Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Mum who lost baby turns grief into action Lucy wants to help create a bereavement unit for parents who suffer a miscarriage or a still birth
A grieving mum from Airdrie has launched a campaign to help fund a hospital bereavement suite for the “fantastic care” staff provided her family after the loss of their baby girl.
Lucy Milton was 32 weeks pregnant when she went to University Hospital Wishaw’s maternity triage department with concerns about reduced movement.
“I expected to come home knowing everything was fine and that I had made a big fuss over nothing,” said Lucy.
“Sadly, we were given the news that they could not find a heartbeat and we had lost our little girl at 32 weeks. I had gone to the hospital alone. A midwife called Sharon held my hand and cried with me until my husband Graham arrived.”
Lucy, of Cairnhill, returned to the labour ward at the hospital two days later to be induced.
“Our beautiful little Ellie Grace was born asleep at 16:01 hours on Friday, April 13, weighing 3lb 14oz,” said Lucy.
“Under the care of a phenomenal midwife called Fiona and the other wonderful staff there, we had the chance to dress Ellie, hold her, take photographs, read to her and spend as much time with her as we wanted before having to say goodbye.
“Graham and I cannot speak highly enough of the amazing maternity staff who did everything in their power to look after us both.
“Unfortunately they do this with limited resources.
“Being on the labour ward meant we could hear babies crying at night, whilst we lay in silence knowing we would never hear our baby girl cry.
“We spent as much time as we wanted with Ellie in the quiet room, but to get there we had to walk through the antenatal ward, hearing other couples happily listening to their babies’ heartbeats.
“And that is the part that killed me, recalling the feeling when I was told she had gone every time I walked down that hall.”
That is why, only days after losing Ellie, Lucy launched a crowdfunding campaign to help fund a bereavement suite at the hospital for parents who lose a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.
Lucy set a target of £1000. Within just two hours, the total had smashed the £500 barrier and is now sitting at more than £2000 thanks to the generosity of almost 100 supporters.
“It is an essential resource in helping grieving families come to terms with their loss, as well as making it possible for the midwifery staff to continue the crucial work they do in supporting families like us,” continued Lucy.
“Any donation, no matter how small, will help other families survive the trauma of what we have been through.
“We will update the page with news of any fundraising activities over the next few weeks and months. Every single penny raised will be donated to the hospital.”
Bereavement specialist midwife and registered counsellor at University Hospital Wishaw, Elaine Hamilton, is in talks over the creation of the hospital’s first dedicated suite which will be designed specifically with bereaved parents in mind.
This follows recommendations by stillbirth and neonatal death charity SANDS that all maternity units in the country should have a standalone suite for bereaved families whose baby has died.
As well as thanking hospital staff for their care and compassion, Lucy, Graham and their seven- year- old daughter Charlotte also thanked family and friends for their love and kindness.
“We would not still be standing without their support,” Lucy added.
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/rememberingelliegrace