Mum and baby deaths: Family's media criticism

Casey Nathan and Hayden Tukiri had posted on Facebook of their excitement at expecting their first child. Photo / Supplied

A post mortem examination of the baby who died two days after his mother died during complications at birth will be carried out in Wellington today.

Casey Missy Turama Nathan, 20, died at Waikato Hospital on Monday after giving birth at a Huntly birthing centre hours earlier.

Her son, Kymani Casey Nathan-Tukiri, had been in a critical condition at the hospital since the birth, but died last night.

Both the death of Ms Nathan and her baby are being investigated on behalf of the coroner, and police involvement in cases like this was standard procedure, Senior Sergeant Mike Underwood said.

"Comments on the cause of death of either person at this time would be inappropriate and it is for the Coroner to establish this in due course.''

Mr Underwood said Kymani's death had been reported to the coroner and a post mortem examination of the baby would be completed in Wellington today.

Mr Underwood also added that some media had published the child's death while the baby was still alive yesterday afternoon.

"The family have expressed their concerns that they are being used as pawns by media outlets intent on scooping their rivals while they are trying to work their way through a double tragedy and a natural grieving process.

"They have asked that their privacy be respected.''

A family member yesterday said the teenage father of the baby, Hayden Tukiri, was only just coping with the tragedy.

"He's sort of coping. He's in shock. Hayden has to deal with everything.''

The 18-year-old was at Birthcare Huntly on Monday with his girlfriend of three years as she endured a 10-hour labour.

"As far as we know the labour was going fine until the very end,'' the family member said.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said it was unclear what the complications were but the family were unaware of any pre-existing medical conditions.

"We're only guessing as to what happened. She was a healthy normal young mum-to-be. She really looked great but they didn't know if she had something hidden.''

After the delivery at 11am Miss Nathan, who was worried about her baby, was taken to Waikato Hospital.

She had been conscious but died there several hours later.

Only a week ago Miss Nathan posted on her Facebook page: "O.M.G 3 Days left to go B4 i have baby YAY".

The family member said both she and Mr Tukiri were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child.

"They both had it plastered all over Facebook. They both were so excited.''

Birthcare Huntly general manager Ann Henson said nothing like this had happened before at the centre, established in 1995 and operated by Birthcare Auckland.

"It is tragic and our sympathies go to the family.''

She said staff were preparing a report on the labour for Coroner Gordon Matenga and she could not say any more.