Norwich mother-of-three dies during c-section at N&N

Jayne Cox, 33, gave birth to a son earlier this month but died following the surgery before she got an opportunity to hold him.

She had gone into the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital with a close family member for a c-section on November 8. The procedure had been moved forward a fortnight after her waters broke.

But she died "suddenly and unexpectantly" on the same day as giving birth.

Now her loved ones face an agonising wait in the search for answers as to why the “well-liked and popular” single mother-of-three, from Little Plumstead, did not survive the surgery.

Around a quarter of births in the UK are via caesarean section and deaths are extremely rare. An academic study found 13 maternal deaths in 100,000 following the procedure.

Miss Cox's three children are now being cared for by her stepfather, Glen Gibson, and mother, Maggie.

Mr Gibson said: "We don’t have the answers yet of what happened. We are waiting to hear from the hospital.

Mrs Gibson added: "Jayne had been scheduled to have the baby by c-section on November 24, but this was moved forward to November 8 after her waters broke at home. She had also been poorly the day before and had had some problems with her breathing."

The family has decided to keep her newborn son's name private for the time being. Miss Cox's older boys are Anthony, 11, and Glen, four.

Since her death, a fundraising page has been set up, to support with funeral costs and to make sure the boys have a meaningful Christmas.

Family friend, Kathleen Cornford, who has organised it, said: “I am trying to raise as much money as I possibly can to help the Cox family towards the costs of Jayne’s funeral and hopefully some leftover money for her beautiful sons.

“Jayne was pregnant, and she went into hospital for a c-section to have her newest baby boy. 

“Very sadly she passed away suddenly and unexpectedly before even getting to hold her baby boy for reasons not known to us yet.

“As you can imagine the whole family is distraught, her mum absolutely broken and her sons - I can’t even imagine. 

“They’re without their mummy, their whole world.”

Since Miss Cox’s death, an Amazon wish list has been created for people to buy gifts for the boys and a Go Fund Me page raised almost £5,500 in less than a week. The figure is now at £5,700. 

Mrs Cornford added: “We’ve had a beautiful response. 

“They’re really awesome kind people and we’re so grateful. It will mean the world to those boys and their nanny, and the rest of Jayne’s family. 

“They’ve just had their worlds turned upside down.” 

Stephanie Pease, director of midwifery at the N&N, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends and we offer our sincere condolences at this dreadful time.”

'AN INDEPENDENT SINGLE MUM'

Mr Gibson paid tribute to his stepdaughter - who was born and raised in Mile Cross, Norwich - on behalf of the wider family, describing her as an “independent single mum”. 

“She was a popular person with lots of friends, who was well-liked," he said.

“She was an all-round type of person who was very hands-on and enjoyed keeping busy.

“She loved motorcycles and would give me a hand fixing my bike or cars.

“She loved DIY and completed all sorts of projects. She chopped up wood for the wood burner, she loved using the chainsaw and doing that. She’d even clean the fishpond for me. 

“Everything she would be up for; she would be up for doing anything that involved her being hands-on. 

“She liked keeping herself busy and doing projects. Really, she liked giving herself a challenge.” 

To donate to the fundraiser visit https://bit.ly/3SLbqcP

ABOUT C-SECTIONS

A caesarean section, or c-section, is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so is usually only done if it is the safest option for the mother and baby.

Providing there are no complications, most women can go home from hospital within two days after having a caesarean.

According to the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2021), 25pc to 30pc of women have a caesarean section.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists estimates there are about 13 maternal deaths in 100,000 after caesareans.

The Birth Trauma Association found that mortality rates are lowest for women who have elective caesareans.

• Have you been affected by this, or do you need support? Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, the NHS First Response Service is available on 111 selecting option 2. 
• To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.  
• To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk