We sadly found out we lost our baby boy at 22+5 weeks gestation. After sitting with a consultant and talking about what will happen next, we went to see the bereavement suite and that's where we met midwife Gemma. We had no idea what to expect and were still in shock and truly devastated. Gemma was kind and calmly explained things to us, we had questions and Gemma was patient and talked them through with us. It didn't matter how many times we asked the same things, she was so patient and let us ask what we needed to as it was a lot to take in. Gemma assured us there was no rush and we could ask and talk for as long as we needed. My partner and I both felt a connection with Gemma and came away with more understanding of what will happen when we welcome our baby boy silently into the world.

When we went back to the hospital to start the induction of labor, we had a lovely midwife to start with but when it was change of shift our midwife was then Gemma. We both felt very comfortable having her with us. Gemma was so compassionate, and nothing was too much trouble, and she ensured we had everything we needed. We had lots of conversation and even managed a few light-hearted jokes between ourselves and Gemma. She truly made us feel at ease during the most traumatic time in our life.

After our son was born, Gemma took him and cared for our baby boy taking photos, hand and footprints and tucking him into bed just as she had described she would do. She told us how she talked to him the whole time she was with him and showed him the photos that we chose for him to have. She was telling him about us all and how much his mummy, daddy, brother, and sister love him. She was so supportive, and we cannot thank her enough for the love and care she gave him and us. Gemma is a very special midwife.

Gemma contacted me several times afterward to see how we were doing and emailed us on our son's birthday. We have since had our rainbow baby, and Gemma arranged to be there for us to welcome our daughter into the world. Gemma is an incredibly special, kind, and compassionate lady, and been a great support for me. She is a credit to the maternity unit and hospital. She really has gone above and beyond for us. Thank you, Gemma, from the bottom of our hearts for everything. We feel fortunate to have had you beside us through the most heartbreaking and traumatic time in our lives, losing our son, and to have you with us during a happier time welcoming our baby girl into the world.