Offspring stillbirth episode leaves viewers in tears

IT WAS the gut-wrenching, yet powerful TV moment you may have missed. Offspring often leaves viewers chuckling, but not last night.

IT WAS the gut-wrenching, yet powerful TV moment you may have missed.

Offspring often leaves viewers chuckling, but last night’s episode left many in tears.

It wasn’t the death of a main character which tugged at the heartstrings, instead it was the birth of a stillborn baby girl.

Dr Nina Proudman is forced once again to confront her feelings over the death of her former partner Dr Patrick Reid (Matthew Le Nevez) when she tells first-time mother, Shanti (Caroline Brazier), that her child no longer has a heartbeat.

Nina discovers the panicked Shanti in her office where the mum-to-be reveals she hasn’t felt her baby move.

Nina explains to Shanti her baby no longer has a heartbeat. Picture: Screengrab

Reassuring her it’s probably normal, Nina carries out an ultrasound where her worst fears are confirmed.

“There’s no easy way to say this,” she begins as she goes on to say the baby no longer has a heartbeat and can’t explain why this has happened.

The delivery scene which follows soon after is even more harrowing.

The little girl is delivered with the midwives and Nina in attendance.

But instead of checks and clearing airways, “there is just quiet.”

Shanti reacts as she’s told the heartbreaking news. Picture: Screengrab

“I heard about a mother who put her on her skin and she woke up,” the grieving mother sobs as Nina hands the baby to her.

“She’s perfect. I don’t want to let her go, I don’t want to let her go.”

As Shanti kisses and holds her dead daughter, Nina turns and wipes a tear, the midwives look on in silence.

The scene touched viewers with many applauding the show for portraying such a sensitive subject.

Nina Proudman is reduced to tears following the stillbirth delivery. Picture: Screengrab

So many tears tonight thanks to #offspring what a powerful episode

— Katrina (@katjhammo) August 16, 2017

#Offspring Sensitive telling of a very emotional event of having to give birth to a stillbirth. Tears flowing tinged with laughter. Thanks

— Anthony Kenworthy (@Anth_Kenworthy) August 16, 2017

Can't imagine the agony of giving birth to a stillborn child. Devastating. #Offspring

— Anouska (@AnouskaHaaket) August 16, 2017

Thank you Offspring on Ten for bringing awareness to stillbirth in tonight's episode. Sadly, this happens too... https://t.co/Srd0zWXO6j

— Still Aware (@Still_Aware) August 16, 2017

Others shared their own experiences and heartbreak.

😭also beautiful, a friend told me she cried so many tears for my baby. Seeing Nina cry. ❤️Feels so unreal. Tears mean it happened #Offspring

— Justme (@Justrealifeme) August 16, 2017

Omg the baby... no tears nothing but silence 😢😢 @OffspringTV #Offspring

— Em 🌻 (@FROPHIE4EVER) August 16, 2017

Wow @offspringonten @OffspringTV absolutely back to its best. Tears, laughter, more tears #Offspring

— lisawho (@lisawho28) August 16, 2017

No words watching #Offspring tonight- only tears 💔😥

— Sarah Stanton (@themuzzler) August 16, 2017

Most difficult loss I think..birthing a stillborn baby. Least I got to see my little baby boy alive before he passed at 8 weeks #Offspring

— Justme (@Justrealifeme) August 16, 2017

Words cannot describe the loss of a #stillborn @channelten @StillbirthAUS @Still_Aware @SANDSSthAus #Offspring 💛 #1998 https://t.co/xvd2GTdNTO

— Jackie Barreau (@luvhopecourage) August 16, 2017

If you or anyone you know is affected by last night’s episode you contact Beyond Blue or Sands.