Stillbirth - friends baby died during labour!

[snugglebunny]

My friend went into labour 8 days early. Up till then her little boy was a perfectly formed, healthy baby. She had a perfect, hassle free pregnancy. She was monitored overnight at the hospital, but was sent home the next morning as she wasnt dialated enough (baby's heartbeat was normal and was not stressed). Late that afternoon she became aware that baby had stopped moving and contractions had slowed down. Scan at hospital showed that there was no longer a heartbeat!! Baby removed the next day by cesarean. Doctors still dont know what happened - can only assume that he squashed the umbilical cord and stopped his air supply. Feel totally devastated for her and hubby (I am 35 weeks now and feel so guilty and anxious!) - how do they go home to a nursery ready for a baby they didnt even get to meet?

She is so lucky to have a friend who will share laughter and tears. I have a few friends who have suffered tragic losses of one kind or another and they always say that the worst thing is that so many people ignore them because they're embarrassed.

In fact one friend always refers back to the time 17 years ago when she was having a miscarriage at 14 weeks and 2 of us took the afternoon off work and came round to sit on her bed and play a stupid board game called 'Dingbats'.

She says that's when you know who your true friends are - they share the experience with you instead of backing away.

Good for you.