Please be aware Jaz has chosen to share photos of baby Wyatt and his footprints with her story. 

Before the death of my son Wyatt, I was very much a ‘normal person’ – I worked hard, had a career, a partner, a home and naturally the next step for us was to start a family. My biggest dream and life goal was to become a mother, so when my partner and I found out we were pregnant and expecting our first son, Wyatt - we were ecstatic.

My pregnancy was what many refer to as ‘textbook’ right up until 39 weeks, when Wyatt’s growth began to decline and within two weeks his placenta stopped working. Devastatingly, these concerns weren’t managed how they should have been. At the time, I didn’t have the knowledge or awareness to advocate for myself and Wyatt. Something I now know is vital for pregnant people.  

I cannot begin to explain how Wyatt’s death has affected me, it still shakes me to my core – it’s indescribable. 

All I know is six years on and it’s still a shock that he died - this is my life and what I have to live with. In the early days I continuously blamed myself and I have worked a lot on this, and I know it’s not my fault although some days I am burdened by blame and guilt. In these moments I have learnt to nurture myself with kindness and self compassion. If I could offer one piece of advice to a bereaved parent it would be to give yourself grace - be kind and gentle to yourself, you deserve that!

Grieving Wyatt is so heavy and at times intense, but I've come to recognise that the intensity of my grief is the intensity of my love for him - I try to embrace this as much as possible. Embracing our love for Wyatt has enabled us to build a bond that continues beyond time. Wyatt is very much part of our family. We connect with him spiritually through lighting candles, noticing double digits, collecting sea glass, celebrating his birthday – the list is endless and our bond is eternal. 

I have always believed in standing up for what is wrong or unjust. 

Wyatt’s death and my experiences of maternity and bereavement care has fuelled my purpose and passion to campaign for change – to improve maternity care, strengthen bereavement support and save babies’ lives.

‘Anger and passion are two sides of the same emotional coin. When channelled correctly they are a powerful catalyst for change.’ 

This quote resonates deeply with me. It reminds me that channelling my grief and energy can help make change – make the change that should have protected Wyatt. 

I believe change is desperately needed. 

Pregnant people deserve knowledge – knowledge is power and it saves lives. I also believe bereaved parents deserve meaningful, accessible mental health support and our maternity systems must do better. My activism within maternity and bereavement care is driven by love, purpose and the hope that no other family will have to endure what we have and continue to do so.