My name is Delfina and I experienced the stillbirth of a daughter, Elisabetta at 38 weeks of my pregnancy on 5 February 1993. I was 26 years old, married with a 3 year old son.
This tragic event turned my life upside down and today, I still grieve the loss.
I remember the day I was told by my doctor that he couldn’t find a heartbeat and that my options were to induce the labour or wait, as my body would reject her naturally. I opted to go into labour and after a few short hours I was gifted with a beautiful, peaceful, stillborn girl. I had so many thoughts rushing through my head and above all, I was petrified that I had done something wrong during the pregnancy.
The autopsy report explained the episode as a form of cot death or act of nature.
Dealing with the profound sadness and loneliness after her birth was one of the most difficult experiences of my life and there isn’t a day that I don’t think of her. I eventually learnt to accept what had happened by adopting a number of strategies and above all, understanding perspective. After all, I had a 3 year old son who was healthy that longed for a happy mum.
My heart goes out to all those that have had such an experience and the gift Elisabetta gave me was the ability to be strong and resilient in my life.
Written by Delfina, Elisabetta’s Mother.
Click Here
Click Here