5 days ago
27
Former Wallabies star Dean Mumm has bravely opened up about every parent's worst nightmare – losing four children during pregnancy or childbirth.
Mumm, 41, could today be a father of six. Instead, he is Rupert and Alfie's dad.
While grateful to have two healthy children, the 56-Test veteran will always wonder how different his life could have been alongside his wife Sarah.
The couple lost their first child, Sophie, in 2012.
She arrived prematurely after just six months in the womb, and tragically passed away in a foreign hospital.
'There were no answers, just shock and endless pain,' Mumm recalled in a column for News Corp.
Former Wallabies star Dean Mumm has opened up about every parent's worst nightmare - he has lost four children during pregnancy or childbirth dating back to 2012 (he is pictured with wife Sarah after the birth of Rupert, one of their two surviving children)
Mumm and his wife lost their first child, Sophie, in 2012
The retired footy star and Sarah are now the proud parents of two healthy sons, Rupert and Alfie
'It was our first worst day. We never imagined worse days would follow.'
Sadly, they did.
In 2014, the couple were hopeful history wouldn't repeat itself.
Their son Henry was born at 28 weeks – and although he survived the delivery, he soon contracted an infection in hospital and later died.
Inexplicably, the couple found themselves grieving for a third time in 2018 when twin daughters Ella and Grace died.
At one stage, Mumm was terrified he would also lose his wife, but thankfully she pushed through.
In what would have been a heartbreaking scene, Mumm was able to hold his daughter Ella for 21 minutes before her short life ended.
Grace didn't survive the labour.
Thankfully, this haunting story has a happy ending - the couple now have two boys, Rupert and Alfie - but the Mumms know their family could have been much bigger.
Mumm (pictured left while playing for the Wallabies) said the brief lives of Sophie, Henry, Ella and Grace were the couple's greatest teachers because they offered purpose and hope
While grateful to have two children, the 56-Test veteran (pictured training with the Wallabies) will always wonder how different his life could have been
It is why they have since established BorneHMRI, a charity dedicated to medical research into the prevention of preterm birth.
Mumm uses the charity as a passion project, and also to channel his ongoing grief into hope.
'Our story doesn’t end with loss – it continues with life, with purpose and hope.'
'As men, we also feel helpless, heartbroken and lost,' he said.
'Talking about it matters. Raising awareness matters. Funding research matters.
'Our story doesn’t end with loss – it continues with life, with purpose and hope.'
