A mother who passed away after a home birth had an exceptionally detailed birth plan, according to testimony at an inquest. Jennifer Cahill, aged 34, died in a hospital the day after giving birth to her daughter Agnes, who also tragically passed away four days later. The incident occurred at North Manchester General Hospital when Agnes was born unresponsive on June 3. Following the birth at 6:45 am, Rob Cahill, Jennifer’s husband, called emergency services.
A community midwife who attended the birth noted that Jennifer was very committed to having a home birth, with a birth plan described as the most thorough ever seen by her and a colleague. The midwife expressed concern that Jennifer had declined specific medications and observations that could have prevented excessive bleeding.
The midwife, Andrea Walmsley, mentioned that upon arriving at the home in Prestwich, she found the lighting to be dim but did not comment on it. She was taken aback by the intensity of Jennifer’s birth plan and struggled to obtain a urine sample from Jennifer throughout the evening. Jennifer appeared quiet and only engaged with her husband during the process.
Mr. Cahill recounted the distressing experience of Agnes being born unresponsive, necessitating emergency intervention. Both mother and daughter were rushed to the hospital, where Jennifer experienced complications from childbirth. The decision to have a home birth was criticized by hospital staff posthumously, citing concerns from Jennifer’s first childbirth experience.
The inquest revealed that Jennifer had previously suffered postpartum hemorrhage during her first birth, leading to over 800ml of blood loss due to an episiotomy and tear. This traumatic experience influenced her desire for a home birth for her second child, as she felt unsupported during her initial hospital delivery.
Dr. Azal El-Adwan, a trainee obstetrician, had cautioned Jennifer about the risks of a home birth during a meeting but did not discuss the risk of death explicitly. Despite the advice, Jennifer still preferred a home birth and intended to decide after a test for Group B Streptococcus. The doctor suggested preventive antibiotics, only available in a hospital setting.
The ongoing inquest aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Jennifer’s tragic death and the decision-making process leading to the home birth.