Latest news with #Liliwen
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Baby girl died hours after midwives ‘dosed mum up on painkillers then left her to give birth alone'
'I can only describe it as a blood bath. That image will be with me forever,' the mum says DEVASTATING LOSS Baby girl died hours after midwives 'dosed mum up on painkillers then left her to give birth alone' EMILY Brazier's newborn baby girl died after she was left alone during labour, a coroner has found. The Cardiff mum was sedated and behind a curtain when she gave birth unattended, having fallen into a coma after a bad reaction to painkillers. Advertisement 4 Emily Brazier and Rhodri Thomas with their daughter Liliwen Credit: PA 4 The baby died 20 hours after being born Credit: PA Little Liliwen Iris Thomas was born on October 10, 2022, but died just 20 hours later at the University Hospital of Wales in what has been described as 'the most tragic case'. Midwives failed to recognise Emily was in active labour and only found baby Liliwen "between mum's legs," hidden beneath a bedsheet, the Pontypridd inquest heard. Emily was heavily monitored in the lead-up to her labour, as she had a condition which heightened the risk of complications. She had been admitted for induction on October 8 and was induced the following day. Advertisement She was given a cocktail of painkillers, including pethidine, codeine, and gas and air, called Entonox, to ease her labour pains. Her partner Rhodri Thomas had been asked to return home because of a policy then in place of having no partners on the ward from 9pm to 9am, unless their partner was in active labour. But staff failed to properly check Emily or carry out a physical exam, missing clear signs she was in active labour and should have been moved to one-to-one care. She was not checked at all between 1:15a, and 2:14am when a "faint cry for help was heard" and midwives rushed to her, which is when newborn Liliwen was discovered in "poor condition". Advertisement "I vividly remember peeling back the covers and seeing Liliwen there, completely still and lifeless," Emily previously said. "I can only describe it as a blood bath. That image will be with me forever." Two mums and 56 babies died 'needlessly' at 'appalling' NHS trust where staff 'tick boxes and fob patients off with paracetamol' "I still have flashbacks and nightmares and have been in counselling since," she added. A medical expert's report, cited by the BBC, concluded that Emily likely experienced an 'exaggerated pharmacological response resulting in a coma.' Advertisement 'During this time, she delivered the baby unattended and was unable to call for help.' The report added this was 'most likely due to sensitivity to codeine and pethidine,' and that her 'self-administration of Entonox contributed to Ms Brazier's inability to respond.' Doctors immediately attempted resuscitation, but little Liliwen tragically passed away 20 hours later. A post-mortem revealed she died from a lack of oxygen at birth, a bacterial infection, and problems with the placenta. Advertisement 4 The mum was alone when she gave birth Credit: PA 4 University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales Emily was closely monitored throughout her pregnancy. She was undergoing induction because of low pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), the same condition she had with her older daughter, Carys. Advertisement She was under the care of a consultant during her pregnancy with Liliwen. Several scans were done over the months to check the baby's wellbeing. It was noted that when she gave birth to Carys three years earlier, her labour moved very quickly after she received pethidine and Entonox pain relief. She was given the same medications for Liliwen's birth. Advertisement 'I am so, so sorry' The coroner's court heard this happened when the ward was "exceptionally busy". Staff shortages were also "so acute that there was a call to the community to bring midwives in". At the time, 17 hospital midwives were on shift, with two drafted in from the community. The minimum number of midwives that should be available during the day in 24, according to the health board. Advertisement Giving evidence, head of midwifery Ms Holmes, who was not in post at the time, described it as "the most tragic case". "The impact it has had on us as a staffing body has been greatly felt by every member of our team, regardless of grade," she said. Addressing the family directly, Ms Holmes added: "We are working tirelessly to make sure something like this never happens again. "I know this doesn't bring your daughter back and I am so, so sorry." Advertisement Ms Holmes outlined a series of changes that had been made at the health board, some within weeks of Liliwen's death. These included major changes to the way pain relief is administered to women during both early and active labour. Could have been alive today Coroner Rachel Knight said the case was "nothing short of a tragedy" and it was clear that it had a "seismic impact on maternity care" in the health board. Ms Knight said she would be preparing a Prevention of Future Deaths report, as she "remained concerned" that NICE guidelines on labour induction were "not sufficiently explicit". Advertisement In a statement, Lara Bennett, a solicitor representing Liliwen's family, said: "While it is claimed that lessons have been learned, and changes have been implemented, this tragic case highlights concerns regarding understaffing on maternity