Anonymous donor swoops in to buy special cot for grieving parents

Sunday 30 September 2018

A special cot allowing grieving parents a moment to privately bond with their lost babies will be coming to Jersey thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

Funds for a CuddleCot, an alternative to the hospital's current cool cots, which have previously been criticised for being "clinical", came following a special appeal by baby loss charity Philip's Footprints.

Having received the funds for one, Philip's Footprints and Family Nursing and Home Care (FNHC) are now combining efforts to raise £1,800 for a second CuddleCot.

A specially-adapted Moses basket, the Cuddle Cot allows bereaved parents extra time to bond with their newborn by maintaining an optimum temperature. It means that they will have the opportunity to dress the baby, change its nappy, take photographs or simply just stay close.

This is described as invaluable for parents who have suffered the loss of a baby and encouraged by midwives, academics, bereavement practitioners and Community Nurses as an important part of the grieving process.

The island's first CuddleCot arrives next month and will be based at the Maternity Unit in the General Hospital. 

Jo Nash, who founded Philip’s Footprints in 2008 with her husband Paul, after the sad loss of their second-born, Philip, said: "We are absolutely delighted and thankful to the private donor who has quickly stepped forward to fund the island’s first CuddleCot for the Maternity Unit.

"Dealing with the death of a baby is an incredibly difficult event for parents. The CuddleCot enables parents to take the time they need with their baby, to make memories and begin to process their devastating loss. We recognise that there is a need for an additional CuddleCot to use within the community in the very sad event that a baby dies at home."

Pictured: Jo Nash founded Philip’s Footprints in 2008 with her husband Paul, after the sad loss of their second-born, Philip.

As a provider for palliative care for children in the community, FNHC’s Paediatric team supports families in taking their babies home if they have a life-threatening or life-limiting condition, allowing them a choice of where and how their baby is cared for in his or her final days.

The second CuddleCot would be used in the community, allowing grieving parents to spend time with their baby at home.

Mia Mistry, FNHC’s fundraising officer, said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with Philip’s Footprints in working towards enhancing choice for local parents at such a difficult time. Having a CuddleCot for dedicated use within the community allows us to ensure that we are equipped to provide the highest levels of care and support to grieving families.

"We look forward to supporting the appeal and the exciting fundraising events which Philip’s Footprints has organised throughout Baby Loss Awareness Week and the month of October."

The fundraising will start as Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place in the UK, between 9 and 15 October. For the past three years, Philip's Footprints has held a 10k Starlight Walk.

This year it will take place on Saturday 13 October, leaving from Castle Kiosk, next to Le Fregate, at 19:00. The course will take participants all the way to St. Aubin and back. Everyone is welcome to take part and registrations can be made on the charity’s Facebook event. Islanders can also turn up and make a donation on the night. All walkers will receive a medal.

Philip’s Footprints has also planned a number of other fundraisers, which will take place in October, including a 10km Swim Challenge organised by local swim school, Enjoy2swim, run by Nicky Holgate-Smith; a ‘Toxin Free Natural Living’ workshop on 10 October; a Baby and Child CPR workshop on 23 October and the charity’s third 'Runway Run' towards the end of the month.