‘Miracle’ Baby Dies Days After His Mother Dies During Childbirth, Father Says

Stock photo of a baby's feet. (Vitamin/Pixabay)

An 18-day-old baby died last week after his family had to make a decision on whether or not to pull his life support.

The baby was born as his 37-year-old mother died during childbirth, reported People magazine.

“Earlier this evening baby Matthew, held by his dad, surrounded by his close family as they worshipped and prayed, stepped into eternity to meet Jesus and his momma,” pastor Matt McCloghry said, according to the report. “Thank you for continuing to pray and support this family during this difficult time. They are so grateful for your prayers and your support.”

The child’s mother, Lauren Accurso, of Florida, died on April 29, the report said.

The child’s father, Dr. Matthew Accurso, said his son was “suffering from significant brain injury due to a prolonged period without oxygen during his birth,” People reported.

“Today was one of the hardest days of my life. It will forever be etched in my brain,” he wrote. “As a result of [his brain injury], several serious complications related to cognitive function and development have become a reality for Matthew.”

The boy, he added, relied on a breathing machine as well as a feeding tube to survive.

“Over the past few weeks doctors have attempted to wean him off the machines, but sadly the results have not been positive,” Accurso continued. “TODAY, I was faced with something no father should ever have to face. The decision to place Matthew on endless life supporting contraptions and medications or allow God to carry him where He will.”

McCloghry told Today.com that the family feels that the child’s birth was a miracle.

“They really feel like they have been able to hold onto a miracle, and baby Matthew is a miracle,” McCloghry told the news outlet. “They are really seeing this from heaven’s perspective. The name Matthew means ‘gift of God.’ They are choosing to see him as a true gift.”

The pastor added that the family is drawing strength from the messages of support they’ve received over the past several weeks.

“The family appreciates prayer right now for the girls as they are coming to terms with life without mom,” McCloghry said. “Matt is truly grateful for the outpouring of support. People around the world have rallied around this family and lifted baby Matthew up in prayer and he wants everyone to know that if anything, his faith has been strengthened through this.”

Accurso and his wife had three daughters.

Lauren Accurso died due to a rare complication while giving birth to Matthew, Action News Jax reported.