Episode 16: Three 80's Babies, with Eileen Sanchez

KEY TOPICS: 3 births, natural deliveries, placental abruption, stillbirth, depression, grandparent

Today we're heading back to the old St Bernard's hospital with Eileen Sanchez, who had three children with her husband in 1985, 1986 and 1988.

⚠️ As a trigger warning, please note the first half of this episode contains discussion of baby loss, as Eileen tragically experienced the stillbirth of her first child at 8 months pregnant. She describes key moments in the weeks before the loss of her daughter, leading Eileen to question 'what if..?' ever since.

She explains the bewilderment of a first-time mother, feeling that her intense pain was not recognised, and even dismissed. After spontaneous labour, she reflects on approaches deemed helpful at the time but that compounded her grief, leading to depression. Poignantly, she recalls specific details and dates in retelling her story even 40 years later, and addresses the difficult topic of grief. Eileen had the support of her concerned husband and family members.

She went on to have two nerve-wracking but healthy pregnancies, resulting in the safe births of her sons...the third labour being her easiest with least pain! Eileen emphasises the importance of communication and mental health awareness, and hopes her story offers support to other parents coping with loss. There's a heart-warming chat towards the end of this episode about the joy of becoming a grandparent, and it’s clear she's very proud of her family. I'm so grateful to Eileen for bravely sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded February 2025).

Please visit BABYSTEPPS or Sands for baby loss support, or email [email protected] to contact Eileen

Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more

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