Family that lost newborn son launches fundraiser to purchase a cuddle cot for North Bay hospital

A West Nipissing family whose son died minutes after he was born is raising money to buy comfort care equipment for families grieving the loss of a newborn child.

After their baby boy passed away, Kaitlin and Mat Dufresne wanted to turn their pain and trauma into a beacon of hope for other families.

When Carson was born March 25, 2023, doctors had already told the family he was in trouble. And 90 minutes after his birth, as he lay in Kaitlin’s arms, Carson’s heart stopped beating. The family’s world quickly turned upside down. (Photo courtesy of Kaitlin Dufresne)

When Carson was born March 25, 2023, doctors had already told the family he was in trouble. And 90 minutes after his birth, as he lay in Kaitlin’s arms, Carson’s heart stopped beating. The family’s world quickly turned upside down.

"It was the worst thing we’ve ever had to go through," Kaitlin said.

"You're about to welcome your baby boy into the world and you're so excited to meet him. But at the same token, you've already started grieving."

After their loss, Kaitlin sought support from networking groups and other moms who went through a similar tragedy.

There she learned of cuddle cots, a specialized cooling medical device that preserves the infant to allow families more time to grieve and give them a chance to say goodbye.

It's a piece of equipment the North Bay Regional Health Centre doesn’t have.

"The staff at the hospital were amazing at trying to support us," Kaitlin said.

"They've done everything that they could to try to be there by our side."

After their baby boy passed away, Kaitlin and Mat Dufresne wanted to turn their pain and trauma into a beacon of hope for other families. (Photo courtesy of Kaitlin Dufresne)

Cuddle cots are a specialized cooling medical device that preserves the infant to allow families more time to grieve and give them a chance to say goodbye. (Supplied)

So, in memory of Carson, the family is raising money to purchase one of the cots for the hospital’s birthing unit. Any extra money will be set aside for the hospital’s pediatric unit.

"If he was here today, that's the type of boy he would be. He'd be giving," Mat said.

"It’s just a great initiative that hopefully will help others, too."

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Knowing the devastating reality that happens to many grieving parents, the North Bay Regional Health Centre Hospital Foundation is fully supportive of the initiative.

"This has really built Carson’s legacy. He gets to live on," said Kate Merritt-Dupelle, the foundation’s development officer of major gifts.

"This family is shining a light on others and is drawing inspiration and positivity from such a dark place."

In Canada, out of 1,000 babies that are born, four pass away within the first few weeks of birth.

"The loss of a pregnancy or an infant is absolutely devastating for the family. Here at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, we do a great job in supporting families," said Kim Carter, the manager of the hospital’s birthing unit.

The cost of a cuddle cot is approximately $6,500.

Once purchased, Kaitlin and Mat hope other grieving families will have a little more time with their angel babies.

"It’s been so heartwarming to see the community come together and donate to a great cause," Mat said.

To learn more about the initiative or to donate, click here.