REBECCA ADLINGTON RELIVES HEARTBREAKING MOMENT SHE HELD STILLBORN DAUGHTER FOR FIRST TIME

In October 2023, Rebecca Adlington announced the heartbreaking news that her her daughter Harper had come into the world as stillborn.

The Olympian and TV star revealed the devastating news after her 20-week scan found no heartbeat coming from her baby. At the time, she penned the heartbreaking announcement on Instagram, thanking medical staff for their work. In a devastating post, Rebecca wrote: "I don't really have the words right now but unfortunately we went for our 20 week scan this week and they found no heartbeat. I gave birth to our angel, Harper on Friday at 7pm. We held her, and had time with her. We will forever love her and remember her always."

After praising the staff at Wythenshawe, Rebecca continued: "I don't have the strength or words right now and don't feel ready to share this news. However, I can't pretend to be ok or fake a smile. I can't have people ask me how pregnancy is or when I am due as I still look pregnant. I don't have the strength to tell this news individually. "We are so truly heartbroken. Our beautiful girl. Rest in peace."

Almost nine months on from her devastating loss, Rebecca has now bravely opened up about the devastating life even for the first time while speaking to Giovanna Fletcher on her podcast, Happy Mum, Happy Baby. Rebecca broke down in tears as she recalled holding her daughter for the first time, admitting that it looked as though she was 'just asleep'.

"We did hold her, we had a lot of time with her," Rebecca said of her and her partner Andy Parsons. "It just felt right. They had put a little hat on her and a little blanket. It was just like she was asleep. It was the most painful horrible thing to ever happen, but it was done in a really sensitive way," Rebecca added through tears.

"I know some people are not lucky enough to get that. So, I'm grateful for that support that was there for us, and everything in the worst of times. And I said to Andy at the time - because you get this suite where there's a double bed - and I was like 'it shows how much it happens, because this exists. There is somebody that this is happening to absolutely everywhere'."

After having brave Rebecca on the podcast, Giovanna gushed over her strong friend and thanked her for being so open and honest about her tragic loss in a bid to help other mother's feel seen and supported. Giovanna wrote: "These conversations are always heartbreaking but that doesn’t mean we should stop having them. It’s so important to acknowledge the grief surrounding baby loss, because hearing Becky’s words makes it clear that parents will never just forget about what’s happened. Their hearts have been shattered."

The podcast host added: "I’m so grateful to Becky for having this conversation. If you have experienced this kind of loss, or know someone who has, we hope you find some comfort in this discussion."

After sharing a teaser for the poignant podcast episode, it wasn't long before fans flocked to share their support and admiration for Rebecca. One Instagram user commented: "Hearing these conversations brings such healing for others and a sense of belonging for the parents eternally loving the children they can’t make new memories with. Thank you."

Another echoed: "Thank you for being so open and honest and for having the courage to share." While a third added: "Thank you for sharing. Nine babies a day are stillborn in the UK… it’s just shocking. It’s been 2 years for us now and it’s the toughest of journeys."

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email [email protected]

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2024-07-02T11:56:38Z dg43tfdfdgfd