Investigation and inquest
On 27.9.23 I commenced an investigation into the death of Evelyn Grace March aged 1 day. The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on 18.09.24.
The Inquest concluded with a Narrative conclusion including the medical cause of death being recorded as “unascertained”. It is likely the death was attributable to overlaying arising from the accidental suffocation of the baby by a sleeping adult.
Circumstances of the death
Baby Evelyn Grace March was born on Tuesday 26.9.23 at 04:38 at St James Hospital, following a prolonged labour. She and her parents were discharged home 4 hours after the birth (08:49 hours).
Around 01:45 hours the baby was brought into her mother’s bed as she was unsettled. As she was being breastfed the mother probably fell asleep. When she awoke around 04:00 hours the baby was under the mothers breast, in an unresponsive condition. Despite emergency treatment she could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 07:50 hours on Wednesday 27 September 2023 at Leeds General Infirmary.
Coroner’s concerns
1. The Mother endured a prolonged labour and had little sleep from Sunday (24.9.23) until her baby was born at 04:38 hours on Tuesday (26.9.23). She was exhausted.
2. The baby and her parents were discharged home 4 hours after the birth (08:39 hours)
3. The death of the baby is probably due to the exhausted mother falling asleep whilst trying to breastfeed the unsettled baby in her own bed sometime after 01:45 hours (27.9.23)
4. Consideration should be given to the wisdom of discharging a mother so soon after a prolonged labour and induced delivery. Had she been permitted to sleep in hospital for a few hours knowing that her baby was being monitored, the tragedy may have been avoided.