In memory of Noah

On September 11th 2023, Dave and I went to our 20 week scan. What came next, we could have never predicted.

We were told that our baby had hydrops and skin oedema (fluid under the skin) & urgently referred to Southampton Fetal Medicine unit. After multiple scans and tests over the next 5 weeks, we were told our little boy had a gene variant called Lymphatic Malformation, meaning his lymphatic system had not developed properly. Unbeknown to Dave and I, we are each carriers for this. With this diagnosis, we were told that if he were to reach full term (which was unlikely), he would have long term complications with infections, skin integrity, abdominal and bowel problems and continuous specialist treatment. With the all the information we had and his hydrops and skin oedema significantly increasing week on week, we made the heart breaking decision to end his suffering.

I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy called Noah on the 17th October 2023, but we didn’t get to bring him home. Both Southampton and Basingstoke hospitals have been incredible in such a harrowing time for Dave and I, and we cannot thank them enough. We would like to raise funds in Noah’s name, to be split equally between both Southampton Fetal Medicine Unit and Basingstoke Maternity Unit.

We feel extremely lucky having family, friends and work colleagues be there for us over the last few months. I would urge anyone going through baby loss or if you know someone who is, to talk. It can be incredibly lonely and the power of talking can be huge.

Mel and Dave x