"Infant Loss"

Our baby was rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital after they stopped breathing in my arms. Our baby was only two days old when it happened. The doctors and nurses brought our baby back after forty minutes with no oxygen to their brain or any heartbeat. During our baby's care we encountered the most amazing team in the Neonatal Unit. We had to wait five days for the swelling to go down on our baby’s brain to see how severe the damage was. During this time, our baby was having seizures and other problems, but they were managed efficiently by the medical staff. Not only did our baby receive amazing medical care though, they looked after us too. The hospital provided us a room, meal vouchers and reduced parking whilst we stayed with our very sick baby, which is something we didn’t expect from a public hospital, but were very grateful for. Every time we came to our baby’s room we were immediately informed of how our baby was going and what had changed from either a doctor or nurse. The communication was excellent from everyone involved. We were always asked how we were doing and made sure we were still eating and drinking. Their bedside manner was incredible. They made sure that our baby was as comfortable as possible and our wishes were always adhered to. 

Our baby’s doctor, Jackie, was by far the most phenomenal doctor and woman I have ever met. She was always open and honest with us about how our baby was doing. She offered to be there with us when we received the news about the extent of our baby’s brain damage and when we decided to let our baby pass. She wasn’t just a doctor to us, it was like we had known her for years. She is compassionate, kind, diligent and sincere.

Anna, the social worker, took care of everything we needed in that horrific situation. Checked up on us whenever she could, made sure we had gotten our meal vouchers and that we were holding up okay. Although we know this is just her job, she is an absolute gem.

The nurses that were assigned to our baby were also incredible people. They were hardworking, gentle people. Kerri, Alice, Francine, Heather and Glen in particular. Francine was with us when we received the news about the severity of our baby’s brain damage. She was so strong for us in that time, although we knew it was as heartbreaking for her to hear as it was for us as the parents. Kerri and Alice worked with Jackie when the time came for us to let our beautiful baby go. They made sure we were able to do it how we wanted. We were never rushed into letting our baby go. Kerri made sure that our little one was respected and looked after even after they had passed away. 

If the staff ever get to read this, please know how thankful we are. You made what still is the most awful thing we have ever experienced so much easier. We couldn’t have done this without you. I hope we will have a chance in the future to thank you all properly for what you have done for us and you get recognised for how well you all do your jobs. We will never forget you.