Newborn Dies In Australia After Mother Uses Instagram-Approved Home Birthing Pool, Know How Safe is Waterbirth

A newborn in Australia tragically died after a home waterbirth using an Instagram-promoted birthing pool. Learn the truth about waterbirth safety and potential risks.

A newborn infant in Australia died after her mother gave birth in a ‘home-birthing’ pool hired by freebirth-promoting socialite Emily Lal. According to the Coroners Court of Victoria’s conclusions, it is “unlikely” that the newborn girl would have died if she had been born in a hospital or with a midwife present in December 2022.

The mother, identified as Mrs E in the coroner’s report, was 41 years old when she became pregnant with Baby E in March 2022. She did not attend a general practitioner (GP) or an obstetrician for routine pregnancy tests and scans, and she intended to give birth at home in a birthing pool, according to the study.

During her pregnancy, she only saw a general practitioner once, to determine whether there were two or one heartbeat. Mrs E declined to get a blood test and an ultrasound. Instead, he informed the doctor that she had a “team” planning the birth.

What is the ‘Freebirth’ Phenomenon?

Freebirth, or unassisted childbirth, is a growing trend on social media. Influencers often frame water births as serene and empowering, promoting them as natural alternatives to medicalised births. However, medical professionals caution that this portrayal omits the inherent risks when births occur without proper supervision.

What Are The Risk Factors?

Unsupervised or DIY water births amplify underlying risks:

There is no time to lose when emergencies such as foetal distress, labour that is taking too long or problems in the cord occur, and delays in emergency response may be fatal.
Sanitation is essential: the pools which are not washed thoroughly can contain pathogens, which increases the chances of being infected by this mother and the child.
Breathing problems can occur: a study has shown that waterbirth infants occasionally respond to more respiratory assistance, but overall, their medical results matched the on-the-ground birth results.

Can Waterbirths Be Performed Safely?

Yes, waterbirths can be done safely for many low-risk pregnancies, but only when they’re done in the right setting with trained clinicians, clear protocols, and emergency plans. However, the “DIY” technique depicted in many social media videos ignores the need for infection control, proper water temperature, and quick infant assessment.

FAQs

What are the potential risks of waterbirth?

Possible risks include breathing difficulties for the baby, infections, umbilical cord complications, and delayed emergency response if the baby or mother experiences distress during delivery.

Is waterbirth safe for newborns and mothers?

Waterbirth can be safe under medical guidance in a hospital or birthing centre. However, risks increase significantly when attempted at home without trained healthcare professionals, as complications may go unnoticed or be treated too late.