Scots mum who lost baby after complex pregnancies inspired to help other women by becoming midwife

A mother from Scotland, Louise Smith, who suffered through four traumatic pregnancies including losing a two-day-old daughter, has found inspiration to help other women by pursuing a career as a midwife. Louise, 37, from Alloa, hopes to use her own experiences to make a positive impact on expectant mothers. Reflecting on World Prematurity Day, Louise shared, “Even as a little girl I dreamt of being a midwife but having severe complications with three pregnancies, giving birth to two premature babies, having two children with complex health needs and losing my beautiful daughter has meant it’s taken me a wee while to get to this point.”

Louise’s journey began with her first child, Eilidh, in 2007. Despite her waters breaking at 26 weeks, diligent monitoring allowed Eilidh to be safely delivered at 35 weeks without complications. Her second child, Rhuaridh, was born without significant complications, but was later diagnosed with idiopathic anaphylaxis. In 2017, Cooper was born after Louise’s waters broke at 23 weeks, leading to his premature arrival at just 27 weeks, weighing 1kg. Despite initially defying expectations, Cooper faced numerous health challenges including chronic lung disease and brain bleeds, resulting in chronic muscular pain and other issues.

The most devastating loss for Louise was her youngest daughter Ainsley, born at 28 weeks, who tragically passed away two days later due to sepsis. Ainsley’s ashes are now kept inside a teddy bear that accompanies the family everywhere they go. To honour Ainsley’s memory and help others, Louise and her husband Craig have involved Cooper in the Theirworld Edinburgh Birth Cohort, which monitors premature babies from birth through adulthood.

As Louise continues her studies to become a midwife, she aims to provide support and understanding to mothers facing similar challenges. Her personal experiences have shaped her determination to make a difference in the lives of others going through difficult pregnancies. Louise’s resilience and dedication serve as a source of hope and inspiration for many families.

Insights and Summary:
Louise Smith’s story is a poignant example of turning personal tragedy into a source of strength and support for others. Her determination to become a midwife after enduring multiple complex pregnancies showcases a remarkable resilience and empathy that will undoubtedly benefit many families in the future. Louise’s decision to pursue a career in midwifery not only honours the memory of her lost daughter Ainsley but also embodies a spirit of compassion and understanding that is crucial in the field of maternal healthcare. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in making a positive difference in the lives of others.