A MUM has said how grateful she is for her "rainbow baby" during lockdown, after her heartbreak of her first child being stillborn.

Amy Summerfield has thanked Worcestershire Royal Hospital staff for delivering her baby, Francesca Grace, on March 12, the day the government began to put more stringent coronavirus measures in place.

Amy, from Worcester, said her baby girl is extra special to the family following the heartbreak of the stillbirth of her son, Samuel, in 2018.

The 27-year-old gave special thanks to her midwife, Karina, who delivered both her children.

She said: “It’s very bittersweet because I have been a mum for the last 18 months but it’s a different kind of mum when you lose your child. People never know you are a mum.

"When I was a first-time mum, I didn’t know what I was missing out on – you can’t miss out on what you never had.

“I feel so lucky. To call myself lucky after losing my son is crazy, but I just feel so grateful for all the support I have received.

“Being able to welcome our rainbow baby with someone who knew our story better than most was just incredible.”

Francesca, described as a “smiley and relaxed baby”, was born weighing 6lbs.

Amy had an induced labour after 37 weeks of pregnancy as midwives feared she would have another stillborn.

She added: “When I was pregnant everyone was on edge. Being a mum is the most magical thing. I have always wanted to be a mum.

“She is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. In terms of being a bereaved mum, it has kind of shown a new stage of grief.

“When I had her it was the day of lockdown, so it was very strange. I was told the day after she was born I couldn’t have any visitors. It was upsetting not having my mum or sister to come and see me.

“I think in normal circumstances, if you thought there was a problem with your baby you’d go to the doctors straight away. However, this isn’t an option at the moment, so you have to trust your instincts.

“I think a mother’s instincts kicks in straight away after giving birth.”

Samuel was delivered a day before Amy’s birthday on November 14, in 2018.

Amy said: “They couldn’t find his heartbeat. He never opened his eyes. I will always remember the midwife’s face. It will haunt me for the rest of my life.

“I was just screaming. I know someone’s mum who was on shift and she said you could just hear my screaming echoing down the corridor.

“I had an amazing pregnancy with Samuel, up until the end when something didn’t feel right. I was in a lot of pain, so we went to the hospital.

“It was the most dignified birth. The care I received was second to none, it was impeccable.

“I wanted people to hold him to keep his memory alive. He is my son and will always be a part of my life.”

Amy and her partner, Pete Fletcher, find comfort in fundraising and raising awareness of stillborn babies.

The pair have raised around £1,000 for the Bereavement Suite at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Amy said: “There really is hope and happiness after such a tragic loss.

“The maternity unit at Worcester is just amazing. Keeping women and babies safe yet offering the support to allow them to enjoy the birth of their baby during this time is their number one priority.”