KEY TOPICS: 3 births, natural delivery, baby loss, stillbirth, retained placenta, fetal growth restriction, induction, jaundice, Gilbert’s syndrome
This episode was published on Baby Loss Awareness Day, globally known as the 'Wave of Light.' It’s an incredibly difficult story that is almost too painful to hear, but told so eloquently by brave local mother of three, Noelle Aldorino. In this episode she addresses the taboo topic of stillbirth, honours her daughter's memory and offers hope describing a ‘rainbow baby,’ – a child born after loss.
*Please carefully consider where you choose to listen to this highly emotional episode.*
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Noelle's first pregnancy in 2015 was straightforward, with her first daughter born after a lengthy labour. She describes overwhelm adjusting to motherhood, especially as the first in a friend group to have a baby. She later became a single mother and went on to meet her current partner Justin: 'some people are just born to be Dads.'
Noelle's second pregnancy saw her guide Justin through development stages and scans, as they excitedly prepared to meet their baby in 2024. But just days before the due date, their world changed forever when no heartbeat was found. Beyond devasted, Noelle gave birth to a daughter she would never hear cry.
After surgery to remove retained placenta, Justin and midwives gently guided Noelle to meeting baby Rhiane. She praises the compassion of maternity staff throughout. In deep physical and emotional pain, the couple left hospital empty-handed except for items by local parenthood support charity, Baby STEPPs.
Heart-broken herself, Noelle sensitively broke the news to her young daughter. The couple arranged Rhiane's funeral… around what should have been her due date. Noelle describes widespread tributes as the community rallied to show support.
The family navigated grief together and marked the first anniversary of their loss, before happily, in 2025 another pregnancy followed. Noelle was closely monitored and hyper-vigilant: ‘I was obsessed!’ until the safe induced arrival of their little girl by a good, fast labour. Treatment for jaundice uncovered a harmless inherited condition.
This is a profound story of unimaginable sadness… and yet there are moments of joy and laughter around happier parenting moments. There are several references to strong family support too. I’m so grateful to Noelle for bravely sharing her motherhood journey, with her three Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded September 2026).
If you’ve been affected by issues in this episode, please find support at:
Baby STEPPs (Support Through Early Parenthood & Pregnancies) Gibraltar
https://www.facebook.com/BABYSTEPPSGIB/
GibSams: https://gibsams.gi or call free: 116 123
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