Jessica Sims endured unimaginable heartbreak as all six of her babies tragically passed away, leaving her without answers for years. Her story shines a light on the urgent need for awareness and change in how baby losses are handled.
Jessica, from Bridgend, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions with each pregnancy, from hope to devastating loss. After losing her daughter Megan-Jayne just 12 days after birth, doctors finally discovered the cause—Jessica’s body was attacking foetal tissue. This realisation came too late to prevent years of suffering and unanswered questions.
In a courageous move to spare others from her pain, Jessica’s sharing her heart-wrenching story to push for more proactive testing and compassionate care. Sands, a leading charity, is urging the Welsh Government to set ambitious targets to reduce baby deaths by 2035, highlighting that Wales currently has the highest stillbirth rate in the UK.
Jessica recalls feeling isolated and unsupported by medical professionals, who seemed indifferent to her babies’ existence. Now, she supports other bereaved families, hoping to make a difference. Her journey underscores the need for immediate genetic testing and comprehensive mental health support for grieving parents.
Her plea is a call to action, not just for improved medical practices but also for a compassionate response from healthcare providers. Sands is advocating for change and ensuring every bereaved family receives the care they deserve, with memory boxes and dedicated support.
As she and other parents prepare to meet political leaders, their message is clear: Wales must prioritise reducing baby losses and allocate funding for vital research and mental health support. Jessica’s story serves as a powerful reminder that change is necessary—and possible—when voices unite in pursuit of hope and healing.