An inquest into the death of a baby boy six days after being born at the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street, has heard expert evidence that his death was caused by brain damage, due to a lack of oxygen and that this occurred around the time of his delivery.
Henry McMahon was born to Sorcha and Simon McMahon, from Stillorgan in Dublin, on 23 September 2017.
He was their first baby and he died on his parents first wedding anniversary.
The inquest has previously heard that he had a rare congenital heart condition - hypoplastic left heart syndrome - and this was known to the doctors and parents.
Evidence at the inquest earlier this year was that baby Henry suffered fracture and head injuries likely to have been caused by instruments used during his delivery.
A forceps and vacuum cap were used by medical staff assisting in the birth.
Henry was later transferred to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, where he died.
Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane recorded a narrative verdict - which she said was a neutral summary of the evidence, in the case of baby Henry.
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Consultant paediatric cardiologist Dr Orla Franklin (Crumlin) told the inquest that as a result of Henry's skull fracture, he did not have heart surgery after his birth for his known heart condition.
The plan had always been that after his delivery at Holles Street, he would be transferred to Crumlin.
She told the inquest that each year about 35 to 40 babies are born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and go on to have surgery and around 80-90% are expected to live.
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Holles Street, Professor Donal Brennan, said baby Henry's skull fracture and significant brain injury was likely due to the forceps or vacuum cup use.
But he said it was not a lack of experience by the doctor involved.
Prof Brennan later delivered baby Henry.
The inquest was held at Dublin City Coroner's Court.
After the verdict, Sorcha McMahon said they were happy to have got some answers after 27 months.
She said it was upsetting to learn of a six-hour delay in the transfer of baby Henry from Holles Street to the Children's Hospital, after he was born.
Mrs McMahon she she and her husband Simon were going into their third Christmas without him but did have a lovely baby girl.
