Mansfield mum tells of heartache after her son was stillborn during lockdown

Emma Bourn and her partner Matthew Nazar were devastated at the loss of their son Albie who was born asleep at 36 weeks and three days in March.

The coronavirus restrictions have made their heartache all the more acute, separated from their families and unable to get help which would normally be available.

Yet the courageous mum and dad are thinking of others who may go through a similar heartbreaking experience and hope to raise £5,000 to help towards bereavement care at Kings Mill Hospital and gift boxes for bereaved parents.

Emma 26, told how she was told her son’s heart was no longer beating on March 23.

She said: “Monday morning I awoke knowing something wasn't right, I didn't wake up to Albie's morning kicks.

“I asked Matt to hold my bump and talk to Albie, but still nothing. I rang the hospital who told me to go in to be checked over, but Matt couldn't come because of COVID-19.

“When Matt arrived at the hospital we were told for the third time our baby no longer had a heartbeat. We decided to go home late Monday afternoon.

“Tuesday came and we went back to the hospital so I could be induced.”

Albie Charles Nazar was born sleeping at 10:36pm weighing 5lb 14oz,

Emma said :”He looked just like his big brother Noah with a head full of beautiful, dark hair.”

Due to the virus the couple couldn't have family and friends to come a visit and to meet Albie.

Emma added: “We face-timed family and close friends to meet Albie, our experience was somewhat very different to others due to the restriction in place at the time.

“Thankfully when Albie went to the funeral directors Noah was able finally meet his baby brother for the first time, seeing our sons together is something we will never forget and cherish forever.”

“On Friday the 3rd of April we said our final goodbyes, sitting 2m apart from our family.

“Following the loss of our son, we haven't been able to receive support as parents normally would, but sadly even when there isn't a global pandemic some parents never receive the appropriate care and support they need.”

Emma says she will never forget the kind people who helped them during their time at Kings Mill Hospital.

She said: “Andrea my midwife who came off annual leave to help me give birth, Amy who stayed with us all day making memories with our son, “Edith for helping us to arrange Albie's funeral and blessing him in the hospital, our bereavement Midwife Mel and most of all Carly from the charity Zephyr's.”

The couple have set up a JustGiving page and with the money raised they want to help out other parents who go through stillborn and neo-natal deaths.

“It will go towards gifts such as memory boxes that can create precious and lasting memories of their children, just as we did with Albie,” said Emma

“Please donate anything you can, big or small. It will all be appreciated.”

Their Just Giving page is here