A mother who lost her baby was able to spend 10 days at home with him, creating precious memories, thanks to a special cooling cot. Emily Rollinson's son Dexter was stillborn in November 2024 after being diagnosed with a rare condition. With the support of Tunbridge Wells Hospital and bereavement midwife Harriet Whyatt, Emily used a cuddle cot to take Dexter home, allowing her time to grieve and make memories.
The Cuddle Cot Experience
The cuddle cot uses a cooling mechanism to preserve a baby's condition after death and can be used at home. This allowed Emily to take Dexter on walks, create face and hand casts, and decorate a Christmas tree with him. 'It gave me time to start processing my loss,' she said. Eighteen months later, Emily, from Leybourne, is determined to honor Dexter and help other families.
Plans for a Memorial Garden
Emily and Harriet have proposed a baby loss memorial garden at the hospital. The garden would include a wall with plaques bearing babies' names, a Post Box to Heaven for letters and drawings, and a play area for siblings. 'I really want Dexter's name to be written somewhere,' Emily said. 'Dexter was cremated, so the only place his name is displayed is in our home.'
Fundraising Efforts
Last year, they raised £7,000, along with £8,000 from two other families. This year, they hope to raise £5,000 to reach a total of £20,000. Materials have been donated by Travis Perkins, and a carpenter has offered to make benches. A fun day is planned for August 2 at Ryarsh Village Hall to raise funds.
Support for Bereaved Families
Harriet, who has worked at the hospital for over a decade, says the time with a cuddle cot is 'invaluable.' The hospital also works with charity Sands to provide memory boxes. Emily and Harriet host a monthly coffee morning at Notcutts for families who have lost babies. 'When you lose a baby, it's incredibly lonely,' Emily said. 'Connecting with other mums has been really important to me.'
