The North Nowra couple made space in their bedroom for a bassinet and began planning a beautiful baby shower. 

The couple met two years ago and combined their young families. Cooper, 10, and Amelia, 9, were looking forward to their young sibling making them a family of five. 

Their future changed eight weeks ago. At 14 weeks they discovered their baby had fetal hydrops, a condition that sees an abnormal accumulation of fluid gather.

Tragically, their baby died at four months. 

“To hear those words, ‘something’s wrong with your baby’, is just devastating,” Nicole said. 

“From the moment you find out you’re pregnant you start planning your future with your baby in it and then you get to 12 weeks and you think you’re safe.

“To have that taken away is heartbreaking.” 

While it’s something she hoped she never needed to know, Nicole has since been shocked by the number of stillbirths in Australia. 

Despite technological and medical advances, the rate of stillborn babies hasn’t declined in two decades.

“For every one child that dies of SIDS, 35 are stillborn,” she said. 

“Unfortunately I had to go through it to be a part of this club.”

Since going through the experience, Nicole has discovered many friends and acquaintances also have their own story to share. 

Her close friend Jaymi’s first and only child was born stillborn.

“She found out at 22 weeks and her baby was stillborn at 29 weeks. There’s nowhere else she can go so she had to attend appointments up until 29 weeks with other pregnant women,” Nicole said. 

“Can you imagine that?” 

Nicole has now turned her energy to raising awareness and funds for Sands Australia, an organisation that provides miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support. 

A fundraising event will be held, as part of the national Sands 24/7 annual walk.

The five kilometre walk, jog or run will kick-off on Sunday, July 23. Everyone is welcome to gather from 12pm at Moona Moona Creek Bridge and walk to White Sands Park in Huskisson and back. 

A raffle will be drawn at the end of the walk, with some impressive prizes such as four 21 day passes to Movie World, Seaworld and Wet n Wild, a nights accommodation at the Novotel North Beach and a range of vouchers for local businesses up for grabs. 

Nicole’s target of $500 has already been surpassed and she’s aiming to raise even more to support families in need.

She’s hopes in hosting the event, she’s not only participating in the Sands approach of “taking the steps our babies couldn’t”  but also shining a light on a difficult topic and helping others realise they are not alone. 

While she’s lucky to have strong support in Josh and a caring group of friends, Nicole said finding the right words proved difficult for many. 

“My group of friends love me but they didn’t want to say, and I understand but I would encourage anyone who knows someone going through this just to reach out,” she said. 

“Saying nothing is worse, so even just a text message is appreciated. I need that ongoing support because there’s days when I look like I have things together but my pillow is wet at night.”

It’s been a difficult few months for Nicole and Josh but the pair has something to celebrate now. 

On Nicole’s 31^st birthday last week, she received a very welcome surprise. 

The couple enjoyed a picnic at Green Patch, before Josh popped the question with a ring hidden in Nicole’s water bottle. 

“I just started crying and choking on my food,” Nicole laughed. 

While they have decided to focus on their family of four now, the couple recently released balloons to say goodbye to their baby. They also plan to host a special high tea in October, on what would have been Nicole’s due date. 

Without a baby in her arms, a 3D image is now Nicole’s most treasured photo. 

“People don’t think of it as a baby at last stage but it was,” she said. 

“Josh had it framed for Mother’s Day and I will always love it.” 

Make a donation here or contact Nicole on 0432 652 483 to purchase raffle tickets. All money raised goes directly to Sands Australia.