Baby tragically dies at three weeks old following dismissive medical advice
A heartbreaking story emerged as Lilly Rossiter, a 21-year-old mother, shared her devastating experience of losing her newborn son, Harvey Saines, at just three weeks old. The baby passed away in his sleep due to strep A sepsis and myocardial fibrosis, conditions that tragically went undetected despite Lilly’s concerns. Lilly and her partner, Zach Saines, noticed unusual “jerking” movements in Harvey after his birth, but medical professionals dismissed these as normal reflexes, attributing them to first-time parent paranoia.
The distressing ordeal began for Lilly when she realised Harvey was unusually lethargic and struggled to feed. Concerned for her son’s well-being, Lilly and Zach sought medical attention when Harvey was just a week old. However, their fears were dismissed, and they were reassured that Harvey was fine. Despite persisting in seeking help, Lilly’s worries were repeatedly brushed off as unfounded concerns of first-time parents. Tragically, Harvey passed away in his sleep just days later.
The grief and trauma Lilly endured from the loss of her son were exacerbated by the medical reassurances that turned out to be gravely mistaken. Lilly expressed feeling traumatised and still grapples with nightmares stemming from the tragic event. The couple’s anguish was compounded by the fact that the warning signs of Harvey’s deteriorating health were overlooked, ultimately leading to his untimely passing.
Lilly’s pregnancy had initially progressed smoothly until medical professionals noted a lack of movement in Harvey at 34 weeks. Following a scare at 36 weeks that almost necessitated an emergency C-section, Lilly eventually gave birth to Harvey via a planned C-section at 39 weeks. Despite these early concerns, it was Harvey’s postnatal health that became the focus of escalating worries for Lilly and Zach.
The couple’s harrowing journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of listening to parental instincts and taking concerns seriously, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant. Lilly’s advocacy for her son, despite being repeatedly dismissed, underscores the critical need for healthcare providers to actively listen and investigate patient and caregiver concerns thoroughly.
Amidst their grief, Lilly and Zach have found solace in their second son, Harrison, born a year after Harvey’s passing. However, the trauma of their loss continues to haunt them, with Lilly expressing ongoing fears and anxieties about Harrison’s health. The couple’s story is a poignant call to action for improved awareness and responsiveness within the healthcare system, emphasising the need for a compassionate and vigilant approach to every patient’s well-being.
As Lilly and Zach navigate their grief and honour Harvey’s memory, their advocacy for parental concerns and the significance of thorough medical attention stands as a poignant tribute to their beloved son’s legacy. This heartbreaking narrative sheds light on the profound impact of dismissing parental instincts and underscores the importance of fostering a healthcare environment that values and prioritises listening to patients and caregivers.