Shared experiences

Very many thanks to all the parents, siblings, families and friends, who have allowed us to share their experiences on this site.

Sandra - stillborn 9 th September 2002

I wish to tell you about our beautiful daughter Sandra, a much longed for baby.

My husband Dave and I had been together since 1990 and decided it was the right time to start a family having just got married and been on honeymoon.

I fell pregnant quickly and had a textbook pregnancy. Everything was perfect. We are both impatient so decided to find out what gender our baby was to baby – she was a little girl.

During the pregnancy I tripped and fell downstairs. Dave took me to hospital but everything was OK.

At 41 weeks I went into labour and finally went into hospital to deliver, which at 41 weeks I was ready for, believe me. I had a very long labour which my midwife attended. She was the same one I had seen each week; she was not even on duty but she wanted to be with me when I had my baby.

My heartbeat and the baby's were monitored and all was well. After nearly 22 hours I gave birth to a girl weighing 6lbs 5ozs. I was totally worn out and on cloud nine.

I knew that my baby was under the heater and just waited, when all of a sudden doctors came from nowhere. I asked the midwife what was going on; she told me she did not know. I understood then they were trying to bring my baby back to life.

I recall looking to Dave, to see some hope in his eyes, but all I saw was pain.

At 11.39pm on the 9 th September 2002 our daughter did die. She was born sleeping, so no birth certificate was issued. A part of us died that night. A part of me will always wonder what would have been.

In August this year we were blessed with a baby boy, Michael. He will never replace what has been lost. Each child is unique.

Each birthday and Christmas we give to SANDS. It's so nice to know you care.

May I take this opportunity to say, Sandra, we love you. Michael will know all about you.

Carole, David and 6 month old Michael.
March 2004