Coroner Rules Melbourne Newborn’s Death in Home-Birthing Pool Was Likely Preventable
She also stated that if a midwife had attended the birth, signs of distress would have triggered an immediate hospital transfer.
A newborn in Melbourne, Australia, died after being delivered in a home-birthing pool promoted online by a self-described “birthkeeper,” according to findings released by the Coroners Court of Victoria. The court concluded that the death was “unlikely” to have occurred had the baby been born in a hospital or during a planned home birth with a qualified midwife present.
The inquest centered on the December 2022 birth of “Baby E,” whose mother, referred to in court documents as Ms. E, had chosen to give birth without medical assistance after being influenced by content she had seen online.
Months before going into labor, Ms. E contacted social media figure Emily Lal, known on Instagram as The Authentic Birthkeeper. Lal hires out “freebirth” pools — birthing pools used without medical supervision — and publicly states she has become “disillusioned with the medical system,” claiming midwives are “complicit in, and contributing to, the harm of women.”
After hiring one of Lal’s pools, Ms. E kept in touch socially with the influencer but did not seek further medical or labor-related advice from her. Ms. E said she intended to have Lal visit after the birth for a postpartum check.
The mother refused to have her baby with any medical intervention
Labor and Tragic Outcome
When Ms. E went into labor, she delivered her daughter in the hired pool at home. After the birth, she was unable to deliver the placenta until the following morning. Around that time, she noticed her baby was unresponsive.
In a message to Lal, she wrote, “We can’t wake her; we aren’t sure if she’s breathing,” attaching a photo of the baby whose face had begun to turn blue. Lal did not see the message for approximately 25 minutes. When she eventually FaceTimed Ms. E and believed the baby had died, she told the parents to call an ambulance.
Paramedics arrived to find the newborn without a heartbeat and performed CPR for 30 minutes. Despite their efforts, the baby was pronounced dead. Ms. E was later transferred to Mercy Women’s Hospital for treatment.
Understanding the Psychology Behind Home Birth Decisions
Many factors influence a woman's decision to have a home birth, and these factors are often complex and multifaceted. Research by Lindgren et al. (2008) suggests that women who choose home births often value the comfort, privacy, and perceived control they have in their own environment. However, it's important to remember that the desire for a 'natural' birth can sometimes overshadow the potential risks involved, especially when medical professionals are not present.
Ms. E birthed her daughter at home
Findings from the Inquest
The coroner’s report cited forensic pathologist Dr. Yeliena Baber, who determined that the baby was healthy at birth and that death was caused by the prolonged delivery in the home-birthing pool. Dr. Baber concluded, “If Baby E was born in a hospital and Ms. E had received appropriate antenatal care, it is highly unlikely that Baby E would have died.”
She also stated that if a midwife had attended the birth, signs of distress would have triggered an immediate hospital transfer. The autopsy revealed the presence of Rhizobium radiobacter bacteria in the baby’s lung and ear, raising concerns about whether safe hygiene guidelines were followed for the plastic birthing pool.
Coroner Catherine Fitzgerald supported these findings, noting that the death “was unlikely to have occurred if the birth had taken place in a hospital setting” or during a planned home birth with qualified midwife support. Fitzgerald drew a clear distinction between a home birth and a “freebirth,” the latter meaning a birth without any trained medical or midwifery assistance.
She added, “The publicly available information regarding water birth is not directed at women intending to birth at home with no medical assistance or antenatal medical management. It is difficult to see how these guidelines could be of practical use in a freebirth where no one with appropriate medical training is involved.”
The inquest also noted that Ms. E’s only consultation with her GP came late in the pregnancy, providing little chance for informed discussion about birth options.
No Adverse Findings Against Parents or Influencer
The coroner did not make any adverse legal findings against Ms. E, her partner, or Lal.
Lal appeared to address the ruling in an Instagram post, writing, “It’s devastating when a baby dies, regardless of where or how. However, the difference between how a mother is treated when her baby dies in a sovereign birth at home versus when a baby dies in the system, be it in a hospital or at home with private midwives, is so stark. I can’t help but feel that the entire coronial process has been used as a stick to punish the mother involved in the death that is being reported in the media and anyone associated with her.”The court’s findings have reignited discussions in Australia about the risks of unassisted home births and the influence of online figures who promote them. Medical authorities continue to warn that while water births can be safe under professional supervision, attempting them without trained medical support carries significant dangers for both mother and child.
Psychologically, the fear of hospitals or medical procedures, also known as nosocomephobia, can play a significant role in the decision to opt for a home birth. The study by Rhodes and Segre (2013) shows that these fears can be based on previous traumatic experiences, perceived loss of control, or simply a lack of understanding of medical procedures. It's crucial that these fears are addressed and that women are provided with comprehensive and accurate information to make informed decisions about their birthing options.
The Role of Social Media in Childbirth Decisions
The influence of social media on health-related decisions can't be underestimated. As noted by Dr. Kelly Brogan, a psychiatrist, "Social media can create a false sense of security around home births, often romanticizing the experience while neglecting the potential risks." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Harvey Karp, a pediatrician, who states, "While home births can be empowering, it is crucial for parents to be fully informed about the medical implications and risks involved." These platforms can shape perceptions and decisions about childbirth, often promoting home births as a more 'authentic' experience, yet they can sometimes downplay the associated risks, leading to less informed decisions.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Understanding the psychological factors that influence birthing decisions is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and child. While home births can offer benefits such as comfort and perceived control, it's essential that these are balanced against the potential risks, especially in the absence of medical professionals. Greater education and support can help women make informed decisions about their birthing options and mitigate the influence of misleading information on social media.
