A pair of twins died during a “wild birth” in Byron Bay in an incident medical experts believe was “completely avoidable”.
The first baby was stillborn and the second died after being transferred to Tweed Hospital in northern New South Wales.
Police attended the scene after the births and have launched an investigation. No charges have been filed.
The twins were born premature but were more than 23 weeks old, a gestation period considered viable.
Her parents received no medical assistance during pregnancy or childbirth, including ultrasounds or heartbeat checks, as part of a pregnancy trend called “wildbirth.”
A pair of twins died during a “wild birth”, in which parents forgo medical assistance entirely during pregnancy and birth, in Byron Bay last week.
It is understood the couple did not know they were having twins.
A medical source told Daily Telegraph the babies’ deaths were “avoidable.”
‘At least the second one was born viable. If he was born in the hospital, he had a chance. That child had rights,’ they said.
Wild births, also known as free births, are gaining popularity among residents of Byron Bay, a region that has traditionally had a high rate of home births.
An Australian Facebook group for parents considering a wild birth described itself as a “space for women who align themselves with unassisted pregnancy, birth and postpartum.”
“Conversations about assistance are minimal and you receive support to give birth on your terms,” ​​she says.
Some wildbirth supporters believe that medical care during pregnancy, including ultrasounds, can harm babies.
Home births are usually attended by a midwife.
A police source described the twins’ deaths as “tragic because it was avoidable.”
Australia is one of the safest places in the world to give birth; However, planned home births almost double the risk of serious problems for the baby, from five in 1,000 in a hospital birth to nine in 1,000.
Home births, which are popular in Byron Bay, almost double the risk of serious problems for the baby, from five in 1,000 in a hospital birth to nine in 1,000.
Due to the popularity of home births in the region, the New South Wales Local Health District offers a home birth service to “support the choice of midwife-assisted, planned home birth as a safe option for women.” women with uncomplicated pregnancies.
The Northern New South Wales Local Health District facilitated 23 planned home births in 2023.
Lismore pediatrician Dr Chris Ingall believes home births would be less popular if parents were properly informed of their risks.
“I am in favor of women’s choice, but that depends on being well informed,” he said.
‘Based on my own experiences, when a baby receives special care after something goes wrong, I ask “do you think you were informed that this was a likely outcome?” and they always say no.
“I don’t think they’re getting good information about that choice and how it can affect the baby.”
However, Byron Bay-based childbirth educator Maha Al Musa explained that many mothers turn to home births because hospital births leave them “feeling traumatised”.
The twins’ deaths follow that of a breech baby in nearby Nimbin, who was born in February 2015.
Northern New South Wales pediatrician Dr Chris Ingall (pictured) believes home births would be less popular if parents were properly informed about their risks.
During the coroner’s inquest into the baby’s death, his father said that if he and the mother had known the baby had defaulted, they would have gone to hospital.
There was no midwife or medically qualified person present during the birth.
A health district spokeswoman urged all expectant parents to consult with doctors early in pregnancy and seek professional advice before opting for a home birth.