UPDATE: baby whose mother died in childbirth passes away after 18 days

UPDATE: 

A newborn baby has died 18 days after his mother died during childbirth in Florida. The little boy had been kept on life support after his mother passed away.

Matthew Accurso Jnr had been kept alive with breathing tubes while his family grieved the loss of Lauren Accurso, who died in childbirth on April 29.

Lauren was 37, and leaves behind her husband, Matthew and three older children.

The family's pastor, Matt McCloghry, confirmed the sad news on Facebook. 

“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,” he wrote.

“Thank you for continuing to pray and support this family during this difficult time. They are so grateful for your prayers and your support.”

Baby Matthew had suffered extensive brain injury after severe loss of oxygen during his birth.

EARLIER:

The newborn baby of a US woman who died in childbirth is set to be taken off life support, his father has confirmed.

Little Matthew Accurso Jnr has been kept alive for the past week in hospital while his father grieved the loss of his mother, who died during childbirth due to a rare medical complication.

The couple have three daughters - baby Matthew was their first son.

In a post on social media, the baby’s father Matt Accurso shared the news that his son would need to be removed from life support due to extensive brain injuries.

“Today was one of the hardest days of my life. It will forever be etched in my brain,” he wrote.

“I sat in a room at Wolfsons hospital with 15 highly qualified medical professionals who all care deeply for our son Matthew. Unfortunately, the last thing I ever thought I would have to talk about as a father was now very real and happening.

“Matthew is suffering from significant brain injury due to a prolonged period without oxygen during his birth.

“As a result, several serious complications related to cognitive function and development have become a reality for Matthew.

"I was brought back down to the reality that my only son, the sweet boy that my wife so diligently and lovingly carried for 9 months is in a situation that daddy could not fix."

Despite the devastating impact of losing first his wife, and now his infant son, Matt remains positive and grateful to those around him for support, he says.

“What I’ve learned is that miracles are miracles whether we choose to see them or not. My miracle was having my soul mate by my side for almost 20 years and then being so blessed to give her 4 gorgeous babies.

“My miracle is holding my son for as many precious moments as possible and when the time comes, lifting him up to his mommy so that she can hold him for the first time in paradise.

“I would be so grateful for your prayers in the coming days as we work with the doctors and medical staff and plan to see Matthew off to his mommy and Heavenly Father.”

Our thoughts are with Matt and his family.