Alexandra’s Story

This is a moving and challenging drama-documentary that tells the story of Alexandra, who died as a result of a spinal injury aged 3 days. After an uncomplicated and healthy pregnancy Beatrix Campbell was admitted to hospital two weeks after her expected due date. Despite the sudden change in her birth plan she was optimistic and confident.But as her labour failed to progress, the communication between Beatrix, her husband and their caregivers began to disintegrate. After 40 hours of labour, a Keilland’s forceps delivery was performed with catastrophic consequences. Alexandra was born quadriplegic.

In this powerful and often distressing account of their experience, Beatrix explores the decisions made about her care before, during and after Alexandra’s birth, and the factors that she feels led to their daughter’s injuries.

She discusses what she and her husband encountered as they attempted to discover how and why their daughter died, and their frustration and despair at a system that appeared to lack compassion and care when they needed it most.

“I am inspired by Beatrix’s dignity and strength. Her story is deeply saddening and the reality of that is captured well. Alexandra’s story offers many important learning points and is an invaluable educational tool. I intend to make my Supervisor of Midwives aware of this resource and champion its use in Mandatory Midwifery updates and Doctors induction programmes. Thank You.”

Julia Brown