Fundraising to help parents deal with grief

Rotorua mother Greagh Love, 18, is selling infant headbands as part of her fundraising for two Cuddle Cots. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Greagh Love was just 16 when she went through the traumatic experience of losing her baby during her second trimester.

Now 18, Greagh has decided to use her grief to educate and help people understand infant loss and stillbirths so "others don't find themselves in my position".

"I had no idea my baby could die inside me. My midwife never told me about the dangers or what could happen when you're pregnant so when the worst thing did happen and my baby died, I was beside myself. "I named her Sunshine because that's how she made me feel. She was so beautiful and I had to say goodbye too soon."

Greagh has set up a Givealittle page and is selling infant headbands for $4 each to fundraise for two extra Cuddle Cots for Rotorua Hospital.

The infant headbands. Photo/Ben Fraser

"I know Rotorua Hospital already has one Cuddle Cot but I think it would be good to have more so when there are two families who need it, nobody has to miss out."

A Cuddle Cot is a cooling system that discreetly sits inside a bassinet, and allows families to keep their babies with them just that little bit longer after their death.

Rotorua Hospital was gifted its first Cuddle Cot in May.

"I'm aiming to fundraise $10,000 because each Cuddle Cot costs about $5000. As well as that I am wanting to organise some events to raise awareness. I'd love to do something like the Pink Walk or have a charity concert, I am open to everything."

Greagh said the idea to start fundraising for a Cuddle Cot had been on her mind for a while.

"Stillbirths and infant loss are not topics people like talking about for obvious reasons but it's so important to have those conversations so people are aware."

Lakes District Health Board spokeswoman Sue Wilkie said all offers of community fundraising were gratefully received.

- To make a donation go to, www.givealittle.co.nz/profile/ charity/rotoruacuddlecots.