In the depths of unimaginable grief, a simple, cold piece of medical equipment offered a mother the most precious gift: time. After the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Lucy, a UK mother was introduced to a 'cold cot'—a refrigerated crib that preserves a baby's body, allowing families precious extra hours or even days to say goodbye.
Now, she is bravely sharing her story to champion the availability of these devices in every maternity unit across the nation, transforming a personal tragedy into a campaign for compassion.
What is a Cold Cot?
A cold cot, also known as a cuddle cot, is a specialised bassinet equipped with a cooling system. This technology gently cools the baby, which sadly allows bereaved parents to keep their child with them in a private room for a longer period. This invaluable time is used to create lasting memories, from taking photographs and making hand and foot casts to simply holding their child and beginning the grieving process together as a family.
A Mother's Agonising Journey
The article details the mother's traumatic experience. After a seemingly normal pregnancy, she received the shattering news that her baby's heartbeat could no longer be found. The subsequent delivery was fraught with emotion and heartbreak. It was in the aftermath of this tragedy that hospital staff offered her the use of the cold cot.
This decision proved to be a pivotal moment. Instead of a rushed goodbye, the family was granted 72 hours. They introduced Lucy to her grandparents, read her stories, and spent quiet moments bonding, creating a bank of memories that would become their most cherished possessions.
The Campaign for Wider Access
Her mission, now, is to ensure no other parent is denied this opportunity. While many hospitals have them, their availability is not universal, often reliant on charitable donations. She is calling for the NHS and health trusts to recognise cold cots as essential, not optional, bereavement care equipment.
The profound impact of this device cannot be overstated. For families navigating the worst moment of their lives, it provides a sliver of control, a space for love, and a chance to parent their child in the only way they can. It is a crucial step in helping their long-term healing process.
