A mother who tragically passed away during a home birth believed she was at low risk due to minimal blood loss in a previous delivery, an inquest revealed. Jennifer Cahill, 34, died in a hospital on June 23, 2024, after giving birth at her residence in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, with her husband Robert Cahill and their first child. Sadly, their second child, baby Agnes, also passed away in the hospital four days later.
Both mother and baby were taken to the hospital separately due to various complications. Agnes was born not breathing and with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, while Mrs. Cahill suffered significant blood loss estimated at two liters.
The pathologist’s report stated that Mrs. Cahill’s death was attributed to multi-organ failure caused by cardiac arrest following postpartum hemorrhage. Her delivery was considered high risk due to previous birthing complications in 2021, where she experienced postpartum hemorrhage and required a blood transfusion.
Despite her previous experiences, Mrs. Cahill felt she was no longer a high-risk candidate after being under midwifery care following a consultant review earlier in her pregnancy. Testifying at the Rochdale Coroner’s Court, Katherine Kershaw, a close friend of Mrs. Cahill for 25 years, mentioned that Mrs. Cahill perceived her blood loss during the first birth as minimal and was willing to change to a birth center if necessary.
Midwifery director Abigail Holmes from University Hospital Wales also stated that she did not believe Mrs. Cahill was at high risk and emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to expectant mothers to enable informed decision-making.
The inquest highlighted the significance of using positive and informative language in maternity settings to ensure women fully comprehend the risks involved. Mrs. Holmes emphasized the importance of conveying all risks, including the potential for death due to postpartum hemorrhage, while avoiding negative or accusatory phrases.
The inquest, presided over by Coroner Joanne Kearsley, is set to continue the following day.