Family praise Worthing Hospital

Jo Spears and Nicholas Child are still coming to terms with the loss of baby Jasmine Rose, who died during pregnancy, but said they couldn't have got through the past month without the "amazing" staff on the hospital's maternity ward.

Jo, 31, said: "When we found out Jasmine had died we thought the following days were going to be the most difficult of our lives, but the midwives and nurses were so caring and so supportive we felt we had people to turn to."

On November 1, Jo, who was 25 weeks pregnant, woke up and could not feel her baby moving.

The couple quickly went to hospital and were told the baby's heartbeat had stopped and they would have to go home and prepare for Jo to give birth.

Midwives support

"The midwives talked me and Nick through the process and gave us hugs, cups of tea and toast and made us feel important," said Jo.

She was given tablets to bring on contractions and a few days later Jasmine Rose, who would have been the couple's first child together, was born.

Nick, 35, who is already a father to four-year-old Reuben, said: "When she was born, the midwives washed Jasmine Rose and wrapped her up.

"They had so much empathy for our situation and were professional while still being compassionate.

"It felt as if it was as emotional for them as it was for us."

Awareness

The couple, from Beamont Road, Worthing, who got engaged a week before losing Jasmine Rose, said they wanted to raise awareness of what happens when a baby is born after it has died.

Jo said: "We were told any baby over 14 weeks that has died has to be delivered because there are too many risks in having an operation.

"I had an epidural and it was a normal birth except I knew my baby wasn't going to be alive. Being given all the information up front really helped us as we knew what we were facing."

The couple were taken to a bereavement room in the hospital called Forget Me Not.

It was set up in 2005 by a group of bereaved parents who wanted to provide support for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy, birth or early life.

Support for others

Hospital chaplain Rachel Bennett conducted a blessing and naming ceremony for Jasmine at the hospital and performed her funeral at Durrington Cemetery.

Jo, mother to five-year-old Alfie from a previous relationship, added: "Now we have to wait to find out what caused Jasmine's death.

"I want a positive to come out of our experience and for people to know how truly wonderful the staff on the maternity ward are.

"They don't get enough praise for what can be a very difficult job."

More information: www.forgetmenot-families.org

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