An Auckland mother-of-four has died unexpectedly from medical complications after delivering her baby by C-section.
South Auckland woman Tammy Nathan-Belk died on November 6, ten days after undergoing a caesarean section for her fourth child, Koraleigh.
Family members told Stuff the 25-year-old was their 'ray of sunshine'.
It is believed her body rejected the internal stitches from the C-section, causing acute appendicitis.
Money is being raised for the Māngere mother's family through a Givealittle page for her funeral and to help support the family.
Nathan-Belk's aunty, Emma Afa, said the family are struggling to come to terms with the loss.
"The shock the whānau are all experiencing is indescribable," she shared on the donation page.
"There are truly no words to explain the tremendous loss that Tammy's unexpected death brings."
A Counties Manukau Health spokesperson told Stuff the death of any patient in the DHB's care was treated with the "greatest respect" and carefully reviewed.
"All serious events, including unexpected deaths, are investigated by the DHB and any maternal case is also reported to a national perinatal mortality committee for independent review," the spokesperson said.
Nathan-Belk's newborn, Koraleigh, is "thriving and doing really well," family said.
