A 27-year-old mum from Ramsbottom died from “rare complications” just weeks after her first baby was delivered by Caesarean section, an inquest heard.

Hayley Constable was admitted to hospital after her surgery wound became infected, but the infection led to a respiratory disorder and she suffered a stroke.

Hayley, of Bolton Street, died 26 days later, having only spent seven days at home with her son Alfie before she fell ill.

Experts told an inquest in Rochdale that they had not seen a case like it and that her death in 2011 could not have been prevented.

Alfie is now a happy,healthy two-year-old living with his dad, Martin Fitzpatrick, Rochdale Coroner’s Court heard. Hayley, who lived with her partner Martin, was “thrilled” to become a mum and was greatly looking forward to starting a family, the inquest was told.

The family said afterwards that she would never be forgotten and Alfie would always be told about his mum.

Hayley, who worked in insurance and went to Derby High and Bury College, gave birth to Alfie at Fairfield Hospital, Bury, on March 27, 2011.

The routine Caesarean was carried out because the baby was in distress after a long labour. She was discharged two days later.

Hayley then complained of pain and after visits from the midwife and a course of antibiotics was rushed back to hospital on April 5. She was transferred to North Manchester General Hospital a day later for exploratory surgery.

Her mum, Anne Constable, said she was in good spirits after surgery. She told the inquest: “She was positive and talking about Alfie. She was feeling positive about how things had gone.”

But her condition deteriorated and she began to struggle to breathe. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, a condition which blocks the lungs, was diagnosed.

Mrs Constable added: “We were told she might have hours to live or days to live or she could recover. Obviously, by then we realised it was life-threatening. It was just a nightmare. She was a very vibrant woman who was full of life and so adored. She was simply an amazing lady.”

Hayley was transferred to a specialist unit at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, where she died on April 22 surrounded by her family.

Consultant pathologist Alan Padwell said the infection from the abdominal wound resulted in a general infection throughout the body and caused the respiratory disease, which led to a stroke.

Recording a narrative verdict, coroner Simon Nelson ruled Hayley died as a result of “rare but recognised complications of necessary surgical intervention following foetal distress to her unborn child”.

He added: “She was clearly a very vivacious and attractive lady and I do hope that features of her personality continue to live on and we will see them as Alfie develops.”