Mum Of Stillborn Baby Refused Refunds

A mum, who lost her stillborn baby, has asked for a full refund on a new cot but was refused.

Mum Belinda Ainley from Melbourne has her house decorated with baby stuff for the coming of her precious little boy, Ash. She bought a cot, dressed in sheets and soft toys next to the bed, tiny onesies, and a nursery decorated ready for a newborn to grow up in. However, at 38 weeks, Ms Ainley lost her child due to stillbirth.

A week before Easter, Ms Ainley said she went to a regular check-up and heard her baby’s healthy heartbeat. However, after two days, she couldn’t feel her baby kicking as much. After a visit to the hospital, she was struck with the devastating news that she had lost her baby.

With the heartbreak of losing a child, Ms Ainley decided to return all the baby items she bought. She told Kidspot: “Everyone experiences it differently. For us we wanted to take the pram, the car seat, the cot, all the items back. Particularly the cot, it was quite symbolic in the bedroom, it was all set up and ready to go. It made me quite sad looking at it every morning and thinking that’s where my baby should be.”

She said that a Melbourne store has refused to refund the full cost of the cot and accessories, valued at $611, and offered only a partial rebate because it didn’t have the original packaging. Another store also refused to take back a $100 gift voucher.

She said that she explained to the store the tragic circumstances, but was told by a salesperson over the phone that they can no longer accept the products and said that she should have read the terms and conditions.

However, some retailers like Baby Bunting, gave her full refunds for all items even if some were out of boxes.

Ms Ainley said she was shocked about the treatment she received from children’s stores.

“I want all retailers to take note, to think about it. I don’t want to shame anyone. It’s not about the money, it’s about offering compassion,” she said.

The cot will be given to St Kilda Mums and the money will be donated to stillbirth charity SANDS and Heartfelt, a group of volunteer photographers who take photos of children who have died.

Now, Ms Ainley also wanted people to see the need for talking about stillbirths.

“People need to talk about stillbirth, people need to understand my son, Ash, was a real person, he existed. Nothing changes the outcome, nothing brings Ash back. I just want things to be easier for the next family, and for people to understand the reality of the situation,” she said.

Source: Kidspot.com.au