St John of God Midland Public Hospital received a cold cuddle cot before its opening in November and after hearing about its benefits, maternity unit staff started fundraising so another hospital could have one.
The cots are provided by A Midwife’s Gift, run by midwife Kristy Wiegele and Shannon and James Cook, in memory of their stillborn son Lincoln.
It circulates cold air underneath a bassinet so families can spend as much time as they need with their stillborn babies.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWStaff raised $3700, which was matched by the hospital.
“We were so impressed by the concept of the cots and efforts by staff, the hospital decided to match fundraising efforts by staff so another WA hospital can provide families with the special gift of time,” chief executive Glen Power said.
Working with the Emerikus Land Foundation, Ms Wiegele said A Midwife’s Gift aimed to donate a $4900 cot to every maternity hospital in the State.
She said six babies were stillborn every day in Australia.
“For those whose babies are stillborn, a cold cuddle cot means parents can stay with their babies for longer, giving them the chance to cuddle, to bond, to grieve and to create memories in an environment where they can feel supported,” she said.
Dr Power said the hospital was honoured to be the ninth facility to have a cot.
“We are strong advocates for providing as much support and care as possible to enable parents to grieve the loss of their child,” he said.
“We are aware that for parents of stillborn babies, every minute with their child becomes a lifetime of memories.”
To donate, visit facebook.com/amid wifesgift.