Cuddle Cot gifted to Coffs Harbour maternity unit

“We were able to have Paddy stay with us in the hospital for two incredible nights … to spend time with him, cuddle him and make precious memories.” See the device which gives heartbroken families a chance to say goodbye.

Coffs Harbour families facing the trauma of losing a newborn will be comforted in their time of grief with what many covet - a chance to say goodbye.

That’s thanks to the generosity of a couple who know first-hand the pain, having had a stillborn baby - Paddy - who was delivered at 22 weeks on November 8.

Parents Nicole and Kevin Baxter, whose family includes daughter Lily, have rallied in the time of their loss to ease the way for others with the donation of a Cuddle Cot to Coffs Harbour’s maternity unit.

The cot is fitted with a cooling system which slows physical deterioration of the baby, extending the time for parents to be able to bond with their child, take photos and say a final farewell.

Nicole, Kevin and Lily Baxter presenting the Cuddle Cot to Coffs Harbour maternity unit.

Through Bears of Hope, a pregnancy and infant loss support charity, the Baxters launched a fundraising campaign for a Cuddle Cot, which cost $6500.

Ms Baxter said she and her family were honoured to be able to do something positive as a result of their experience.

“We were able to have Paddy stay with us in the hospital for two incredible nights … to spend time with him, cuddle him and make precious memories,” she said.

“Without the Cuddle Cot we would have only had a matter of hours.

“The hardest thing we have ever had to do is walk out of the hospital without our baby but we are extremely grateful for the time we got and so thankful a Cuddle Cot was available at our hospital.”

When a baby dies, there is a short window of time for a family to create memories, and say hello and goodbye to their child.

Coffs Harbour maternity unit manager Tania Andrews: “The change this makes to families who have experienced a loss is unimaginable.”

A Cuddle Cot gives families the option to spend more time with their baby – to change their nappy, take them for a walk, and to meet siblings, extended family and friends.

Through their fundraising efforts, the Baxters of Mudgee have created a legacy for Paddy and for Coffs parents facing similar heartache.

“We will always have those memories and wanted to ensure we could do the same for other families. If people don’t get to do that, how do they heal?” Ms Baxter said.

Coffs Harbour Health Campus maternity unit manager Tania Andrews said the Cuddle Cot was a precious gift to the community.

“The change this makes to families who have experienced a loss is unimaginable,” Ms Andrews said.

“This is an opportunity for parents to have time with their baby - and it is only because of a donation such as this that we can provide that service.”

Bears of Hope provides Cuddle Cots to hospitals, funeral homes and hospices.

The cooling system which sits below the baby allows families to spend uninterrupted time with their child, which can help avoid further distress.