A heartbroken couple from Washington, Tyne and Wear, have shared their devastating story after their baby boy was stillborn at 34 weeks. Kristy Lamb and Riley Dalton, both 19, were eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child this summer when tragedy struck.
On June 31, Kristy visited the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead due to reduced fetal movements. Doctors delivered the crushing news that there was no longer a heartbeat. Kristy was induced and gave birth to their son, Coby John Dalton, on July 2. He weighed 4lb 2.5oz.
Creating Memories in the Butterfly Suite
The couple were able to use the hospital's Butterfly Suite, a dedicated maternity bereavement suite designed to support families experiencing loss. They spent six days making memories with Coby, including reading him stories and taking him for walks in his pram around the suite. They were even able to take him home for one night to show him his nursery and use his moses basket.
Kristy said: "We were in shock. You don't expect to go and hear that. You never think it's going to happen to you. I was googling 'can there be wrong?' I think we were just holding on to hope until the Thursday (July 2) and then everything really hit us."
She added: "Coby's birth was heartbreaking but amazing at the same time. It was amazing seeing his little face. He was just the smallest, cutest little thing. He had so much hair and a little button nose. It was heartbreaking but I think we knew we only had a short amount of time with him so we tried to stay positive and make as many memories as possible with him."
Fundraising for a Bench and Cuddle Cot
Kristy and Riley are now waiting for test results to understand why Coby passed away. They have set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money for a bench to be placed outside the hospital in Coby's name, as well as a cuddle cot for the Butterfly Suite, which costs around £1,500. In just four days, over £1,400 has been donated.
Kristy explained: "When we were there, there were quite a lot of people coming up everyday. People were coming in to see Coby and going and standing outside. I think it would be nice to have somewhere to sit to get out of the room."
The couple, who have been together for two years, had an early gender scan revealing they were having a boy. They moved into a property together and decorated his nursery. Kristy had an anterior placenta, which meant she couldn't feel kicks as much, and had attended the hospital multiple times for reduced movements with no previous concerns.
Warning to Other Mums
Kristy wants to raise awareness about the importance of seeking medical help if fetal movements change. She said: "I think people need to be aware. If the movements are reduced or they are different you should go and get checked. Even if your baby is moving too much you should get checked as well. They could be distressed."
Despite the tragedy, the couple praised the hospital staff. Kristy said: "Even though our situation was different we would definitely use the hospital again in future pregnancies. All the staff were absolutely amazing through the whole of the pregnancy."
The Butterfly Suite provided a homely environment with its own entrance and car park, allowing the family privacy. They received a memory box from charity 4Louis, containing Coby's hand and foot prints, and had a photoshoot with their son.
