A BEREAVED county mum is reaching out to help others experiencing loss, by raising money for a new bereavement suite in Worcester.
Kirsty Southwell, from Redditch, was cared for in the Fay Turner Suite at the Worcestershire Royal after her son Finley was stillborn on July 29.
The 28 year-old mum is now looking to help others by raising money and awareness for the services available to bereaved families at a time of utter devastation and loss.
“The support I received from all the midwives and staff was amazing,” said Kirsty.
“The staff were fantastic and although it was a very upsetting time, it was also a lovely time for me to make memories with my son.
“It was a great shock to me and my family when Finlay was born sleeping and the midwives took great care of both of us and my family.
“It means so much to me to be able to help raise money for another bereavement room because it will help so many other mums and dads to make memories with their angels.
“Another suite is so desperately needed and there are so many families out there who use and need this service, I just want to help make sure it’s there for them like it was for me.”
Kirsty is also urging other mums and parents who might be going through the same experience to talk to each other and seek support.
“More people than you realise are going through this and to be able to talk without feeling scared means the world,” she said.
“There is the Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) online forum and I would urge anyone else out there going through this to get in touch with them too.”
A spokesperson from Sands said: “One-third of stillborn babies – around 1,200 babies every year – die after a full-term pregnancy (37 or more weeks).
“The death of a baby has a profound and lasting impact on parents and the wider family.
“Many bereaved parents tell us that when a baby dies they can feel very isolated, as they don’t usually know anyone else who has had a similar experience. In response the Sands online support forum was created which provides a safe space for bereaved parents to connect with each other and share their feelings.”
Visit https://www.sands.org.uk/support-you/how-we-offer-support/forum for support or go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kirsty-southwell1 to support Kirsty’s campaign.
