Bolingbrook Nurse Trying to Raise Money for CuddleCot

When Jennifer Clarke, a registered nurse on the obstetrics unit at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, lost her baby, she would have done anything to be able to spend more time with her child before having to bury her.

Clarke had a C-section and Jasmine, her baby, died from underdeveloped lungs due to a complication Clarke had while pregnant. To help other families who have suffered the devastating loss of a child at birth, Clarke would like to see a CuddleCot at Adventist.

A CuddleCot is a cooling device that can be placed in a bassinet or basket so that parents and families of babies that have passed away can spend more time with them before their bodies begin to decompose or “change.”

“It allows the family to spend more time with the baby before they go home (from the hospital),” Clarke said. “Once you go home, that’s pretty much the last time you’re going to see that baby.”

After a CuddleCot is at Adventist, Clarke hopes to see one in hospitals across Illinois and eventually the United States.

“In the past six to eight weeks, we’ve had four families lose their baby and they all went home early home because the babies were changing so fast,” Clarke said.

Clarke said it’s important to find a way for the babies to stay in the room so the family can get as much closure as they can before they go home.

To help make the CuddleCot a reality, Clarke is hoping that people will donate to her GoFundMe campaign.

“It can help other families who have unfortunately lost their babies, as well,” Clarke said.

For just one CuddleCot, the price will be $2,765 and another $400 for a one-year warranty. Clarke is trying to raise $3,100.

To donate to Clarke’s fund, click here.