A grieving couple has spoken of their devastating loss after the “miracle” baby they spent four years trying for died six hours after birth.
Sarah Conroy was eight months pregnant with her first child when she visited Lewisham Hospital twice in two weeks complaining of unexplained bleeding.
After doctors observed her and she claims she was sent home on both occasions, but was later booked for an induction of labour at 39 weeks at the same hospital.
Five-and-a-half hours after the induction of labour started, 36-year-old Sarah suffered a significant bleed and was transferred to theatre for a category one caesarean section under general anaesthetic.
Sarah’s and husband Andrew’s son, Kit, was starved of oxygen during delivery and had to be resuscitated.
He took his first breath at nearly 17 minutes old.
But his condition deteriorated and he died around six hours old in dad Andrew’s arms.
Sarah said that what should have been the happiest day of their lives turned to "total despair".
She is now, in Baby Loss Awareness Week, keen to share her experience in a bid to help others going through similar experience.
Sarah told MyLondon : “Kit was our little miracle. We’d been trying for a baby for four years and had been told I may not be able to conceive because I’d had surgery to remove fibroids. It got to the stage where we were looking at IVF. Then the day before our first IVF appointment I found out I was pregnant.
“We were overwhelmed with pride and emotion at the news and we were so excited. Knowing we were having a baby made all of the morning sickness and general discomfort of being pregnant completely worthwhile.
"What should have been the happiest day of our lives turned to total despair. We had so many plans for the future and all we wanted was to bring Kit home with us. Having to leave hospital and him behind was heartbreaking.
“The overwhelming feeling we’ve been left with is how to parent for a child that isn’t here. Each day is a real challenge as we deal with the grief of losing Kit. The grief is made all the harder by having so many unanswered questions.
"We know the medical staff did everything they could to try and save Kit once he was delivered but we’re left wondering whether more could have been done to help him before then.
“We know nothing can make up for what’s happened, however, we want to help others so they don’t have to go through the same emotions as us following the loss of a baby. Women need to feel empowered and, if they need to, have the confidence to ask questions of doctors to ensure they are comfortable with their care.”
Sarah, a theatre box office manager, and Andrew, from Kent, have been receiving support and counselling while friends have taken part in fundraising events for baby loss charities, including Abigail’s.
Andrew said: “We went from the highest point of our lives to absolute agony in such a short space of time. While the months have passed it remains difficult not to think of Kit and how he would be growing and how our house would be filled with joy.
"The doctors and nurses tried their best to resuscitate Kit but him dying in my arms is something I don’t think we’ll ever get over. Walking past what would have been his nursery is a daily reminder of the pain we’re going through.
“All we can do now is share what happened to us to make other parents aware. People shouldn’t have to go through the grief of losing a baby alone as help and support is available.”
Following Kit’s death in March 2021 Sarah and Andrew chose for a post-mortem examination to be carried out.
It found that Kit died from a brain injury as a result of being born with no detectable heart rate which was caused by the significant bleeds suffered by Sarah and an inflamed placenta.
An inquest was not held into his death.
Elaine Farr, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the couple, said: “What should have been such a joyous occasion for Sarah and Andrew quickly turned to despair with the loss of Kit. While nothing can ever make up for their loss we’re determined to provide Sarah and Andrew with the answers they deserve.
“Sadly through our work we too often see the devastating consequences families can be left to face following a birth injury. If during the course of investigations any issues are identified in the family’s care it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve maternity safety for others.”
A spokesperson for Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust said: “We’d like to offer our sincere condolences to Sarah and Andrew for the tragic loss of their son Kit.
"A full investigation was carried out last year and we met with the family to discuss the findings.”
