Heartbeat: Donation of cuddle cots will bring comfort to grieving parents

July 19, 2021

When devastated parents Stefan Price and Chloe Murphy’s newborn twin Amelia died shortly after her birth, the couple received vital support from colleagues within our maternity department.

Little Amelia had been born by caesarean section along with her sister Harley, at 36 weeks, but unfortunately doctors were unable to save her life.

Now more than two years on, the couple wanted to give back to the Trust by raising money for two cuddle cots, which allow grieving families spend much needed time with their babies before they are transferred in to the care of our mortuary teams.

The innovative equipment can be placed in a cot or Moses basket and allows the parents to spend some precious last moments with the little one, allowing them as much time with their baby whilst still in hospital.

Stefan told Heartbeat: “We wanted to donate the cuddle cots as our way of giving back to City Hospital where Amelia was born.

“The cuddle cot for us was invaluable as it gave us time with her. Every parent deserves the right to spend time with their baby.”

Stefan and Chloe enlisted the help of family and friends to raise the funds to pay for the cuddle cots.

Stefan explained: “We arranged an event where 15 people walked from Walsall to Stourport – it was a total of 26 miles. Donations are still coming in so we are just waiting to announce the final total.”

Ann Minto, Bereavement Midwife, said: “It is always very sad when a baby dies and our hearts go out to Stefan and Chloe.

“Colleagues and the bereavement team appreciate their kind donation of these cuddle cots which will provide much comfort to other parents who unfortunately may go through a similar experience.”