By Victoria Hospital Foundation

Cuddle Cots

May 12, 2016 | 1:26 PM

For parents of stillborn babies, parting with their child is the first step in a long and difficult grieving process, one that can last lifetime.

A device called a Cuddle Cot helps to make that process a little easier.

The cooling device is placed in a bassinet or crib and preserves a stillborn baby’s body so that he or she can remain with the parents in a hospital room, extending the time a family has to say goodbye.

Here’s the story of how the Cuddle Cot came to be at the Victoria Regional Hospital:

“In 2015, shortly after the birth of my son, I read an article online about a couple from Unity who lost their child and learned about what a Cuddle Cot is and how having this equipment can provide support to families suffering from this significant loss. The article really touched my heart and made me think about the many emotions these parents must be feeling after losing their baby and wanted those families dealing with this in our region to have the option of using a Cuddle Cot to help them during their difficult time.

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

2h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

6h ago

Missing pet

'She means the world to our family': Woman seeks help in finding missing pet parrot

Apr 18, 2024

While under the care of the professionals in the obstetrics department I was amazed at how supportive, knowledgeable, kind, and helpful everyone was and wanted to give them access to this important piece of equipment so they could provide additional support options to grieving families.

I did some research and contacted Becky Panter from the Saskatchewan Angel Dresses who provided guidance on how a fundraiser could be created for Prince Albert to purchase a Cuddle Cot for the Victoria Hospital. Through communications with Lynn Blocka (Nursing Unit Manager in Obstetrics) and the support of the Victoria Hospital Foundation I was able to receive some good news advising that Prince Albert would be happy to accept a Cuddle Cot.

After speaking to friends and family I was fortunate to find a group of smart and energetic ladies who whole-heartedly supported this cause and truly became the driving force for the fundraiser.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Brittany Nicolas, Kristina Slater, Darlene Slater, Taryn Pilon, and Nicole Nutter for being so helpful and making sure this fundraiser was a success.

Our group received such significant support from individuals within Prince Albert and the surrounding areas who donated their time, baking, as well as coffee and prize donations from local businesses.

The Halloween Bake Sale at the Victoria Hospital was a huge success and along with monetary donations from individuals and groups we reached our goal.
The Cuddle Cot arrived at the Victoria Hospital in early 2016 and is now available for families to help support them during the loss of their baby.

The Cuddle Cot Campaign for Angels fundraiser needed to be completed so that families within Prince Albert, the surrounding areas, and the northern communities could have access to this equipment during their time of need.

Thank you,
Stacey Franc