When Kathryn and Jared Barkla lost their daughter Eloise to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), they never got a chance to say a private goodbye.
Eloise passed away in her sleep in 2019 when she was just 12 weeks old.
The Barklas were in the busy emergency department at the Warrnambool Base Hospital for hours, with only a curtain to shield their grief.
"It was really loud … there were people coming in all the time," Ms Bakla said.
"The deaths of little people don't happen very often out here so everyone wasn't really sure what they were doing, or how to support us.
"It would have been nice to be able to sit and have a few moments with her."
It was through this tragedy they met Warrnambool parents Madeline and Matthew McConnell, who lost their daughter Wren at eight days old through birth trauma.
Determined to carry on their daughters' legacies, the families have raised almost $40,000 to establish a dedicated bereavement room for families who experience perinatal or infant loss at the Warrnambool Base Hospital, through their foundation We've Got You.
"If people were to experience the same thing, they'll have the supports and all of the things in place that we didn't have," Ms Bakla said.
'A place to say goodbye'
When Matthew and Madeline McConnell lost Wren at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, they we were able to take their time saying goodbye.
The bereavement space at the hospital had all the things they needed to extend their time with Wren, and make memories on their terms.
"It was a cocoon where we could just be and hold space until we were able to take those first few steps out into the world," Ms McConnell said.
Funding for the room in Warrnambool was made possible by donations from the community and a gala ball held last weekend by We've Got You.
South West Healthcare chief executive Craig Fraser said the project was thought to be a first for a Victorian regional health service.
A new perinatal bereavement project co-ordinator has also been appointed by South West Healthcare to assist families.
"We wanted to ensure that what we were able to offer families was akin to what is available in Melbourne if not better," Mr Fraser said.
The room will include a bed and cot, fitted with suitable cooling so that parents have easy access to their baby.
It will also offer photography, the ability to make hand and footprints, and access to legal and funeral services who specialise in perinatal death.
"We've Got You is an incredible legacy for both Eloise and Wren, who would be proud of their parents," Mr Fraser said.
