Newborn to be taken off life support days after mother dies in childbirth

The newborn son of a US mother who died during childbirth last week is set to be taken of life support, his father has confirmed.

Matthew Accurso Jnr has been kept alive with breathing tubes for the past week in hospital while his family grieved the loss of his mother, who died during childbirth due to a rare medical complication.

In an emotional Facebook post, Matthew Jr’s father – also Matthew – broke the news that due to immense brain injury, he would have to take his son off life support.

“Today was one of the hardest days of my life,” the message from Matthew Snr began.

“Matthew [Jnr] is suffering from significant brain injury due to a prolonged period without oxygen during his birth.

“As a result, several serious complications related to cognitive function and development have become a reality for Matthew.”

While doctors had been trying to “wean” the newborn off life support, the heartbroken father revealed “sadly the results have not been positive”.

 “I was faced with something no father should ever have to face,” he continued. “The decision to place Matthew on endless life supporting contraptions and medications or allow God to carry him where he will.”

Matthew Snr also wrote that despite this agonising decision, he still believed his son was “a living miracle”, even with a lack of oxygen for so long, his little boy managed to pump blood into his heart, open his eyes, breathe and even at one point grab onto his father’s finger.

Matthew Jnr will be survived by his father, Matthew Snr, and three older sisters – Ali Rose, 8, Naomi Belle, 5, and Layne Louise, 2.