Laura Williams

Our story 🩵✨🕊️

When our son was born sleeping peacefully on the 10th of January 2025, it felt like our whole world came crashing down. I aas 39 weeks with just a few days to go. We were so excited to meet him. It was all so sudden. He was and is so perfect and precious to us and we are still dealing with the grief like it was yesterday. I often sit down and look at our son with a longing like never before. In the initial moments all I kept hearing was that we’d be going to the labour ward and that was freaking me out as I knew I’d be surrounded by joy (rightfully so) while we were experiencing the most dreadful outcome. As my parter left to go to the toilet, my cousin and I were ushered upstairs to the labour ward. We heard the first cute little cries and we both looked at each other and started crying. As we turned the corner we saw this door and a plaque that read butterfly room. It wasn’t the dreadful curtains I was expecting that didn’t leave much to the imagination of what was happening on the other side. As the door shut it was silent. We were introduced to our midwife who’d be with us for the next couple of days. I didn’t know then that she would have been such an instrumental part of this journey. 

We were amazed with the room and were told that we were in the bereavement suit!! I had no idea that this was a thing!! Before now I would have liked to think this wasn’t a common story for families. It was completely sound proofed, my partner was fed ( which is usually a problem in labour wards) and we had our own bathroom, pull down bed and tv. Doesn’t sound like much but when you’re going through something like this, all you want to do is hide. I gave birth to our son in a private and intimate setting. We got to dress him hold him and stay with him for the 4 days we were there. He got to sleep in a specially designed cot, which made the world of a difference. We received the most amazing care and beautiful memory box filled with boxes to put his little locks of  hair, foot print picture frames that we could also gift to friends and family. He also had a lovely photoshoot. 

All this is a testament to this great charity. Sands make a difference to women and families. Going through this experience has shown that their dedication to supporting families is necessary and crucial . It’s a charity that’s gives mothers and fathers a voice. Grieving for a baby is one of the most mentally draining things ever. When you think of the mile stones you’ll miss and realise you’ll never hear them cry or see them smile, or have a tantrum, just the everyday things we take for granted. The guilt you constantly feel. The shouda wouda couda eats you alive every day. But the bereavement midwife’s were amazing. And so were our designated midwives too. It’s an experience we hope and pray no one goes through and that’s why your donations and support also help with research into preventative measures. I was so apprehensive about this run as I’ve been in denial for sometime and doing this has evoked every emotion in me by facing my triggers. I’m so grateful for all your support. I will see this challenge through till the end!! 🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️✨🕊️🩵

Betty Layward School

My daughter bravely came and supported me on my evening jog 🥰✨

1/5/2025

Gosh what a challenge, not run like that in years. 2km then a break and then braved the other 2km. Every inch of me was aching, but I remembered my son and all the other families and that’s there’s no pain greater than what we are all experiencing. Challenge: 3 miles a day!! Bring it on!!  🕊️🤍✨