QuestionI have acquired a death certificate from 1920, which is of genealogical interest to my family. The cause of death is stated as "Hemorrhage of the Newborn." The baby was delivered at home, without professional help. A younger brother of the decedent was told that the umbilical cord was tied too tight. Is this a plausible explanation? If so, I'd be grateful for some elaboration. Thank you for your generous help.
AnswerI would be guessing on this....
Hemmorhage means bleeding, so the infant bled to death... the usual portal for bleeding is the umbilical veins and artery, the connection between mom and child. If it isn't tied off tightly, it can bleed. I don't know what "too tight" means because the goal is to tie it off.
Realize that causes of death on death certificates, even today, are generally not very accurate unless autopsies are done.
I hope this helps
