Every year, 1 in 4 women lose a baby during pregnancy or birth. 10 babies are stillborn everyday in the UK and many deaths remain unexplained. These harrowing statistics strike a chord with me as we’ve had several family members, friends and fellow bloggers that have suffered with miscarriage and friends who have had to do the unimaginable and put their newborn babies to rest.
Stillbirth is a topic that hits very close to home. Our first encounter of baby loss was just before Arjun was born. When we were about to become first time parents, we decided to join an NCT group. It was such an exciting time embarking on this new journey with others that shared the excitement. It felt like an extended family.
Our worlds came crashing down when the first NCT babe, “Star
Angel” was born sleeping. We couldn’t believe that something like this could
happen when the pregnancy had been smooth sailing and all had appeared ok. The
sheer shock and devastation that our NCT friends faced was heartbreaking to
witness. It had a profound impact on us
all. We often think about how “Star Angel” would be running around with Arjun
and the others.
When Saajan was born, it was through another woman’s loss and through her kind heart, I was able to get through my own grief. I very clearly remember the first time Jai messaged me via Instagram, she offered me words of comfort during my lower days of motherhood when i was struggling to come terms with Saajan’s unexpected Down’s Syndrome diagnosis … What I didn’t know at the time was what a dark journey she’d been through herself.
When I came to know
it as time went on and we spoke more, my heart grew a very special place for
Jai and her babies because it’s so rare to find people who are so giving and so
pure even through their own grief. Jai had lost one of her unborn twin girls,
Jazmine (who also happened to have Down’s Syndrome) and her grief could be felt
through her words – a weight so heavy that even I could feel.
The topic of stillbirth though still considered a taboo, has
definitely become something that more and more people are comfortable to talk
about thanks to charities such as Tommy’s. When we were growing up, I’d never
heard of anyone having a stillbirth, we were almost sheltered from the reality
of what could happen.
More recently, a fellow blogger, Kajal, has had to endure the heartbreak of losing her unborn baby girl, Aurelia India. The biggest question always remains – Why? Reading her gut wrenching posts and feeling the heartache in her messages brings to light the sorrow of baby loss – the shattering of dreams and the void our angels leave behind.
I’ve followed fellow blogging husband and wife, Jen and Al, on their journey of recurrent miscarriage and it has been truly devastating.
We are supporting Tommy’s and the Splashaton to honour of the above angel babies to all the other babies that gained their angel wings too soon. The Tommy’s Splashathon in association with Water Babies, is a huge fundraising opportunity for Tommy’s and helps raise vital funds for research and to support families, like the above, that experience premature birth, miscarriage or baby loss.
Water Babies and Tommy’s are
committed to reducing the above unacceptable statistics that devastate families
up and down the country. So every mum, dad and baby taking part in the Tommy’s
Splashathon will be helping other babies who aren’t so fortunate. Every pound
raised will help save babies’ lives. The charity is hoping to raise £1 million
this year to help fund Tommy’s research centre – the National Centre for
Improving Maternity Care. Tommy’s knows that baby loss is preventable because
people who are cared for in Tommy’s clinics are more likely to leave with
healthy babies. More and more people are travelling long distances to be looked
after in a Tommy’s centre. Where you live shouldn’t determine if your baby
lives. You can help fund a new Tommy’s centre dedicated to improving maternity
care across the UK.
To join the Splashathon, those families that are already with Water Babies are invited to attend their local Water Babies class for a special fundraising, Peppa Pig pirate and princesses themed class – Saajan’s favourite character at the moment! The little ones will be encouraged to dress up, and there will be lots of water-based fun, including a challenge to swim a width.
For those of you that are not signed up with Water Babies, you can still support by donating at the Splashathon fundraising page and by getting involved with the Swimming style quiz from Water Babies!
“Let’s help save babies’ lives. Make a splash, donate some cash!”
