An inquest is set to be conducted by Coroner Dimitra Dubrow into the death of a six-day-old baby, referred to as Baby R, who passed away just days after a difficult home birth. The baby was delivered via emergency caesarean on August 19, 2022, at Bendigo Health in Victoria. His mother had opted for a home birth due to a previous traumatic hospital experience during her first pregnancy, but when Baby R’s heart rate became concerning during labour, they sought hospital assistance.
Unfortunately, Baby R was born in poor condition, displaying symptoms of a brain injury likely due to a lack of oxygen or blood flow, and he subsequently died at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. The inquest will examine whether the mother was adequately informed about potential risks associated with her pregnancy and if she should have been advised against a home birth given her medical history, which included complications from her first child’s birth.
Furthermore, the inquiry will scrutinise the midwifery care provided and the communication among healthcare professionals involved. Initial expert opinions suggest there were missed opportunities for risk assessment and necessary care escalation. The inquest is preliminarily expected to take place in July, with additional hearings likely. For those impacted by the loss of a child, the Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line is available at 1300 308 307.