SIDS Still Happens: Breigh’s story of losing beautiful Myleigha too soon

Perfect Myleigha was the final addition to my family.

I was told by my doctor it could be dangerous for me to have another baby, as the chance of going into early labour and having heart failure were quite high.

But then, when I found out I was pregnant, all I thought was how much I couldn’t wait to meet my darling baby girl, Myleigha.

I call her my miracle baby.

It was a difficult pregnancy, but when Myleigha was born she was absolutely perfect. She had a tiny button nose and the same beautiful brown eyes as both her older sisters, Phoebe and Sofia.

We were all at home, just starting to settle into our new lives as a family when the unimaginable happened.

At just five weeks old, on 13 March 2022, Myleigha did not wake up. She passed away from what doctors say was SIDS.

In an instant, my world completely stopped. And I know I’m not alone.

Right now, more than nine Australian children still die suddenly and unexpectedly every single day. And that’s why I’m sharing my story.

If you or someone close to you has faced the loss of a baby or child, you’ll know how difficult it is to put your thoughts and feelings into words, as you start to process your grief.

To hold a baby in your arms and be full of so much joy and hope for the future, then suddenly have it all taken away, is heartbreaking.

SIDS Still Happens Today

SIDS is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It’s the sudden and unexpected death of an infant under one year of age, with a fatal episode occurring during sleep, that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation.

Red Nose has been working tirelessly for more than 40 years to fund vital research and deliver life-saving safe sleeping education. They have funded or contributed to over 176 Research projects — all with the goal of saving little lives.

It is support from our caring community that has contributed to the 80% reduction of SIDS in Australia since the early 90s as well as funding projects into miscarriage, stillbirth prevention, and other projects.

Even though incidences of SIDS have been reduced so dramatically, it is still happening today.

But with your help today, we can fund the desperately needed research that could save so much heartache in the future.

Together, we can spare families the heartache of never seeing their precious child grow up.

Will you give to help fund more vital research that could save little lives?

Please make a special donation today. Click here to donate >

Losing Myleigha

Myleigha had lots of brown hair and a chunky little face, just like her older sister, Phoebe.

Phoebe is my eldest daughter and was four at the time. She was such a help with Myleigha.

Phoebe was excited and ready to be a big sister again. She helped me with feeds and was always hanging around at nappy changing times.

My other daughter Sofia was three then, and she was not as keen to be a big sister or the middle child.

Sofia’s my adorable little terror who knows what she wants!

Our family home was full of so much love and life, but still, it was a really tough time.

After Myleigha passed away, the hospital put me in touch with Red Nose. I am still struggling. I probably always will.

The devastation and suffering that families experience when their little one passes away is immense. But the counselling team at Red Nose has been helping me get through the hard days.

I honestly don’t know if I would even be here if it wasn’t for Red Nose.

If it wasn’t for these grief and loss services, I think many parents like me wouldn’t have been able to cope with the loss if their child.

By supporting Red Nose, it ensures that no parent has to endure the journey of grief alone.

One of the hardest things for me is not knowing why my Myleigha is gone.

That’s why it’s so important to fund more research into SIDS — to find answers for people whose little ones have died, and stop the heartbreak for families in the future.

And if grief is also part of your story, I know that you also understand the pain and heartbreak felt when our treasured and much-loved children are stolen from us.

Families are forever changed. The heartache of losing a child is something that never quite goes away, you just learn to live around it.

Red Nose’s network of Grief and Loss support is there to help parents and families through the pain of their grief and move forward into their new life, a life they never imagined, without their precious child.

What’s unique about their network of support options is that it’s completely free, and for as long as you need it.

Unlocking Answers to Save Little Lives

Over 3,000 babies and young children die suddenly and unexpectedly each year. As a mother, it breaks my heart to know that this year, thousands of parents and families will experience their first Christmas without their baby or child.

Doing more research into SIDS is the only way we can unlock the answers we desperately need to save little lives.

Being left with no answers as to why my Myleigha is gone only added to my distress.

But with your help, we can fund the desperately needed research, and prevent other families from experiencing the same devastation my family and I have gone through.

This can allow more research to be funded to help save as many little lives as possible. We know that the answers lie in ground-breaking research. But research can be expensive and without more funding, progress will remain slow.

Please, dig deep and donate to help as many families as possible. Click here help families in need >

Your support today could mean we can find the answers we so desperately need to spare families the heartbreak and pain of the death of their precious baby or child.

If you’re dealing with the pain of losing a baby, you’re not alone.

I’m so grateful to Red Nose for their support with bereavement counselling, online support groups and education. It has been nothing short of a lifeline for me.

As well as supporting much-needed research, your generosity also helps fund ongoing Safe Sleep and Safer Pregnancy information, helping to keep babies safe.

Thank you so much for all your generous support. You truly are saving lives each and every day.

If this article has brought back any difficult memories, please know that we are here for you. Our free Grief and Loss Support Line is available 24/7 if you need support – call us now on 1300 308 307.