Mum pens letter to thank maternity staff for safe delivery of 'rainbow' baby

A new mum has written to thank the ‘incredible’ maternity staff in Singleton Hospital for helping deliver her rainbow* baby.

When Lauren Buckley entered the hospital’s labour ward, she was naturally nervous having previously lost a baby to a still birth but her fears were soon soothed.

Lauren, who was supported by her partner Leon, was assigned a small team, including a specialist bereavement midwife, to help her through the journey.

Happily, Lauren gave birth to a healthy baby girl, named Aria, on 27th October of last year on her second night on the ward.

Having taken time to reflect on the whole experience Lauren wrote a letter of thanks to the team and wanted to share her story to publicly thank those who helped her dreams of adding to her family come true and to raise awareness of the support available for expectant mothers who have previously suffered a pregnancy loss, stillbirth or the death of a baby shortly after birth.

Lauren said: “I wanted to share some positive feedback and express my deepest thanks to the incredible team who supported us during the birth of our daughter, Aria.

“From the very beginning of this pregnancy, I was supported by the bereavement midwife, Christie-Ann Lang. Her care and guidance, throughout the entire journey, were nothing short of exceptional. 

“After the stillbirth of our daughter, Isla, I never imagined I’d reach a point where I’d hold a living baby in my arms.  Christie-Ann’s unwavering support—through every fear, every milestone, every moment of doubt—made that possible. I truly don’t believe I would have made it through the pregnancy without her.”

Lauren also benefited from joining a support group run by Christie-Ann.

She said: “The support group she runs was also a lifeline for me. Connecting with other parents who understood my grief, my anxiety, and my cautious hope was the invaluable.

“The space gave me comfort, community, and the courage to keep going. I can’t thank her enough for her compassion, her consistency, and for always holding space for Isla while guiding me through my journey with Aria.”

Her midwife helped Lauren settle on the ward following a false alarm.

She said: “After being sent back to Ward 19 on the first night, I was feeling so disheartened. I waited around all day, hoping to return to delivery, and when she walked down the corridor towards me that second evening, it completely lifted my spirits. 

“She smiled and said, ‘I’ve come to get you, pack your stuff—I’ll be two minutes.’ She has no idea how much that moment meant to me. I just needed my rainbow baby in my arms, and she gave me hope.

“She was incredible. She sat and talked with us for hours, even though my contractions were still minimal. We watched the heart rate monitor together, laughing about how obsessed I was with it. She listened to every concern I had and truly acknowledged them.”

Lauren was touched by the compassion shown over the loss of her daughter Isla.

She said: “She asked me about my previous daughter, Isla, who was stillborn, and took the time to talk about her with compassion and care. She went above and beyond to reassure me in every way, honouring every single wish I had—even my hope for a water birth, which we knew was unlikely. 

“She tried everything to make it happen, even doing squats alongside me and ‘shaking the apples’ for hours. When induction started, she even brought lights and special touches from the next room to make ours feel as calm and comforting as possible.”

The birth was overseen by a delivery midwife and student midwife.

Pictured left: Aria with her older sister, Lilly-Mae, visiting Isla. 

Lauren said: “Both were amazing. During the final stages of labour and beyond, they were so supportive. I was overwhelmed with anxiety, and they helped me feel safe and cared for throughout. 

“The student midwife stayed with me afterward, helping me latch Aria for breastfeeding, which meant the world to me. 

“I have a video of Aria being born, and every time I watch it, I tear up when I hear her sweet words, ‘Hello chicken, you’ve kept your mammy waiting’, as she placed Aria on my chest.”

Aria is now seven months old and doing fine.

Reflecting on the whole journey Lauren said: “After experiencing a previous stillbirth, I never truly believed I would leave the hospital with a living baby. The induction process was terrifying, but these four midwives made it as comfortable and compassionate as possible. I will never forget the care they gave us.”

Christie-Ann said: “It has been a privilege to play a small part in Lauren and Leon’s journey and I wish them and their beautiful family the very best for their future together whilst always holding Isla in their hearts.”

The Bereavement Support Midwife said that the family had benefitted from attending a support group.

She said: “When Lauren became pregnant with Aria, she and Leon attended the Next Pregnancy and Beyond Support Group, which allows families a safe and confidential space to gain support from their peers who have also experienced a next pregnancy following a pregnancy loss, stillbirth or the death of a baby shortly after birth. 

“A next pregnancy following a pregnancy loss, stillbirth or neonatal death, can be a time of great anxiety and apprehension for parents and families. It is important that families feel supported, empowered, and involved in their care and to be involved in decision making along with the multidisciplinary team that is providing their care.

“Lauren also became a support to other families and shared her and Isla's story to help newly bereaved parents understand their own grief.”

* The term Rainbow Baby is used in conjunction with a parent or family who has previously lost a child, and refers to a baby’s ability to help the parent or family heal after experiencing trauma.