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Mum plunges to death after breastfeeding problems

Yahoo!7 May 5, 2009, 11:00 pm

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A British mother fell to her death from the roof of a New York apartment block after she became depressed about not being able to breastfeed her baby properly, an inquest has heard.

Katy Isden fell from the top of the 20-floor building just four months after becoming a mother for the first time, UK newspapers report.

The 30-year-old was captured on CCTV cameras as she took the lift alone to the top of the building, and climbed out onto the roof. Footage from another security tape showed her falling more than 92m to the ground on November 3 2008. She died instantly.

The inquest was told that Mrs Isden had become depressed four months after giving birth to her son Benjamin, because she was having problems getting the child to breastfeed.

Mrs Isden, a teacher, and her husband James, 31, had reportedly moved to New York from their home in the UK 18 months before her death and lived in Manhattan.

Worcestershire Coroner Geraint Williams heard Mr Isden last saw his wife at 6.30am on the day she died.

"He said she was upset nursing the child and had an appointment to see the lactation nurse that morning. She had seemed depressed about the feeding difficulties but had sought no help about that," said Mr Williams.

Mrs Isden's father Cavin O'Keefe, 64, told the hearing he recalled a conversation she had with her mother in which she seemed "in distress, upset and unhappy."

"Her mother arranged to fly out but the visit was put off until the Monday because my daughter had a friend stopping over for the weekend. Then, of course, when my wife was out there it was all over," he said.

"Afterwards in the apartment a letter from Katy to her mother was found which read: 'I have an appointment [with the nurse] at 11.30am, I will see you when I get back'."

Mr Williams recorded an open verdict, saying it was not clear if Mrs Isden fell or jumped.

Blood and toxicology tests revealed no trace of alcohol or drugs in her system.

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86 Comments

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Lilith J 10:56am Saturday 09th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
I actually can't believe that all of you are making comments about breastfeeding. This story is about post-partum depression. THAT is what this story is about (and your comments should be about).
Robert 07:20am Saturday 09th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
I am a Mother of 2, Nana of 6, when I had my first born he was bottle fed. It was September, so plenty of babies. Out of the whole ward Myself and another Mother bottlefed; we were kept seperate from breastfed Mothers. Our babies were both happy & contented babies, and slept well. I would lo ...
Karen 06:12pm Wednesday 06th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
I believe breastfeeding is the best option, but not the ONLY one. Trying and feeling like your failing is an awful feeling, I've been there. You are pushed so hard to breastfeed, and I agree with belynda12au that the people pushing it need to back off. I was wrongly diagnosed with PND and I ...
lynda 04:59pm Wednesday 06th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
this is truly a tragedy.this poor mother felt so bad about not being able to breastfeed that she would take her own llfe.i think the people promoting breastfeeding should think about this and stop being so pushy with their attitudes.i bottle fed my son and it certainly didn't do him any harm ...
Charlotte 04:40pm Wednesday 06th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
i so agree with you mandy. my friend had a baby and she couldn't stand the nurse who was helping her so she went to someone else. i feel sorry for the child more than i do for the others.. he would never remember his mum. ):
mandyj67 04:11pm Wednesday 06th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
I've wondered when something like this was gonna happen. Breastfeeding is the best thing for babies, but doctors and midwives need to back off a bit when there are problems. It seems like it should be the most natural, easy thing in the world, but it's just not like that. A lot ...
Charnay 03:49pm Wednesday 06th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
This is truly a tragic loss , we women need to nurture and help other women before it's too late. Mothers Sisters, Grandmothers and Girlfriends have a vital supportive role to play.
Rabia 03:08pm Wednesday 06th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
I see this tragic event as no one's fault in particular.Inadequite support structures which occur with our global environmental changes.Family, especially Mums/Grandmums & friends are not around when one needs emotional & hands on support.Husbands are a fantastic support yet ...
Rabia 03:08pm Wednesday 06th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
I see this tragic event as no one's fault in particular.Inadequite support structures which occur with our global environmental changes.Family, especially Mums/Grandmums & friends are not around when one needs emotional & hands on support.Husbands are a fantastic support yet ...
Ana 02:55pm Wednesday 06th May 2009 EST Report Abuse
Then on the other hand if your like my sister and breastmilk is like water and the baby is starving to death then the mother needs to be helped and supported and told that formula is the best thing for her baby.