wards and the absence of basic care and monitoring for mothers and babies at their most vulnerable. "Had this been provided, Liliwen would not have suffered as she did and would be with her family today. "It is imperative that the policy changes to maternity services implemented by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board as a direct result of this tragic event are adopted across all Welsh health boards. "Liliwen's death must not be in vain and the maternity care standards across Wales must be improved to ensure no mother or baby ever suffers in this way again." Advertisement Daily nightmare Emily and Rhodri say they have struggled psychologically in the aftermath of their ordeal. The mum, who was studying to be a nurse at the time she had Liliwen, even opted against a career as a registered nurse due to the trauma she suffered on a hospital ward. The couple welcomed their third child, a son named Ellis, in December 2024, but Emily says the grief from the loss of Liliwen continues to cast a shadow over the family's lives. 'So many happy memories and special family moments are tinged with sadness," she said. Advertisement "I dread family events and Christmas as Liliwen will never be there, she will always be the missing piece, her death should never have happened and that's hard to live with. 'I look at the faces of my living children and long to know what Liliwen would look like now at two-and-a-half years old. "I will never get over her death, I feel stuck in time. I will never be the same person again. "Holding your child as they take their last breath, leaving them behind after their last ever cuddle, walking out of the hospital with an empty car seat, there are so many painful memories seared into my brain. Advertisement 'I have lost my child; it's every parent's worst nightmare and we live the nightmare every single day.' The couple are now pursuing a claim against Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which manages University Hospital of Wales, supported by the law firm Slater and Gordon. The hospital has been approached for comment.
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Baby girl died hours after midwives ‘dosed mum up on painkillers then left her to give birth alone'
EMILY Brazier's newborn baby girl died after she was left alone during labour , a coroner has found. The Cardiff mum was sedated and behind a curtain when she gave birth unattended, having fallen into a Advertisement 4 Emily Brazier and Rhodri Thomas with their daughter Liliwen Credit: PA 4 The baby died 20 hours after being born Credit: PA Little Liliwen Iris Thomas was born on October 10, 2022, but died just 20 hours later at the University Hospital of Wales in what has been described as 'the most tragic case'. Midwives failed to recognise Emily was in active labour and only found baby Liliwen "between mum's legs," hidden beneath a bedsheet, the Pontypridd inquest heard. Emily was heavily monitored in the lead-up to her labour, as she had a condition which heightened the risk of complications. She had been admitted for induction on October 8 and was induced the following day. Advertisement Resd more on childbirth She was given a cocktail of painkillers, including pethidine, Her partner Rhodri Thomas had been asked to return home because of a policy then in place of having no partners on the ward from 9pm to 9am, unless their partner was in active labour. But staff failed to properly check Emily or carry out a physical exam, missing clear signs she was in active labour and should have been moved to one-to-one care. She was not checked at all between 1:15a, and 2:14am when a "faint cry for help was heard" and midwives rushed to her, which is when newborn Liliwen was discovered in "poor condition". Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive "I vividly remember peeling back the covers and seeing Liliwen there, completely still and lifeless," Emily previously said. "I can only describe it as a blood bath. That image will be with me forever." Two mums and 56 babies died 'needlessly' at 'appalling' NHS trust where staff 'tick boxes and fob patients off with paracetamol' "I still have flashbacks and nightmares and have been in counselling since," she added. A medical expert's report, cited by the Advertisement 'During this time, she delivered the baby unattended and was unable to call for help.' The report added this was 'most likely due to sensitivity to codeine and pethidine,' and that her 'self-administration of Entonox contributed to Ms Brazier's inability to respond.' Doctors immediately attempted resuscitation, but little Liliwen tragically passed away 20 hours later. A post-mortem revealed she died from a lack of oxygen at birth, a Advertisement 4 The mum was alone when she gave birth Credit: PA 4 University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales Emily was closely monitored throughout her pregnancy. She was undergoing induction because of low pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), the same condition she had with her older daughter, Carys. Advertisement She was under the care of a consultant during her pregnancy with Liliwen. Several scans were done over the months to check the baby's wellbeing. It was noted that when she gave birth to Carys three years earlier, her labour moved very quickly after she received pethidine and Entonox pain relief. She was given the same medications for Liliwen's birth. Advertisement 'I am so, so sorry' The coroner's court heard