A bereavement midwife’s perspective on the importance of offering families the option of cooling after loss
Step into the world of a bereavement midwife and discover the profound impact of offering families the option of cooling after loss.
Siân Ness, RM, BSc (Hons), Winner of the RCM ‘Excellence in Bereavement Care’ Award 2021
“I have cared for numerous families whose baby’s have died either during pregnancy or shortly after birth. I am so incredibly lucky to be able to provide a CuddleCot to the families in my care. Sadly, I can be caring for more than one bereaved family at a time so having several cots available is essential.”
These words echo the sentiment shared by countless families who have found solace and comfort through the use of a CuddleCot during their time of grief.
“I talk to parents about the CuddleCot early on; I explain that this special cooling device is put inside the baby’s bassinet/crib or their baby can be swaddled as they rest on the mat. I explain that the purpose of this device is to keep their baby cool; I gently explain that they are cooled to an optimum temperature and will never get too cold.
Keeping their baby cool in this way allows them time to bond together as a family, the way they would have done in the first few days of life, had their baby have lived. It also allows them to make precious memories with their baby, whether that be time spent cuddling, bathing or dressing their baby. Their baby is able to be close to them whether that be in their crib or sleeping with them in their bed.”
“As a bereavement midwife, I have watched on quietly as parents share a double bed, their baby resting on a mat in between them. They spent a long time looking at every part of them. They have taken in all the creases on the soles of their feet, their little button nose, their long eyelashes. They have read a bedtime story and sung a lullaby to them. They have told them how they resemble their big sister or they have their dad’s long fingers and would have likely have played the piano. They have told them how much they loved them and cried together for hours. Without them lying on this cooling mat, none of this would have been possible. “
These powerful moments of connection, made possible by the gentle cooling provided by a CuddleCot, highlight the importance of creating lasting memories with loved ones, no matter how fleeting their time together may be.
“I always say to the families in my care ‘I’m so sorry that the time you have with your baby is limited, you should have endless time to learn about them and make memories together, however I will help you make as many memories as possible together in the short time that you have. Forming these bonds and creating these memories together would not be possible without the use of a CuddleCot.”
Read more about how quality bereavement care has helped bereaved parents here.
To learn more about the CuddleCot or our clinical led and evidence based bereavement care training for clinicians visit: cuddlecot.com/training
Free evidence based bereavement care e-Learning: cuddlecot.getlearnworlds.com