Investigation and inquest
On 6th November 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Carter Isaac Jepson. The investigation concluded on the 18th May 2018 and the conclusion was one of; Natural Causes
The medical cause of death was; 1a Unascertained
Circumstances of the death
Carter Isaac Jepson was a healthy, well cared for child. On 3rd November 2017 he was put to bed in his Moses basket by his mother. He showed no signs of ill health. At about 04.00 on 4th November 2017, his mother found him not breathing in his Moses basket. An ambulance was called and arrived promptly. Carter was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital where resuscitation attempts continued. He died at Stepping Hill Hospital at 05.40 on 4th November 2017. There were no suspicious circumstances. Post mortem examination confirmed that his death was due to natural causes, although the precise cause of his sudden death could not be ascertained.
Coroner’s concerns
The inquest heard that Carter had been breastfed. Following his death, his mother was significantly impacted, psychologically, by his loss. The inquest heard that this was exacerbated because there was no process/protocol in place to prescribe her medication to stop lactation. As a result she continued to lactate whilst dealing with her loss. The inquest heard that the SUDC paediatricians dealing with the case had identified this as a national issue relating to breastfeeding mothers dealing with the trauma of the unexpected loss of their child.