this happened when the ward was "exceptionally busy". At the time, 17 hospital midwives were on shift, with two drafted in from the community. The minimum number of midwives that should be available during the day in 24, according to the health board. Advertisement Giving evidence, head of midwifery Ms Holmes, who was not in post at the time, described it as "the most tragic case". "The impact it has had on us as a staffing body has been greatly felt by every member of our team, regardless of grade," she said. Addressing the family directly, Ms Holmes added: "We are working tirelessly to make sure something like this never happens again. "I know this doesn't bring your daughter back and I am so, so sorry." Advertisement Ms Holmes outlined a series of changes that had been made at the health board, some within weeks of Liliwen's death. These included major changes to the way pain relief is administered to women during both early and active labour. Could have been alive today Coroner Rachel Knight said the case was "nothing short of a tragedy" and it was clear that it had a "seismic impact on maternity care" in the health board. Ms Knight said she would be preparing a as she "remained concerned" that on labour induction were "not sufficiently explicit". Advertisement In a statement, Lara Bennett, a solicitor representing Liliwen's family, said: "While it is claimed that lessons have been learned, and changes have been implemented, this tragic case highlights concerns regarding understaffing on maternity wards and the absence of basic care and monitoring for mothers and babies at their most vulnerable. "Had this been provided, Liliwen would not have suffered as she did and would be with her family today. "It is imperative that the policy changes to maternity services implemented by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board as a direct result of this tragic event are adopted across all Welsh health boards. "Liliwen's death must not be in vain and the maternity care standards across Wales must be improved to ensure no mother or baby ever suffers in this way again." Advertisement Daily nightmare Emily and Rhodri say they have struggled psychologically in the aftermath of their ordeal. The mum, who was studying to be a nurse at the time she had Liliwen, even opted against a career as a registered nurse due to the trauma she suffered on a hospital ward. The couple welcomed their third child, a son named Ellis, in December 2024, but Emily says the grief from the loss of Liliwen continues to cast a shadow over the family's lives. 'So many happy memories and special family moments are tinged with sadness," she said. Advertisement "I dread family events and Christmas as Liliwen will never be there, she will always be the missing piece, her death should never have happened and that's hard to live with. 'I look at the faces of my living children and long to know what Liliwen would look like now at two-and-a-half years old. "I will never get over her death, I feel stuck in time. I will never be the same person again. "Holding your child as they take their last breath, leaving them behind after their last ever cuddle, walking out of the hospital with an empty car seat, there are so many painful memories seared into my brain. Advertisement 'I have lost my child; it's every parent's worst nightmare and we live the nightmare every single day.' The couple are now pursuing a claim against Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which manages University Hospital of Wales, supported by the law firm Slater and Gordon. The hospital has been approached for comment. Potential pregnancy and birth complications Most pregnancies progress without a hitch, but some people may experience problems during birth. Having early and regular midwife appointments helps diagnose, treat, or manage conditions before they become serious. Here are some complications that may occur: Vaginal bleeding: in most cases this isn't caused by something serious it is very important to check it with your midwife or GP. High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia: high blood pressure affects around 10 to 15 per cent of pregnancies. Pre-eclampsia can affect your baby's growth. In mild pre-eclampsia, there may be no symptoms or signs. Rarely, the illness can develop into severe pre-eclampsia, which can be life threatening for you and your baby. Obstetric cholestasis: this is rare and causes a build-up of bile acids in your body, which makes the skin very itchy but without a rash. The symptoms get better when your baby is born. Gestational diabetes: this is diabetes that develops during pregnancy and affects up to 18 in 100 people in pregnancy. Placenta previa: this happens when the placenta attaches in the lower part of the womb, sometimes completely covering the cervix. This can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy or at the time of birth, meaning your baby will need to be born by C-section Placenta accreta: this is a rare but serious condition when the placenta is stuck to the muscle of your womb and/or to nearby structures such as your bladder. Infections: There is a small risk infections can pass on to babies during birth and cause complications. These can include Group B Strep, genital herpes and parvovirus Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): this is a clot which can develop in the veins of your leg. A clot can also move to your lungs, and this is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of this include chest pains and breathlessness. This is a serious condition, which can be life-threatening. There is an increased risk of DVT and PE in women who are, or have recently been, pregnant, and the risk increases after surgery. Source:
