“Alexander's story will never change but if sharing our story can help another family then I’m sure Alex is smiling down on us.”
Claudia - Alexander's mum
Alexander was our first baby. He was born at 23 weeks on 6 November 2021 and died after spending a week fighting for his life in NICU.
I wish no other family has to go through what we are, but if they do, in those early days, I want them to know that it's okay not to be okay. I wasted so much energy pretending I was okay. No one expected this of me, but I thought I had to for some reason. If you need to lay on the couch and hug your little one's blanket, or some other kind of memento, then do it. Let the tears flow, be angry or fall apart. Do whatever you need to help you through those first few weeks.
Remembering your baby in a positive way is important too. When our first Christmas without Alexander came, we wanted to ensure he was part of our celebrations and help other families in need. So we still went gift shopping and chose a present for a child who would be a similar age to Alexander. We then donated it. We also selected a decoration in memory of Alexander for our tree, which we will hang every year. It is important to us that Alex will always be celebrated and remembered positively. He may no longer be here, but I will always be his Mum.
It's every parent's job to love and advocate for their child. Alexander may not be here, but my job as his mum will never change.
