Newborn Dies After Instagram-Linked Home Birth in Melbourne

A newborn girl died following a home birth using a birthing pool rented from Melbourne-based Instagram influencer Emily Lal, who promotes 'freebirths' and rejects medical intervention during childbirth. The mother, Ms E, did not seek regular medical care during pregnancy and only saw a GP at 36 weeks. Ms E maintained social contact with Ms Lal but did not seek professional advice or services, only renting the pool and asking about a postpartum visit. After the birth in December 2022, Ms E was unable to deliver the placenta and sent messages to Ms Lal expressing concern about the baby’s condition, including a photo showing the baby’s blue face. Paramedics were unable to revive the baby, whose death was attributed to neonatal pneumonia, meconium aspiration, and infections linked to prolonged labor without medical support. Forensic pathologist Dr. Yeliena Baber concluded the death was likely preventable had the birth occurred in a hospital or had appropriate midwife support been present, highlighting the risks associated with medically unsupported home births promoted by freebirth advocates.