Inquest probes home birth risk after Prestwich mother and newborn die

A mother and her newborn daughter died after a home birth in Prestwich in June 2024, an inquest at Rochdale Coroners Court heard. Jennifer Cahill, 34, gave birth to her daughter, Agnes, at the family home on June 3. Husband Rob Cahill told the hearing he called 999 at about 6.45am after Agnes was born unresponsive and midwives were unable to revive her. Jennifer died the following day; Agnes survived for four days. The medical causes of both deaths have not yet been established.

Rob Cahill said he accompanied Agnes to hospital and only later learned his wife was also being taken to hospital after suffering complications in labour. He described holding Agnes and saying goodbye as she neared the end, adding, "We held Agnes first and only birthday party as she neared the end. I held her and told her how much her mummy and brother loved her, and I said goodbye." He also told the court he was not told during the pregnancy that choosing a home birth was considered out of guidance, saying, "I never heard that terminology until after the event."

The inquest heard that Jennifer had experienced serious complications after the birth of her first child, Rudy, in 2021, including a postpartum...