Heartbreaking scenes show a couple remember their baby girl who died shortly after she was born last year while getting ready to welcome a new arrival on The Rotunda tonight.
Carrie and Fintan are at the hospital for the birth of their second child in the emotional episode.
But less than 12 months ago they were told their first baby Ellie had a fatal foetal abnormality and was unlikely to survive.
She was born at 36 weeks and died shortly afterwards.
To remember her at the birth of her little sister Sue, they chose to bring Ellie’s remains and picture into the labour suite with them.
Opening up about their decision, Carrie, 22, said: “I don’t think we could bring a blanket, it wouldn’t be the same. We would have to bring her.”
Admitted at 37 weeks, Carrie is past the point of which her last pregnancy ended.
However, after the tragic outcome of Ellie’s birth, she admitted she was anxious for the safe arrival of her baby girl.
She said: “Ellie, when she came out she tried to cry and then it just went silent so it was very silent in the room.
“The labour is quite a worry for me now because Ellie didn’t cry when she came out and I’m afraid this baby won’t cry when she comes out.”
Explaining the heartbreaking reality the couple faced during their first pregnancy, their consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the time revealed what their options were.
They said: “Couples have the option to continue the pregnancy or to interrupt the pregnancy and every couple comes to a different values and different life experiences and our job then is not to judge but simply to provide information and be as supportive as we can.”
And in a gesture to keeping their first born with them at all times, Carrie revealed a tattoo she got on her arm to keep her little girl close.
She said: “This is for Ellie, it is her little handprint and a rose and a butterfly and her name.”
- The Rotunda is on tonight at 9.30pm on RTE Two.
