ‘Sands’ can support every single family who is affected by the loss of a baby. Thank you so much in advance. Every single penny donated is truly appreciated.