Bereaved mum donates cuddle cot

Our Rainbow Clinic team has been presented with a cuddle cot, donated by a mum who has lost three babies in the final stages of pregnancy.

A cuddle cot is housed within a Moses basket to keep the baby’s body cool, giving families valuable extra time to bond with their baby.

Norfolk mum Vicky Bentley visited us with her 14-year-old son Declan last Wednesday to make the presentation to Consultant Obstetrician Beth Gibson, Divisional Midwifery Director Stephanie Pease and Delivery Suite Matron Carmel Sayer.

“It was very important for me to do this because I think it has helped me to start healing,” she said. “I wanted to make this presentation to Beth and her team because they have been with me on this journey every step of the way and I have appreciated their great support.

“These cuddle cots mean we can have our babies with us for longer and start to make memories. It is such precious time.”

Her third baby Emberley died in July 2020 when Vicky suffered from a ruptured uterus at home. She lost a lot of blood and was saved by the Maternity team, but sadly Emberley had already died. Vicky had also lost two other babies, Bryany at 32 weeks and Riley at 25 weeks.

Beth said that on the day Emberley died the availability of cuddle cots was limited as other families sadly needed them at the same time.

“We have three cuddle cots here and this had a great impact on Vicky,” she said. “We know that families who have suffered this devastating loss during delivery hugely benefit from time bonding with their baby, so cuddle cots are essential to their health and wellbeing.

“This donation means that families can have their baby with them for a little longer. It is never enough, but it helps with bonding, which is crucial.”

Stephanie added: “To be thinking of us and other families at a time when she has experienced so much loss with the loss of three babies is just remarkable. A huge thank you to Vicky.”

Carmel said: “We are so grateful to receive this. This is an incredible act of generosity when Vicky has been through so much.”

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