Norfolk mum donates Cuddle Cot to NNUH Fetal Medicine team

The Rainbow Clinic team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, has been presented with a cuddle cot, donated to them by a mum who has lost three babies in the final stages of pregnancy.

A cuddle cot is a piece of equipment housed within a Moses basket which keeps the baby’s body cool giving families valuable extra time to bond with their baby.

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

Vicky said: “It was very important for me to do this because I think it has helped me to start healing. 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.”

She added: “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.

NNUH Consultant Obstetrician Beth Gibson 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. We know that families who have suffered this devastating loss during delivery hugely benefit from time with 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.

NNUH Divisional Midwifery Director Stephanie said: “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.”

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

To find out more about the N&N Hospitals Charity or to make a donation please visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk Alternatively  you can send a cheque made payable to N&N Hospitals Charity to Charity Hub, East Atrium L2, NNUH, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY’

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