The 08/10/23 the day we left home, thinking we would next be returning as a family of 3, little did we know upon on arriving to the hospital our life’s would change forever and we would hear the words no parents should ever hear ‘I’m really sorry there’s no heartbeat’. Then on the 09/10/23 5 days after his due date, at 00:50 our beautiful little Luca arrived sleeping. 7lbs 5oz of pure perfection provided us with instant love. 

My pregnancy with Luca was low risk and had no complications, minus some sickness and heartburn it was the perfect pregnancy. The labour went without any complications and he was worth every bit of it anyway. Having to go through the labour and delivery knowing that our little man wasn’t going to be crying at the end of it was a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But I think I held onto some hope that they had made a mistake, that our little boy would just come out crying. 

I’ll never know how I found the strength to get through the labour, but I do know it was made easier thanks to the amazing midwives we had. Their support and compassion was something we will forever be grateful for and they made the whole experience a positive one, despite the horrid situation we found ourselves in. 

Once Luca had arrived, we were in the care of the SPRING team, an incredible team of bereavement midwives at Poole Hospital. They provided support not just to us, but to our whole family. We got transferred away from the main ward and into our own little suite, which provided us with a safe little haven. 

We spent 5 days in the hospital with Luca. 5 truly special days getting to be a family with our little boy. We got to bath him, read stories with him, cuddle him, introduce him to our families and even take him home to show him his nursery. We have photos and so many other special creations to look back on thanks to the time we got with Luca.

This time would not have been possible without the SPRING network, they provided us with our safe haven, they captured the pictures that we can treasure forever, they provided the tissues and the listening ear regardless of the question or the time of day. But most importantly they cared for us.

The whole SPRING team and central delivery suite team, became our rocks and if it wasn’t for them, I don’t know what we would’ve done. But it doesn’t stop once you leave the hospital, their support continues, hopefully even through to our rainbow baby in the future, we know Luca will be the best big brother ever. 

Our aim is to give back just a little bit to them, because they gave us so much. We would love to raise as much as possible as we can for SPRING. Any donation is hugely appreciated and will be in memory of our little Luca.

I guess all that’s left to say is, Luca shine bright up there, guide us, comfort us, Mummy and Daddy love you so so much, our little man on the moon✨🌙

Jess & Theo xxx

What is SPRING?

SPRING was established in 1998 to provide support to parents and relatives who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at, or just after birth. This includes miscarriage, stillbirth and termination for foetal abnormality. Over the years SPRING has evolved to help many families and friends through such devastating times.

SPRING is part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity (Registered Charity Number 1057366) and is overseen by a steering group which includes bereaved parents and caring, committed professionals all of whom are passionate about SPRING and matters surrounding baby loss. We are based at St. Marys Maternity Unit at Poole Hospital and cover Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas.

The aim of SPRING is to support through grief at the point of loss, delivery and beyond. SPRING works closely with medical professionals to help provide a high level of care to bereaved families, alongside regular NHS services.