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Bereavement

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We had to say goodbye to our baby and my heart is broken (TfMR spina bifida)

100 replies

AlexaPlayWhiteNoise · 17/11/2020 10:01

It was such an awful week. Anomaly scan on Monday, worst case scenario confirmed on Wednesday. Incredibly poorly baby and comments like "incompatible with life" and "unlikely to survive" and that was with major operations and invasive procedures.

So we chose to let him go, we didn't want him to suffer. And when I got to the hospital my cervix was already open, so they thought we would have lost him naturally anyway very soon. And he was born, and he was so strong, he lived for an hour and a half at 21 weeks and four days gestation. He was a miracle. And we heard his heart beat thudding away. And then it slowed, and he passed. And I can't bear my grief and sadness.

I'm on day 3, so post birth hormone crash as well as the loss of him. But it's making me want to throw myself off something high.

I'm being a shit Mum to my eldest boy, who is almost four, and doesn't understand what's going on. I couldn't even grow his little brother properly without causing catastrophic damage.

We're going to see him this afternoon, to say goodbye properly, and wrap him up and tell him how much we love him and how desperately we wanted him. It all feels like a bad dream.

OP posts:
toastfiend · 17/11/2020 13:29

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Words seem completely inadequate, but I'll be thinking of you. Please try to be kind to yourself, this was in no way within your control and your grief is to be expected and does not in any way make you a shit Mum to your DS.

Lollypop701 · 17/11/2020 13:49

You are a wonderful mum, and you will always hold your son in your heart. I’m glad he was able to say hello to you for a little while, and so sorry that he had to go. Big hugs op

AlexaPlayWhiteNoise · 17/11/2020 14:00

I'm so sorry to all those who have known this particular kind of grief. Tainot, enough, movehim, ddd, buzz, self-love, slipper. I'm so sorry if I've missed anyone. My head's spinning a bit. I'm just so sorry. Nobody should have to go through this.

And everyone who has contributed love and kindness, thank you, you cannot know the difference it's made, and is making.

We're going to see him shortly, to give him a love, tell him how much we love him and say our final goodbyes. I just want to bring him home.

We were able to baptise him just after he passed. My DM was able to come do that, with holy water from Bethlehem and bless him body and soul.

His name is Lucian Emmanuel, light, and God is with him, which seems so apt. Decided before we knew he was poorly. He is Our Louie.

OP posts:
S111n20 · 17/11/2020 14:27

So sorry for your loss. 💐

Joditaylorfan · 17/11/2020 14:33

You poor love. Flowers
Louie is with God now, and as a pp said, has only known love in his lifetime.

You are a good mum, you are thinking of your older son even in the midst of your grief. It's really ok for him to see that you are sad.

Big Unmumsnetty hugs, as they used to say.

TheWayOfTheWorld · 17/11/2020 14:37

I don't have any words OP, it's heartbreaking Thanks

Holothane · 17/11/2020 14:46

💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐huge hugs, may he rest with the angels, he’ll always be in your heart.

AlexaPlayWhiteNoise · 17/11/2020 19:25

I went to see him in the hospital and he is so, so beautiful. I feel slightly calmer now I've spent some time with him today. I didn't want to put him down. I love him so much.

My tiny perfect boy, I love him so much. 💙

OP posts:
Harvey3 · 17/11/2020 19:26

I'm so so sorry for your loss. Be kind to yourself

DramaAlpaca · 17/11/2020 19:31

I'm so sorry, OP Flowers

Littlefluffyclouds13 · 17/11/2020 19:33

I'm so sorry for your loss. The pain must be unbearable.
Please don't be afraid to lean on friends and family, you need all the support you can get ThanksThanks

DoThePropeller · 17/11/2020 19:41

I’m so sorry for your loss. I was in exactly your shoes in September 2018, it absolutely floored me and I had two older children to care for too. It was incredibly tough.

I still think of my baby boy every day, the pain still exists but isn’t the searing acute pain of those early days. It comes and goes, it’s mostly a background hum of someone missing.

I have had another baby since, which was a very tough pregnancy for all the obvious reasons but has helped me, I think.

Be kind and gentle to yourself. Accept all the help. Take your time.

CloudyVanilla · 17/11/2020 19:44

I am so, so sorry my dear. My heart is broken for you.

I'm so glad you got to meet each other, however briefly. All he ever knew was your love and warmth ❤🕊

Betsy86 · 17/11/2020 19:47

I am so sorry op sending my deepest sympathy to you all ♥️

Msfoxy17 · 17/11/2020 19:48

I'm so sorry to hear about your darling Louie. I cannot imagine what a terrible time it must be for you. Sending you lots of virtual hugs and mu thoughts are with you x

Sexnotgender · 17/11/2020 19:53

Im so sorry OPFlowers I can’t imagine your pain. You’re not a shit mum, you’ve been through a terrible experience.

SlipperTripper · 17/11/2020 20:03

A beautiful name for a beautiful boy.

So glad you were able to see Louie and give him a cuddle. It's so, so hard, you're being incredible.

Thinking of you x

Nosleepclub14 · 17/11/2020 20:04

I am so sorry for your loss and pain Flowers I can’t imagine the grief you are feeling.
Be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. Flowers

Venicelover · 17/11/2020 20:04

Really sorry to hear this OP, be kind to yourself. Thinking of you.

Rainbowfairysparkle · 17/11/2020 20:31

I'm so sorry for your loss 💐 I'm sending the biggest & warmest of hugs your way 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

DoThePropeller · 17/11/2020 21:53

I also second the recommendation to the ARC forum. I was told my milk wouldn’t come in but it did, if yours does I found that a sports bra, ice packs, sudafed and sage/peppermint supplements or teas helped.

Sending lots of love 💕

Rowley21 · 17/11/2020 21:59

I am so sorry for your loss. You’re not a bad mum at all and in your little boys eyes you are his hero and his world, don’t ever forget this xx

autumnboys · 17/11/2020 22:06

I’m so sorry, OP. Keeping you and your family in prayer. What a beautiful name you chose for him.

Enough4me · 17/11/2020 22:38

A strong and lovely name. Thinking of you and hoping you are having support to talk about this as much as you need to in real life. You can post anything here, grief can feel isolating and is better shared Flowers

AlexaPlayWhiteNoise · 18/11/2020 09:43

I'm really struggling today. My insides seem to be compressing and contracting and it really aches. And my heart aches for what we've lost.

OP posts:
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