The choice of time, of place, and of being together in a way that feels right for each family
Every family deserves the choice of time with their baby after loss, in a way that feels right for them. For many parents, cooling provides the space to slow down, to breathe, and to begin making sense of the unimaginable.
In this deeply personal testimony, a parent shares her experience of losing her son at 21 weeks and the role the CuddleCot played in allowing her family precious time together, both in hospital and at home. Her story speaks not only to grief, but to love, advocacy, and the importance of ensuring every family is offered all available options.
‘Every family should be given the choice of more time, in a setting that feels right for them. This is the CuddleCot way and I firmly agree that there is no better way to put it than that.
As a parent who lost our baby at 21 weeks, the CuddleCot was the one thing that made an unbearably painful experience hold happiness and peace. We had never heard of a CuddleCot before going into hospital (this was sadly a termination for medical reasons, so we knew we were about to lose our baby), and we didn’t know what the next steps would look like. It’s hard, because you have to take each step as it comes, but in retrospect, I think the full information upfront would have been so much better, to give us a little preparation of foresight.
When Austin was born, we used the CuddleCot from birth and were able to bring our boy home and we had over a week with him before his funeral. The CuddleCot slowed his body’s natural changes, allowing him to remain absolutely perfect, and it gave us precious time together as a family before his cremation and, before bringing him home forever.
Because of how strongly we feel, we purchased a CuddleCot and donated one back to Wigan hospital, so other families have the same choice. There should not be a limit on how many cots each hospital has, as every parent and baby should be given the option, even if it isn’t right for them. It’s about having the choice. So doing our bit and giving back also was helpful with grief and knowing we were helping others at a time they may not know they need this support.
Understanding all options before a termination of pregnancy is vital. It is such a scary, shocking, and overwhelming guilt to have to deal with, so having time to come to terms with what has happened, truly is a gift. Thanks to the CuddleCot, our son was able to be loved at home and meet our family. There is no doubt, this was the greatest invention for bereaved parents and I hope one day we have these in abundance.” – Danielle – Austin’s Mum
This family’s experience is a powerful reminder that cooling is not about prolonging grief, but about creating space for love, memory-making, and choice. It is about ensuring parents are supported to do what feels right for them, even in the most difficult circumstances.
By donating a CuddleCot back to their hospital, this family has helped ensure others are given the same option they were. Their advocacy highlights a vital truth. Every family should be offered the choice of cooling, with clear information and compassionate support, so no one has to face these decisions without knowing what is possible.
