Rachel van Roosmalen, 32, from Schijndel, said that her son Mats was stillborn in 2022 after 35 weeks and three days of pregnancy. She experienced severe abdominal pain, was taken to hospital after no heartbeat could be detected, and underwent an emergency caesarean section with significant blood loss. She was later able to hold Mats and held a farewell ceremony attended by about 80 people. After his cremation, she experienced grief, panic attacks and anxiety.

Van Roosmalen’s story is included in the book *Born in Silence*, alongside those of 16 other parents who lost a baby. She said Mats remains part of her family, alongside her daughter Eva, and that she wanted to share his story to support other bereaved parents and their families.