Brisbane mum Molly Gibbons opens up after tragic death of newborn baby

“I went into protection mode”: A heartbroken mother who was faced with her worst fear when she found her newborn son not breathing has revealed the moments and days after the death of the boy she described as “perfect and pure”.

Beau James Johnson, who died unexpectedly three days after he was born.

A Brisbane mother has shared her family’s heartbreak after the tragic sudden death of her newborn son, just three days after giving birth.

Molly Gibbons, Brad Johnson and their two-year-old daughter, Maeve, welcomed a new addition to their family on April 8 with the birth of Beau James Johnson.

But on April 11 at the family’s home at Ferny Hills, their lives were turned upside down when Ms Gibbons woke up to feed Beau but realised he wasn’t breathing.

She woke her partner up, they called an ambulance and Ms Gibbons gave her son CPR until they arrived.

But it was too late as paramedics tried to resuscitate the newborn but were unsuccessful.

Maeve with her little brother, Beau.

The cause of death is yet to be determined as Ms Gibbons and Mr Johnson await more tests but doctors have classed the tragedy as Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) in the meantime.

“I am broken. It just doesn’t feel real,” Ms Gibbons, 23, said.

Brad Johnson and Maeve with Beau.

“SUID and SIDS is my biggest fear and worry when it comes to my babies and to have it happen was the most horrible feeling and I am completely broken-hearted and empty.

“When I first realised what had happened I went into protection mode and I was full of adrenaline trying to save my baby and I didn’t even know what to think or how to feel.

Molly Gibbons with Maeve and her son, Beau.

“As the days have passed we have all being going through the waves of grief whether it be sadness, anger, emptiness, denial or anything else – I wouldn’t wish this feeling on anyone.

“Brad and I have had to make decisions we never thought we would have to make especially regarding our own son.”

Beau James Johnson, who died unexpectedly three days after he was born.

The loss was even more of a shock to the family considering they had no issues with the birth of their daughter, Maeve, who is now two-years-old.

Ms Gibbons said even though they only got a short time with Beau, they would remember it forever.

“The three days we got, were filled with love and so much joy,” she said.

Maeve with her little brother, Beau.

“My daughter took on the role as a big sister beautifully and was already forming such a beautiful bond with her baby brother, she was always wanting to have him close and was extremely protective over him.

“Our memory (of Beau) is that he came into this world perfect and pure and he died perfect and pure.

“He will always be in our hearts and watching over us all.

“We will always love him and he will never be forgotten.

“He is and will always be Maeve’s baby brother and my second born baby.”

As the family-of-three continue to try and come to terms with the loss of a new addition, which brought a new light to their lives, family and friends have come together to support them in their recovery.

More than $3600 of a $10,000 target has been raised as part of a GoFundMe page to help the family.

Originally published as Brisbane mum Molly Gibbons opens up after tragic death of newborn baby