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Bereavement

Find bereavement help and support from other Mumsnetters. See also your choices after baby loss.

I had my stillbirth last night

229 replies

desperatehousewife · 01/12/2005 15:15

I feel a bit weird being on here telling the ether such incredibly personal things so soon - but I've always been a person to talk to here goes.

On Monday I was told my 25 week pregnancy was no more (I knew something was wrong I had felt no flutters for a couple of days). As I was 1 week over the 'viable' date, I was told I would have to give birth to him. Giving birth naturally has been one of my biggest fears (had DS by emergency c-section) and was planning to go for elective c-section in March.

I went into hospital yesterday morning at 9.30 and was induced. Had a long day of small contractions and a couple of hours of really painful contractions then the birth at 7pm
was easy. One big push and all was over.

The relief was monumental. My DH has been amazing and we were both really composed and calm about the whole thing - bizarrely.

We chose to have him cleaned and brought to us - so we saw him and held his hand which was totally amazing - we felt really privileged to see something so tiny and so peaceful that was ours. It made it more real and it made all the labour pain worthwhile.

Was home in a morphine haze and in bed by 10.30 which was great. Slept fantastically and felt eurphoric this morning. So relieved I didn't
have a c-section and that my body feels like mine again. Am probably on a bit of a hormone high - but feel great. Am fully expecting to have a massive low at some point too. But taking each moment at a time.

Am very proud of myself - as I've always been a firm believer that I was a wimp and couldn't do anything remotely difficult. Well I have now
and there's going to be no stopping me in life.

I keep thinking how unreal it all feels and that if this was happening to a friend of mine, how utterly devestated I'd be for them. I guess time will change how I feel and I'll get to realise that this really did happen to me. Sadly we have to wait 6 weeks (probably more with xmas in the way) for the post-mortem results. Would really help to know why this has happened.

Thank you to the people on mumsnet who advised taking a special blanket and a camera - i was so deeply opposed to this idea - didn't even want to see my baby - but when it came to it, both my DH and I felt it was so important not to brush what had happened under the carpet; and to look at what we had created together to make it all more real and to help us accept things. It really really did help and we will never regret it.

Thanks for listening.
DHW

OP posts:
MABS · 01/12/2005 16:37

oh my darling, will text you after w/e and maybe you can face a coffee at some point. My love to dh. xxxxxxxxxx

LIZS · 01/12/2005 16:40

dhw, so glad you found the courage to face your fears at such a terrible time. Very sorry for your loss and thinking of you. Take care.

BROWNYtherednosereindeer · 01/12/2005 16:42

So sorry that you have lost your little boy..... I don't know what I can say, just that I think you are being so brave and hope you have the strength of your husband and family to help you through this very sad time, please take good care of yourselves x

sweetheart · 01/12/2005 16:43

dhw,

I'm sorry to hear of your awful loss. I'm so glad you chose to see you baby after all. I had a similar experience at the beginning of the year and I find it a constant comfort that I met my baby. I also like knowing I have a photo to look back on whenever I want.

Things will be tough for a while but it does get easier. I remember the feeling of relief to get the baby out of my body too and I am actually expecting my next baby on Sunday.

Let yourself and your husband have time for any grief and look after each other.

sweetheart · 01/12/2005 16:44

Oh, and I hope the post mortum results give you some conclusive results. I think that was a big help for me.

blueteddy · 01/12/2005 16:45

Message withdrawn

Tamba · 01/12/2005 16:46

so so sorry xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

gossifairyonthexmastree · 01/12/2005 16:48

i don't know you at all but i am sitting here in tears with your beautiful words and thoughts

all my thoughts are with you and your dh

xxxxxxx

desperatehousewife · 01/12/2005 16:50

slinka - they gave me a tablet to stop my milk coming in which is great.

OP posts:
6beetrootsAmilking · 01/12/2005 16:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

santaslittleunicorn · 01/12/2005 16:51

dhw,
I can only reiterate what has been said.. what an incredibly moving post, thankyou for sharing this awful experience with us.

You are being incredibly strong and dignified, whenever you need to talk we'll be here for you.

Thoughts are with your dh and ds too.
xxx

walkinginawinterBundleland · 01/12/2005 17:02

(ps you don't have to be strong all the time, but I'm sure you know that, x)

Epiffany · 01/12/2005 17:05

Thoughts are with you dhw, big hugs take care of yourselves well
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Laura032004 · 01/12/2005 17:10

I'm so sorry that you had to go through that, but glad that it went as well as it could have done. x

BoozyChristmacwoozy · 01/12/2005 17:11

So very sorry, you have tremendous courage.

harpsiheraldangelssing · 01/12/2005 17:11

dhw
i am so very sorry for your loss.
you really should be proud of yourself. i am incredibly proud of you.
It takes incredible strength of character and personality to look for and to find good things to draw out of your terrible loss.
sending and my love to you and your dh.
HC xx

suedonim · 01/12/2005 17:11

I'm so sorry you lost your little boy but am full of admiration for the way you've dealt with a terrible challenge. Thinking of you.

ENIDeepMidwinter · 01/12/2005 17:12

xx

BudaBabeInAManger · 01/12/2005 17:13

You sound amazingly strong. There will be days you probably won't be but I am sure you know that - look after yourself.

There are lots of people here with unlimited amounts of sympathy, empathy or whatever you may need.

gomez · 01/12/2005 17:17

My thoughts and wonder are with you DHW. Take care and allow yourself time to heal.

Hulababy · 01/12/2005 17:17

I am so sorry that you lost your little boy.

I am glad you have some positive memories of being with him and meeting him to hold on to. Take care. Thinking of you.

MistleToo · 01/12/2005 17:20

so sad that these things happen.

hugsx

DinosaurInAManger · 01/12/2005 17:32

You have been very very brave. Sending you my very best wishes.

cupcakesbakingonanopenfire · 01/12/2005 17:33

Dhw - I am so impressed by your strength and how well you have been dealing with this.
Hope the next days and weeks go ok for you.
xx

foundintranslation · 01/12/2005 17:35

dhw, so sorry to hear of the loss of your little boy , and I admire your courage.