A West Auckland couple told an inquest yesterday their baby would still be alive if Child, Youth and Family had not taken him from them.
Patrick Martin was four months old when he died in May last year, 13 days after being handed to caregivers. His post-mortem diagnosed sudden infant deathsyndrome (Sids).
He had been removed from Louise and Craig Martin of Glen Eden after the pair had sought help when Mrs Martin confessed she had shaken him, dropped him a short distance on to a cushion on the couch and briefly put her fingers over his mouth, all in one incident.
She had been suffering post-natal depression and breast infections and says she did not receive adequate help.
She told the Waitakere District Court that after the incident she still had the mindset to realise immediately it was not right and picked up her son and cuddled him.
"I did not want to hurt my son and knew that I desperately needed some help and assistance."
Mr Martin contacted maternal mental health services at Waitemata Health who contacted the Child, Youth and Family Service. Arrangements were made for Patrick to be assessed at Starship children's hospital.
A medical report from Starship paediatrician Patrick Kelly said Patrick had suffered no injuries as a result of the incident.
There were mental health issues with both parents, he said.
Pathologist Timothy Koelmeyer said that the autopsy had revealed no marks of concern and no evidence of injury or bruising to the skin.
Brain expert, neuropathologist Dr Beth Synek, said she could find no evidence of old or fresh bruising or bleeding.
Mr Martin said his son's growth rate had been good up until his removal from their home but the baby had lost half a kilogram by the time of the autopsy.
His wife had telephoned the department after Patrick was taken to tell them the correct formula he should be fed, but he continued to be fed the wrong one.
Mrs Martin said: "It is the utmost belief of my husband and I that if Patrick had remained in our home he would still be alive today."
