AFL star Rory Sloane and wife Belinda share very sad baby news
Adelaide Crows player Rory Sloane and his TV presenter wife Belinda have honoured their late baby boy in a very sad Instagram update
Content warning: This article discusses stillbirth.
“Our beautiful little man”
Just four months after the pair announced they were expecting a baby, this lovely couple are mourning the loss of their little boy.
“Last week we said goodbye to our beautiful little man,” a grieving Rory wrote on Instagram.
“Leo Rory Sloane was born into the world still, but perfect. Thanks for making us the proudest parents and filling our hearts with love beyond measure, the moments we had with you are now beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.”
Belinda posted an identical update to her own Instagram page.
Our thoughts are with this family at this terribly sad time. It must be incredibly difficult to put one foot in front of another as they deal with the loss of baby Leo. It’s really generous of them to share their news and speak about their experience.
The Crows players wore black armbands when they played on the weekend and the club has urged that “the privacy of Rory, his wife Belinda and their families is respected at this time.”
6 little lives lost every day
Tragically, stillbirth happens far too often, with 6 Australian babies being stillborn every day.
The experience of stillbirth has often been shrouded in secrecy, with the discussion of the loss of a child sometimes even seen as taboo.
Thankfully, the tide is turning, and families who’ve suffered through the loss of a child are receiving better support, with some seeking to speak about what they’ve endured in the hopes of honouring their babies, processing their loss and raising awareness of stillbirth.
Earlier this year, a Senate inquiry was launched to determine why so many families are losing babies.
It’s the passion project of former NSW Premier and Stillbirth Foundation Australia Kristina Keneally who gave birth to a stillborn daughter, Caroline, in 1999.
“Six babies a day in Australia are stillborn. That is six lives lost every day in Australia,” she told parliament back in May. “Surely, we as a nation can do better than this.”
Read more about baby loss:
- Doctors discover a cause of stillbirth – and a blood test may soon prevent it
- 9 thoughts mums struggle with when they’re pregnant again after a miscarriage
- Placenta complications in pregnancy – what you need to know
If you’re struggling with the loss of a baby, please don’t go it alone. SANDS counsellors are there to support you and provide helpful advice about living with loss.