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Baby died after mum left to give birth alone in one of UK's biggest hospitals
A coroner ruled that Liliwen Iris Thomas died as a result of a 'hypoxic brain injury following an unattended delivery' after her mother Emily Brazier delivered her without any midwives present at University of Wales Hospital A newborn baby died at a major UK hospital after her mother was left alone to give birth. An inquest is being held into the death of Liliwen Iris Thomas after her mother Emily Brazier was left unattended for four hours while in labour at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff. Ms Brazier had been admitted to hospital for induced labour on October 8, 2022 at "40+1 weeks", Pontrypidd Coroner's Court heard yesterday. She was given pethidine and codeine to relieve the pain, but the inquest heard she did not receive enough physical checks and was "not attended to". Between 1.15am and 2.14am, no one from the midwifery team checked on her, so she cried out for help. The fact "she had moved to active labour was missed", the coroner said. After a call for help was made, staff arrived and found that Liliwen had been delivered unattended. Liliwen was described as being in a 'very poor condition' and died at 10.40pm that day. The inquest heard that Cardiff and Vale University Health Board admitted that when Miss Brazier was admitted to hospital there was not a 'full complement' of midwives on duty, with only 17 present when the required number was 24. Two on-call midwives then arrived for duty to take the number up to 19. Ms Knight said Tuesday's hearing was a 'narrative inquest' to decide if a Regulation 28 report would be issued. A Regulation 28 report is a document issued by a coroner which aims to prevent future deaths by highlighting potential risks identified during an inquest and recommending preventative actions. The inquest heard that Liliwen's father Rhodri was not present during his daughter's birth because partners were not allowed on the ward during that time due to the hospital having strict rules about visitors overnight between 9pm and 9am. Summing up facts at the hearing, Ms Knight said: 'Liliwen died from a hypoxic brain injury following an unattended delivery in hospital'. Ms Knight added that the death was contributed to by different factors including the mother 'not being attended to as frequently as she should have been', 'the absence of resuscitation at birth', and 'a bacterial infection of the placenta'. The official cause of death, as recorded by Dr Andrew Bamber following an investigation, was given as perinatal asphyxia (lack of oxygen at birth). Abigail Holmes, director of midwifery and neonatal services at the University of Wales Hospital, told the hearing that Liliwen's death represented 'the most tragic case I've ever been involved with'. She said new policies had been put into practice across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and that investment had been made into staff and training. Miss Brazier previously said how she was 'angry' at being left alone during childbirth. She said she remembered 'being in a cycle of puffing gas and air, passing out, and repeating'. She added: 'So many happy memories and special family moments are tinged with sadness. I dread family events and Christmas as Liliwen will never be there, she will always be the missing piece, her death should never have happened and that's hard to live with.' Dr Rachel Liebling, a consultant obstetrician and specialist in fetal and maternal medicine, said failings by the health board 'more than minimally' contributed to the death of Liliwen. Ms Knight concluded the inquest by offering her condolences to Liliwen's family and said that, having read extensive evidence, she had decided not to issue a Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths report in relation to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. She said that Liliwen's death had a 'seismic impact on the largest hospital in Wales' (the University of Wales Hospital) and that she was 'satisfied that protocols and guidance have been thoroughly reviewed and that staff within the health board have been significantly retrained'. However, Ms Knight added that she 'remains concerned' that the learning from this case might not have reached other health boards across England and Wales. Therefore, Ms Knight will draft a Regulation 28 report targeted at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence so that it can consider the findings made following Liliwen's death. A copy of the draft will be sent to the Chief Executive of NHS Wales. Following the conclusion of the inquest, Lara Bennett, senior associate at Slater and Gordon, a Cardiff law firm representing Liliwen's family, said: 'This case is truly shocking and Emily, Rhodri and their family have been left absolutely devastated by Liliwen's death. "To have to relive the trauma again at the inquest, and to hear how their beloved baby was failed, has been hugely distressing. Liliwen and Emily were abandoned at a time when their care should have been the hospital's top priority. 