Family’s Gift in Memory of Oliver
25 September 2025
People experiencing the loss of a stillbirth at Lyell McEwin Hospital can extend their last moments with their baby, thanks to the generosity of another grieving family.
Mikaela Floyd and Luke May, whose baby Oliver was stillborn at the hospital last year, wanted to show their gratitude for the support they received from staff at the Birthing Unit during their loss.
They were able to spend an extra 24 hours with Oliver because of a cooling crib called a cuddle cot. It gave them the gift of time, allowing them and their children to hold him and take photos.
The cuddle cot fits into a bassinet and slows down physical changes by preserving the baby, so parents can take their time saying goodbye.
After losing Oliver, Mikaela and Luke started a fundraiser for a cuddle cot through Bears of Hope, which provides support for bereaved families.
Mikaela also wanted more people to understand and talk about the issue of stillbirth, which involves around seven in 1,000 births in South Australia.
The family donated the $6,500 cuddle cot to the hospital in July. Clinical Midwifery Educator Halina Deverson says staff were deeply touched by the family’s donation and their generosity after such a heartbreaking loss.
“This is a beautiful memorial to baby Oliver, and the staff who cared for the family will always remember them when using the cuddle cot with other families,” she says.
Pictured: Siblings Amelia and Charlotte, mum Mikaela and dad Luke with the Cuddle Cot.