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How do I tell our 4 yr old dd that her new baby brother is dying in hospital

107 replies

dcb · 23/06/2010 21:48

Won't go into details but our son had oxygen starvation at some point leading up to his birth (born 11 days ago). We extubated him on Sunday and he's been treated palliatively as he's not expected to survive. She said goodbye to him the day before as we didn't think he would breathe for long on his own. However, 3 days later he's still with us and we are at the hospital (one of us) all the time, taking it in turns. I've tried to explain he isn't going to wake up and will eventually not be here any more. She asked me today where he will be going and I think I mumbled something about going up to the stars (we're not religious). How can I explain it to her? I've mentioned dying but I'm not sure if she really understands what that is. Are there any books that I could use? I don't want to make a hash of it, as we would like her to remember in a good way - she was able to come in to see him several times and do hand/foot prints with him amongst other things. Thanks

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LunaticFringe · 01/07/2010 21:10

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dcb · 05/07/2010 15:32

We buried our son today - took dd along and she was amazing (helped along by choc buttons). Really glad we took her to the funeral. Thanks for all your advice x

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CMOTdibbler · 05/07/2010 15:34

DCB, I'm so, so sorry for the loss of your son. My thoughts are with you all

corblimeymadam · 05/07/2010 15:36

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Lionstar · 05/07/2010 15:40

I'm so sorry for your loss dcb. Take care and hold your beautiful girl tight.

toodles · 05/07/2010 15:44

So sorry for your loss.

Mumcentreplus · 05/07/2010 15:54

DCB I'm so sorry

Mingg · 05/07/2010 16:13

Oh god DCB I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all

AngryPixie · 05/07/2010 16:32

Am just so sorry, hold your dd & your memories of your ds very, very close and make sure someone is holding you too x

LadyBuzz · 05/07/2010 16:42

cd, so sorry to hear this.

My BF lost her baby son last year and after his funeral she took her DS also 4 to the grave and he let a balloon go for his brother to catch and float up to the stars. He still looks out at night and tells her that matty is there. It really seemed to help him.

SassySusan · 05/07/2010 17:29

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follygirl · 06/07/2010 21:48

So sorry to hear about your loss DCB

ILoveDolly · 06/07/2010 21:55

dcb you and your family are in my thoughts. so sorry to hear about what has happened. xx

autodidact · 06/07/2010 22:00

I hope the funeral was as good as it could be and am glad your lovely daughter was there and made you so proud. I'm so very very sorry about your son.

FrameyMcFrame · 06/07/2010 22:01

sending best wishes to you and your family. You sound as if you are handling it perfectly to me.

LunaticFringe · 06/07/2010 22:04

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Hulababy · 06/07/2010 22:09

I am sorry about the loss of your little boy.

When my DD's great grandma died she wrote a simple message and toed it to a helium balloon, which she released to travel up to the stars. She also created her own little emry box of things that reminded her of her grandma, and this still gives her comfort a few years on.

TheOldestCat · 06/07/2010 22:14

So so sorry about your baby boy. How inadequate typed words can feel. Thinking of you and all the other bereaved people on this thread. xx

Timbachick · 06/07/2010 22:15

dcb, just come upon this thread and didn't want to leave it without saying how sorry I am for your loss.

Your DD will provide much needed support. Children are truly amazing little beings and she sounds like she is already being amazing for you.

Again, to you and all your family, my deepest sympathies for this dreadful loss. x

Tangle · 06/07/2010 23:30

I'm so sorry DCB - I know that's inadequate, but sometimes all words are .

Be kind to yourself.

StayingDavidTennantsGirl · 07/07/2010 00:05

I have only just seen this thread, and I am so sorry for your loss, dcb. Your dd sounds like a wonderful little girl.

Brokenbits · 07/07/2010 00:06

dcb I just read this and I'm so terribly sorry. Had a little snivel reading all the comments. You sound like a truly amazing woman and mother and I wish you and your family all the strength in the world for the coming weeks/ months/ years. Look after yourselves. x

tadjennyp · 07/07/2010 00:17

So sorry for your loss and for all the bereaved Mums on this thread. Wishing you all the support you can get.

RespectTheDoughnut · 07/07/2010 00:21

I'm so very sorry. Nothing to add but my sincerest sympathies. I wish you all strength.

GroovyGretel · 07/07/2010 09:13

Oh dcb, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Be gentle with yourself as well as your dd.