#17 Why Weren’t We Told? Stillbirth and Esme’s Story with Frankie Brunker

This week is the first of a two-part interview with Frankie Brunker, author of the book, These Precious Little People. You can listen to the second half of her story in Episode 19 (airing June 5^th).

Frankie’s first child, her daughter, Esme, was stillborn in 2013. Years later, after having two further children, she decided to write the book, These Precious Little People, to help parents talk to children of all ages about baby loss.

In the interview, we talk about:

• Their decision to have children and finding out she was pregnant with Esme. (9:27)
• An early pregnancy scare and memories of her pregnancy. (17:33)
• Realising that she hadn’t felt Esme move and what she’d been told about reporting reduced movements. (37:55)
• Finding out her baby had died. (46:46)
• Struggling with the thought of having to wait to give birth to Esme. (55:40)
• Other people’s response to Frankie’s pregnancy after losing Esme. (59:40)

You can connect with Frankie on Instagram @thesepreciouslittlepeople and find out more about her book on her website: https://preciouslittlepeople.wixsite.com/preciouslittlepeople/pre-order-a-copy.

The best place to buy a copy of These Precious Little People is on the website of Joel The Complete Package, as proceeds go to help support families through pregnancy and parenting after baby loss.

Frankie has very kindly donated a copy of her book which you can win as part of Skye’s birthday giveaway! Also included in the prize is a gorgeous eco-friendly candle personalised with your baby’s name and a beautiful bookmark.

The giveaway is open until midnight (UK time) on June 3^rd and you can find details of how to enter by looking for the giveaway post on my Instagram wall - @footprintsonourhearts.

If you’re not on Instagram, you can still enter by sharing a link to the podcast with your friends on Facebook (or in a Facebook group) and emailing a screenshot of your post to alison@footprintsonourhearts.com.

You can find more details in the full show notes for this episode at https://www.footprintsonourhearts.com.