As part of Sands 40th anniversary this year, we will share 40 stories by 40 parents, family members and friends affected by the death of a baby. Starting in June to coincide with Sands Awareness Month and our #FindingTheWords campaign, we aim to show the sheer number of people who are affected by the tragedy of a baby’s death, help other bereaved parents to understand they are not alone and raise awareness of the issues surrounding stillbirth and neonatal death. Visit our 40 stories for #Sands40 to view other blogs in the series.
Here is my story of the loss of my son.
This year should be a big milestone for my third born George. He would have become a teenager!
But sadly that was never to be.
I was 23 weeks pregnant. I had a three year old daughter and 18 month old son.
I had a bad feeling something was wrong. The movements had stopped. I was so scared.
I went to the hospital with my then husband and two children when I was told that my baby had no heartbeat and he had passed away.
I was devastated. My world had crumbled in an instant.
I was induced the following day and that evening at 21.24 and gave birth to my beautiful little boy George. Born silently and fast asleep.
He was perfect in every way.
I held him close for ages.
My beautiful baby boy.
Precious in every way.
I will never forget that summer's evening on Monday 11th July 2005 when I had my angel.
Five years later I gave birth to my rainbow baby Henry George.
Forever in my heart.
Forever loved.
Photo: Emma Bazeley's son, George.
15 babies die before, during or shortly after birth every day in the UK. We want to reduce this number, but we need your help. Support #FindingTheWords initiative now to help ensure a bereaved parent doesn't have to cope alone. Thank you.