Bringing Stewie into the world was an experience that was both incredibly beautiful and deeply sad. Having had time and space to prepare ourselves though, we had been able to find some peace and determined to make our last days and hours together as positive as possible, to truly honour Stewie and enable us to create our last enduring memories together. 

In the end, it was better than we could have even imagined. This was in large part thanks to the many special people who supported us through those final days and in the days following, both at home and at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Whilst in hospital there were also a number of coincidences that, whilst we don't believe in fate, had us thinking that there were surely people and powers looking out for Stewie.

Our wonderful bereavement midwife Liz has supported us from the start and continues to do so. In the first coincidence we uncovered, her beloved late dog shared the same name we had originally intended for Stewie (a human name to be clear! And one that will remain a secret). We hope that they end up meeting if they haven't already. 

Our first doctor Rob then showed a huge amount of empathy whilst guiding us through what would happen over the coming days - and by great coincidence it turned out he lives about 15 houses away from us.

We were then supported through our first night of the induction by a lovely midwife called Louise - my wonderful mum's middle name.

The following day, our midwife was Abi - also my outstanding sister's name. Abi made us feel so comfortable and we shared so many stories about Stewie that I ended up needing a nap from the exhaustion of talking. Along with Chiddi, she set up our delivery room with fairy lights and did everything she could to make us as relaxed as possible, which made such an impact. When it came to the end of her shift, we were so reluctant to be parted - but we were entrusted to exceptionally good hands for our next night. 

Our night midwife this time was Sarah - also the name of our incomparable next door neighbour who made sure our cats were fed and cuddled, and that our fridge was filled with gourmet home cooked food. Our midwife Sarah was supported by student midwife Imogen who did an amazing job. Sarah was hilarious but sensitive, and was the very special person to bring Stewie into the world, cheering us on along with Imogen and midwife Bimpi. We could not have picked more perfect people to support us through this. 

During our time in hospital we were looked after by many wonderful people, including Lucy, Shelly, Hannah and probably more that we have forgotten. Their exceptional care meant that bringing Stewie into the world ended up being the best experience it could have been.

It takes a very special person to be able to support somebody through the most unimaginable experiences, and we are forever grateful that we have gotten to meet and know so many of them.