By Rowan Forster
Samantha Magdich gave birth to Braxton knowing her beloved son would never take a breath.
In a tragic and heart-wrenching series of events, Braxton passed away in utero one day prior to childbirth; and the Pakenham mother almost lost her life in the process.
During pregnancy she was diagnosed with eclampsia, a disorder associated with seizures and blackouts.
Ms Magdich fell in and out of consciousness while her baby, Braxton, was delivered stillborn in May, 2018.
After regaining awareness from a series of seizures, she was able to spend several days with her boy – through the use of a CuddleCot at Monash Hospital Clayton.
The CuddleCot is a portable, refrigerated crib which preserves the infant’s body and allows parents time to grieve alongside their child.
It is believed to be more therapeutic than a traditional mortuary.
“I was able to touch him and hold him before we let him go,” she said.
“It was incredible, getting to spend time with my son and create memories.
“It gave us the opportunity to take as much time as we needed, and our interstate family members also had the chance to spend time with Braxton too.
“Back in the old days, you didn’t get to see them.”
Inspired by the precious moments she shared with Braxton before he was laid to rest, Samantha embarked on a mission to give other inconsolable families the same opportunity to say their goodbyes.
Ms Magdich, and her fiancé Todd Pinal, channelled their grief to spearhead a fundraiser – to provide the hospital with another CuddleCott.
Within a month, they raised the $6,000 required for the crib.
Remarkably, the couple did all of their fundraising on Facebook.
The traumatic experience prompted Ms Magidich to lend a helping hand.
“I almost lost my life as well as Brax losing his,” she explained.
“It was pretty horrific and devastating.
“We decided we would do something good and fundraise to get another CuddleCott for them.”
On Friday 7 December, the CuddleCott was introduced to Monash Clayton.
Despite Ms Magdich and Mr Pinal living together in Pakenham – they wanted to support future parents at the hospital that cared for Braxton.
“It has been an emotional rollercoaster,” she said.
“It is so fulfilling now that the CuddleCott is there, knowing others who go through a similar experience will also have access to it.”
Seven months on, Ms Magdich has returned to good health.
“My health is great so that is a good thing,” she said.
