In January 2022 I found out I was pregnant, just 10 weeks after giving birth to my first-born in November 2021. Fast forward to the 12 week scan, we assumed everything was perfect considering our first, but unfortunately they found swelling – free fluid in baby Charlie’s brain.
Charlie had a few problems like Down’s syndrome and with his heart, bowel and kidneys. We were told to expect the worst, we were just waiting on Charlie passing away.
It was one of the hardest things we have had to go through, all while trying to raise our first-born at the same time – who was only 5 months when I eventually gave birth to Charlie.
On 22nd April 2022 I gave birth to our angel baby at 17 weeks. He was so peaceful and so tiny. I knew he wasn’t in pain anymore and that he gone to heaven. Labour was 10 hours long, he just came when he was ready for us to meet him. I’ll never forget his wee face.
It breaks my heart that his birth doesn’t count as a stillbirth, due to only being 17 weeks, and that I couldn’t register his life or death. Nothing to say what had happened. But I know in my heart and mind that he is very much looking down on us every day.
I miss Charlie every day. His first birthday would be coming up this September, but I’m grateful I’m able to celebrate his life in a different way, with his 2 brothers and their daddy by my side – in June 2023 I gave birth to another healthy baby boy.
I want mammas and daddas to know that you are not alone no matter how lonely you may feel, I promise you’ll have people to stand by your side.