In Memory of Max

I gave birth to my beautiful baby, Max Mateo Leary, on February 7, 2024. Max was stillborn at 21 weeks and 2 days. Max was perfect and so sweet: long legs, a Leary nose, and the cutest little hands and feet. The day before, I walked into the nearest hospital’s L&D department, feeling like something was wrong as Max wasn’t moving like he typically did. I will never forget the concerned look on the doctor’s face as she searched for a heartbeat on the ultrasound, only to tell me my baby had died. Within hours of this earth-shattering news, I was induced for labor and delivery. After 12 hours of labor, I delivered my sweet baby Max at 3:23am. 

By pure chance, the hospital I walked into that day happened to have a CuddleCot. I could have never anticipated how much this device would change my life by giving me the gift of more time with my baby. Instead of having to say goodbye to Max immediately after delivery (while I was still in active labor for my placenta and in a physical and mental state of shock), the CuddleCot allowed me two additional days with Max. I was able to hold him, take pictures, swaddle him, hold his tiny hands, and have Max in a bassinet next to me every single precious minute of our hospital stay.  

Talking about stillbirth and cooling devices is incredibly uncomfortable and scary — but for me and so many other parents, it is our reality. Even in the depths of my early grief, I am grateful for every “extra” minute the CuddleCot gave me with my Max. No parent should have to say goodbye to their baby without this time to bond. Max changed my life in immeasurable ways, and it is my hope that his life and legacy will help other bereaved parents. 1 in 170 births in this country ends in stillbirth. Every CuddleCot costs $3000, and the goal is to have one in every hospital across the country. Please support me in fundraising to donate a CuddleCot to a hospital in Max’s memory. 

Thank you for your support and love,

— Meg, Max’s mom.