Maria’s story – Baby Loss Awareness Week

Maria’s story

Maria’s story

My son Ethan passed away at 5 weeks old due to catching a virus that wasn’t detected in time, which then progressed into viral meningitis. Due to that not being found in time, it then attacked Ethan’s heart muscles causing him to suffer from heart failure. He was rushed from Ninewells to Glasgow high ICU and put on life support, ECMO circuit and many pain reliefs and antibiotics.

Ethan passed away at 5 weeks and 2 days old in my arms. He wasn’t getting any better, he was getting worse and he at that time was the sickest baby in the whole of the country. Specialists said normally children and babies recover over time but not Ethan, as he was too sick. Even the option to take him to Newcastle for a heart transplant wasn’t an option due to how sick he was and the chances of survival were very slim. Watching him suffer every day and doing his every day care by his bedside is a mother’s or any parents worst nightmare. I literally wanted to take my own heart and give it to my son.


There are many organisations that offer support to anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss.

The Lily Mae Foundation provides much needed support to parents and families who have lost a baby to stillbirth, neonatal death, miscarriage or medical termination.

Sands supports anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby and works to save babies’ lives. Contact their Helpline via phone (0808 154 3332) or email, or visit their Support Groups online or via Zoom.

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