Like any expectant mother, Amanda was thrilled to be carrying her new baby. She enjoyed a perfectly healthy pregnancy, until her waters broke at just 19 weeks.

Amanda said: “I was taken straight to hospital. We were told our baby would be born within 72 hours and wouldn’t survive. When my labour didn’t progress, I was transferred to a maternity hospital.”

Roman was born six weeks later, just 25 weeks into Amanda’s pregnancy, weighing 1lb 8oz. Roman stayed in hospital for the first seven months of his life and eventually went home in July 2014.

“Bringing our son home was a mixture of emotions. We were unbelievably happy because it was something we never expected to happen, but equally it was very difficult as he was constantly on an oxygen machine and had so much medication,” said Amanda.

In August, Roman’s health took a turn for the worst and he went back into hospital. Sadly, he passed away two months later.

Amanda said: “We came to Bluebell Wood the day after Roman passed away. We stayed in the Forget Me Not end of life suite until Roman’s funeral and our family could visit whenever they wanted.”

Roman’s older siblings are also supported by Bluebell Wood. They are members of the sibling support group, where they can have fun and meet others experiencing similar emotions.

“The care we receive here is amazing. I have no idea where me and my kids would be today without all the support we’ve had. All of us have received counselling, my children come to the sibling group and have enjoyed day trips out and I go to the parent group,” said Amanda.

They visit Bluebell Wood each week and also come to our annual Remembering Day.

Amanda said: “The word hospice is often just associated with death and unhappiness, which isn’t the case. Whenever I come here, I see the hospice and I feel like I’ve come home; it fills me with calm feelings.

“Bluebell Wood has helped each of us in different ways; I receive fantastic emotional support and my children get to enjoy their childhood. For them, it’s a safe and happy place.

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Bluebell Wood. They gave me the time with my boy that you wouldn’t get anywhere else.”

 

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