'While it is claimed that lessons have been learned, and changes have been implemented, this tragic case highlights concerns regarding understaffing on maternity wards and the absence of basic care and monitoring for mothers and babies at their most vulnerable. "Had this been provided, Liliwen would not have suffered as she did and would be with her family today. It is imperative that the policy changes to maternity services implemented by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board as a direct result of this tragic event are adopted across all Welsh health boards. 'Liliwen's death must not be in vain and the maternity care standards across Wales must be improved to ensure no mother or baby ever suffers in this way again.' On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: 'Our sincere thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Liliwen's family during this incredibly difficult time. 'The health board is fully engaged with the inquest process, and it would be inappropriate to comment further until the inquest concludes.' Following the conclusion of the inquest on Tuesday afternoon, the health board has been asked if it wishes to comment further.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Baby died after mother was left to give birth alone in Wales' biggest hospital
Baby died after mother was left to give birth alone in Wales' biggest hospital An inquest into the death of Liliwen Iris Thomas heard her mother was left alone for an hour. She managed to cry for help and it was discovered that her baby daughter had already been born Emily Brazier, Rhodri Thomas and their baby daughter Liliwen who died hours after being born (Image: Slater and Gordon ) A newborn baby died after her mother was left alone to give birth in Wales' biggest hospital without supervision from a midwife or any medical professional, an inquest has heard. Liliwen Iris Thomas was born at the University of Wales Hospital but died just hours later after her mother, Emily Brazier, was left unattended in labour. An inquest into the death of Liliwen was held at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Tuesday, July 8. The assistant coroner for South Wales Central, Rachel Knight, explained that Miss Brazier was admitted to hospital for an induced labour on October 8, 2022, at '40+1 weeks'. Miss Brazier was given pethidine and codeine for pain relief, however she was 'not attended to or subjected to physical checks regularly enough', the inquest heard. For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here . Evidence read in the hearing revealed that, during the early hours of October 10, 2022, Miss Brazier was not attended to by anyone from the midwifery team for almost an hour between 1.15am and 2.14am, the point when she made a cry for help, and that "the fact she had moved to active labour was missed". After a call for help was made, staff arrived and found that Liliwen had been delivered unattended. Liliwen was described as being in a 'very poor condition' and died at 10.40pm that day. Article continues below The inquest heard that Cardiff and Vale University Health Board admitted that when Miss Brazier was admitted to hospital there was not a 'full complement' of midwives on duty, with only 17 present when the required number was 24. Two on-call midwives then arrived for duty to take the number up to 19. Ms Knight said Tuesday's hearing was a 'narrative inquest' to decide if a Regulation 28 report would be issued. A Regulation 28 report is a document issued by a coroner which aims to prevent future deaths by highlighting potential risks identified during an inquest and recommending preventative actions. Emily, Rhodri and Liliwen in hospital (Image: Slater and Gordon ) The inquest heard that Liliwen's father Rhodri was not present during his daughter's birth because partners were not allowed on the ward during that time due to the hospital having strict rules about visitors overnight between 9pm and 9am. Summing up facts at the hearing, Ms Knight said: 'Liliwen died from a hypoxic brain injury following an unattended delivery in hospital'. Ms Knight added that the death was contributed to by different factors including the mother 'not being attended to as frequently as she should have been', 'the absence of resuscitation at birth', and 'a bacterial infection of the placenta'. The official cause of death, as recorded by Dr Andrew Bamber following an investigation, was given as perinatal asphyxia (lack of oxygen at birth). Abigail Holmes, director of midwifery and neonatal services at the University of Wales Hospital, told the hearing that Liliwen's death represented 'the most tragic case I've ever been involved with'. She said new policies had been put into practice across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and that investment had been made into staff and training. Miss Brazier previously said how she was 'angry' at being left alone during childbirth. She said she remembered 'being in a cycle of puffing gas and air, passing out, and repeating'. She added: 'So many happy memories and special family moments are tinged with sadness. I dread family events and Christmas as Liliwen will never be there, she will always be the missing piece, her death should never have happened and that's hard to live with.' Dr Rachel Liebling, a consultant obstetrician and specialist in fetal and maternal medicine, said failings by the health board 'more than minimally' contributed to the death of Liliwen. Ms Knight concluded the inquest by offering her condolences to Liliwen's family and said that, having read extensive evidence, she