In a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, Emma Woodhouse, a 27-year-old mother of five, faced the unimaginable tragedy of losing one of her twin daughters, Jessica, in a traumatic birth experience. Despite the devastating news, Emma and her husband Paul decided to embrace the taboo subject of spending time with their deceased child, making memories that would last a lifetime.
Emma’s high-risk pregnancy, attributed to her rare heart-shaped womb, kept her on edge from the early stages. At 29 weeks, an emergency C-section became necessary as Jessica’s umbilical cord ruptured in the womb. Bella, the surviving twin, was delivered successfully, but despite the medics’ relentless efforts, Jessica was stillborn after a 22-minute resuscitation attempt.
Faced with the heartbreaking reality, Emma and Paul were given the opportunity to spend two weeks with Jessica, thanks to a cooling cot. This extraordinary device allowed the grieving parents to bring Jessica home, where they bathed her, took her for walks in a pram alongside her twin sister Bella, and introduced her to her siblings, fostering precious family moments before her cremation.
Emma’s determination to create lasting memories with Jessica defied societal norms surrounding infant loss. She expressed, “We want to show people that it’s possible to spend time with your baby after they’ve passed and to make memories with them. This shouldn’t be such a taboo subject.”
The couple’s journey included visits from their other children, Jack, Mikey, and Nicole, who met their baby sister and interacted with her in the hospital setting. The medical staff, specially trained for such situations, facilitated the family’s time with Jessica, allowing them to cherish every moment.
The emotional rollercoaster continued as the couple dressed Jessica for the last time before her cremation. They carefully selected a special gown, washed her, and captured precious moments with both twins. Jessica’s ashes now rest in the family’s bedroom, a constant presence in their thoughts.
Emma believes Jessica’s tragic fate may have had a purpose. She speculates that Jessica’s umbilical cord rupture, leading to her early passing, may have saved her sister Bella. The incident prompted an early delivery, allowing doctors to detect and address Bella’s deteriorating umbilical cord, potentially preventing another loss.
As Christmas approaches, Emma and Paul plan to honor Jessica’s memory by buying her Christmas presents and a stocking. In sharing their story, Emma hopes to break the silence surrounding the grief of losing a child and inspire others to embrace the fleeting moments with their departed loved ones.
