News
New cuddle cot for Glengarry Private Hospital
Aug 16, 2022
Butler mother Stacey Rolton has donated a new cuddle cot to Glengarry Private Hospital.
A cuddle cot is a support resource for bereaved parents before they leave hospital and begin their journey without their baby. It features a cooling system that gives parents a chance to bond with their baby, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Mrs Rolton raised more than $7000 for the cot through the Bears of Hope Cuddle Cot Fundraiser by organising a ‘walk to remember’ and community donations. Ridgewood Little Athletics Club also held a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.
“Experiencing baby loss is something you can never prepare yourself for and has been a personal journey I have had to navigate my way through,” Mrs Rolton said.
“It’s a journey I wish no one would ever have to experience, but sadly one in four pregnancies end in loss.”
Mrs Rolton said she wanted to raise awareness about pregnancy and infancy loss and after doing some research, she realised the importance of cuddle cots.
“I wanted to contribute in a way that I know would help ease the pain of families experiencing the loss of a baby,” she said.
“With these cots, families are able to be present with their baby for as long as they need, giving family members time to process what has happened.
“I just wish every hospital had access to one, as they can have a huge impact on any family’s bereavement journey.”
Mrs Rolton said she donated the cuddle cot to Glengarry because it was a special place for her family.
“I birthed all three of my children there,” she said.
“I wanted it to go to somewhere that had a special connection with our family.”
Nurse Unit Manager Clare Davies said the cuddle cot is a valuable resource at Glengarry.
“The loss of a baby can be a heartbreaking and traumatic time for parents, so providing support is crucial,” Mrs Davies said.
According to Red Nose, every year about 110,000 Australians have a miscarriage and 2,200 more endure the pain of stillbirth. About 600 lose their baby in the first 28 days after birth and many more face the grief of termination for medical reasons.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month 2021. Red Nose. Media release.
Scott, Kayla and Stacey Rolton with the cuddle cot and Glengarry Private Hospital staff.