Rebecca Adlington reveals she’s learnt to talk about her late daughter Harper without ‘bursting into tears’ after her heartbreaking miscarriage
As I delve into the heart-wrenching story of Rebecca Adlington, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, turned tragic heroine, I find myself deeply moved and profoundly affected by her harrowing experiences. Her life, once filled with the joyous crescendo of swimming victories, has been overshadowed by the somber melody of loss, resilience, and unwavering love.
Rebecca Adlington shared that she’s found a way to discuss the loss of her daughter Harper without becoming emotional, as she candidly spoke about her painful experience with a miscarriage.
In the year 2023, I, a dedicated follower of an esteemed Olympian swimmer, experienced a heart-wrenching loss when my dear daughter, Harper, was taken from us prematurely during a late miscarriage in October. This tragedy followed another loss I suffered in 2022, when I lost a child at only 12 weeks gestation. These heartbreaking experiences have been an immense challenge for me, but I remain hopeful and strong as I continue to navigate through this difficult journey.
Rebecca has a three-year-old son named Albie, who is shared with her husband Andy Parsons. Additionally, she has an eight-year-old daughter named Summer from her prior relationship with swimmer Harry Needs.
10 months following a heartbreaking loss, Rebecca opened up in a touching interview with OK! Magazine about coping and remembering her dearly departed. She shared that while she is managing to carry on, they will forever hold her dear in their memories.
Rebecca revealed that Harper’s memories live on within their home, as they often discuss her. They’ve made it so she remains an integral part of their lives, and over time, they’ve begun to heal from the sorrow, gradually finding peace.
‘I think you learn to find a way forward – to even talk about her, without bursting into tears.’
The sportswoman, who is currently providing swimming commentary at the Paris Olympics, added that her miscarriage took its toll on her emotionally and physically.
She mentioned that the latter part of last year was particularly challenging for her, both physically and emotionally, following her miscarriage in October. Although we may never completely heal from the experience, Harper will forever remain a cherished member of our family.
Rebecca mentioned that her son Albie often speaks about having two sisters rather than one, implying that Harper, who should be his only sister, remains vivid in their thoughts.
A month later, Rebecca shared her struggles with mental health following two miscarriages, as she tearfully expressed her feelings.
The athlete spoke openly about her shock of having two miscarriages after having two low-risk pregnancies.
Approximately a year following Albie’s birth, Rebecca conceived again. At her 12-week ultrasound examination, she discovered that she had experienced a miscarriage.
On the recent Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast when speaking with Giovanna Fletcher, I shared that I never considered the possibility of a miscarriage given my low-risk pregnancy history. I hadn’t experienced any symptoms and felt identical to how I did during previous pregnancies.
The following day, Rebecca needed an emergency operation. Upon her return home, she fell ill with sepsis.
In the bathroom, I suddenly lost consciousness and fell to the ground, unable to remain upright. Given my familiarity with my own body, I couldn’t move, not even open my eyes or perform basic functions. Subsequently, I was admitted to the hospital where they informed me that I had sepsis.
‘It was just horrific. It was the worst 10 days of my life. ‘
In 2023, Rebecca became pregnant once more and welcomed her daughter Harper into the world. At the 12-week checkup, everything appeared to be going smoothly.
At fifteen weeks, we undertook a personal ultrasound, which led us to contemplate sharing our exciting news about the pregnancy. Summer’s enthusiasm was palpable; she would often kiss my belly. Our midwife visit took place at seventeen weeks, and everything concerning the heartbeat was sound.
At 18 weeks we booked in a scan and found it was a girl.
Rebecca said on the day of their 20 week scan she had a ‘horrible’ feeling she couldn’t explain.
In a chilling instant, I found myself under the scanner, with Andy’s worried expression staring back at me. Our hands locked tightly, we were engulfed in an eerie stillness. Then, they delivered the devastating news: “I’m deeply sorry, but there is no heartbeat.”
Rebecca was told she would have to have a tablet to induce labour and give birth.
Emotionally overwhelmed, the Olympic athlete confided in Giovanna, “To experience childbirth felt unbearably harsh to me. Those three days were a living nightmare, truly dreadful. It was simply awful.”
In our care, we kept her for an extended period. The situation felt surreal, almost as if she were peacefully sleeping. Regrettably, this experience turned out to be excruciatingly painful and distressing, yet it was handled with exceptional sensitivity.
Upon getting home, I was disoriented. Figuring out how to share the news with Summer was challenging. I discovered she was deeply affected. Her sorrow was immense, and Albie innocently asked, “Mum, is there no baby inside me anymore?”
Rebecca and Andy didn’t get any answers from a post-mortem on Harper.
Rebecca confessed that she started taking the blame upon herself. She expressed, “I harbored hatred towards my body due to its inability to safeguard my kids. It left me battling internally because I despised myself. I simply, I believed it was my fault.”
‘They couldn’t find any reason for her passing… it was just one of those situations where I felt so upset because my body wasn’t able to save her.’ This version maintains the original meaning while using more straightforward language and improving readability.
Rebecca mentions that Harper leaves a noticeable impression all around their house and family, as evidenced by framed handprints on the walls.
The couple also went through counselling together to work through their grief.
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2024-08-05 11:19