had decided not to issue a Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths report in relation to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. She said that Liliwen's death had a 'seismic impact on the largest hospital in Wales' (the University of Wales Hospital) and that she was 'satisfied that protocols and guidance have been thoroughly reviewed and that staff within the health board have been significantly retrained'. However, Ms Knight added that she 'remains concerned' that the learning from this case might not have reached other health boards across England and Wales. Therefore, Ms Knight will draft a Regulation 28 report targeted at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence so that it can consider the findings made following Liliwen's death. A copy of the draft will be sent to the Chief Executive of NHS Wales. Following the conclusion of the inquest, Lara Bennett, senior associate at Slater and Gordon, a Cardiff law firm representing Liliwen's family, said: 'This case is truly shocking and Emily, Rhodri and their family have been left absolutely devastated by Liliwen's death. "To have to relive the trauma again at the inquest, and to hear how their beloved baby was failed, has been hugely distressing. Liliwen and Emily were abandoned at a time when their care should have been the hospital's top priority. 'While it is claimed that lessons have been learned, and changes have been implemented, this tragic case highlights concerns regarding understaffing on maternity wards and the absence of basic care and monitoring for mothers and babies at their most vulnerable. "Had this been provided, Liliwen would not have suffered as she did and would be with her family today. It is imperative that the policy changes to maternity services implemented by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board as a direct result of this tragic event are adopted across all Welsh health boards. 'Liliwen's death must not be in vain and the maternity care standards across Wales must be improved to ensure no mother or baby ever suffers in this way again.' On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: 'Our sincere thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Liliwen's family during this incredibly difficult time. 'The health board is fully engaged with the inquest process, and it would be inappropriate to comment further until the inquest concludes.' Following the conclusion of the inquest on Tuesday afternoon, the health board has been asked if it wishes to comment further. Article continues below
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Couple take legal action over newborn baby's death
A couple are taking legal action against a health board after their daughter died just hours after she was born. Liliwen Iris Thomas died due to complications during labour on 10 October 2022, 20 hours after she was born at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Emily Brazier and Rhodri Thomas, from Cardiff, claim Ms Brazier was left alone to give birth despite the pregnancy being classed as high-risk and said they were living "every parent's worst nightmare". Cardiff and Vale health board shared its condolences and said it was fully engaged with the inquest process but added that "it would be inappropriate to comment further until the inquest concludes". "I have very hazy memories of my labour but then I vividly remember peeling back the covers and seeing Liliwen there, completely still and lifeless," said Ms Brazier. "That image will be with me forever. I still have flashbacks and nightmares and have been in counselling since it happened." Crime by staff tolerated at hospital, report says Top GP warns NI rise will make waiting times worse Treatment in corridors becoming the norm - nurses Mr Thomas said he was not present when Ms Brazier went into labour due to the maternity unit not allowing partners on the ward overnight unless their partner was in active labour. "I should have been there, I could have been Emily's advocate," he said. "I would have pressed the call bell and alerted midwives that she was clearly in active labour and needed extra monitoring and help." Shortly before midnight on 9 October, Ms Brazier said she was given pain relief and left with gas and air before stirring from her drowsiness after 02:00 to discover her daughter had been born. "It was absolute panic from that point, they took Liliwen away and rushed me up to the delivery suite, I had lost a lot of blood and needed stitches, IV fluids and a blood transfusion," she said. Liliwen was treated in the neonatal intensive care unit but died later that day. Since her death Ms Brazier, who at the time was studying to be a nurse, has opted against a career in the profession and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The couple are also parents to daughter Carys and son Ellis but Ms Brazier said "so many happy memories and special family moments are tinged with sadness". "I dread family events and Christmas as Liliwen will never be there, she will always be the missing piece. I will never get over her death, I feel stuck in time," she said. "Holding your child as they take their last breath, leaving them behind after their last ever cuddle, walking out of the hospital with an empty car seat, there are so many painful memories seared into my brain. The health board said: "Our sincere thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Liliwen's family during this incredibly difficult time."
