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Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Ngangkiku Ngartuku Kukuwardli
Acknowledgement
The Women's and Children's Hospital is located on the traditional lands for the Kaurna people, and we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We also acknowledge that the Kaurna people are the custodians of the Adelaide region, and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.

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Embracing Hope After Loss: The Wattle Clinic

HF12 Wattle Clinic
WCH News
Posted 18 Apr 2024

The Wattle Clinic is a Midwifery led clinic for those navigating a new pregnancy after having a late pregnancy loss (second trimester), offering care and support to these mothers and their families.

This clinic was established following an innovation grant as it was evident there was a gap in the care that was offered to these women.

The clinic is part of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Service (MFMS) which provides many levels of care and management for women whose pregnancies are complicated by maternal and/or fetal conditions, and includes medical and midwifery expert diagnosis and surveillance.

Named after Australia's national floral emblem, the wattle, symbolising resilience and new beginnings, the clinic embodies the spirit of renewal and strength.

Here, women find not just routine pregnancy care, but also compassion, empathy, and a nurturing environment with antenatal continuity of midwifery care to embark on their journey towards motherhood once again.

Among those who have found solace and support are Jess and Dylan, who bravely share their story of loss and resilience. On Red Nose’s ‘Say Their Name Day’ in March, they honoured the memory of their beloved son, Jasper, whose brief presence left an unforgettable mark on their hearts.

"In May 2022, my husband and I were newly married and anxiously beginning our IVF journey," Jess recalls. "We were beyond excited to meet our first child." Their journey took an unexpected turn during a routine morphology scan when abnormalities were detected in Jasper's development. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Jess and Dylan faced the devastating reality of Jasper's severe genetic condition.

"At 26 weeks, we said goodbye to our little love," Jess shares, her voice filled with both sorrow and gratitude for the precious moments they spent with Jasper. "Since losing Jasper, our lives have not been the same. The grief of a child's death is the heaviest weight to carry."

Yet, amidst their grief, Jess and Dylan found comfort and support. "Our care through WCH is something I'll always be grateful for," Jess says, her voice tinged with emotion. "When I fell pregnant with Sage, we returned to MFM to receive the extra gentle care required when going through a pregnancy after loss."

Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion in healing. As they celebrated ‘Say Their Name Day’, Jess and Dylan urged others to honour the memory of lost loved ones every day. "You are forever loved and live on in our hearts and memories, Jasper," Jess says, her words echoed with love and longing.

At the Wattle Clinic, their story serves as a reminder of the profound impact of loss and the importance of creating a supportive community for those in need. With every appointment and consultation, the Clinic continues to nurture hope and healing for all who walk through its doors.

If you think you may be eligible for the Wattle Clinic, chat to your healthcare provider.
(A formal referral is required to access)

For 24/7 Grief and Loss Support, call Red Nose on 1300 308 307.