Baby dies after midwives who allegedly lacked adequate training, knowledge and equipment attempted breech home birth

A baby boy died after two women, who police say lacked adequate training, knowledge or equipment, allegedly assisted in a home birth. More than two years later, both have faced court.

The two midwives who allegedly lacked the adequate training, knowledge and equipment when they attempted the breech home birth of a baby boy who died shortly afterwards have appeared in court more than two years after the baby’s death.

Emergency services were called to a home near Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast on September 11, 2022, following a home birth.

The newborn boy was unresponsive following the birth and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before he was flown to Coffs Base Hospital.

He later died in hospital.

Penelope Burrows was charged with manslaughter. Picture: Supplied

Christina Meyer was also charged with manslaughter. Picture: Supplied.

Allegedly unregistered midwives Christina Meyer, 41, and Penelope “Penny” Burrows, 51, were both arrested at Dorrigo in March this year, more than two years after the boy’s death.

Both women were charged with manslaughter and granted bail.

Police will allege the women unlawfully killed the baby boy by attempting a breech home birth “without the adequate training, knowledge or equipment”.

Court documents, seen by NewsWire, state the pair allegedly caused the boy’s death in circumstances amounting to manslaughter.

Christina Meyer leaves Coffs Harbour Local Court. Picture: NewsWire / Toni Fuller

No pleas have been entered at this stage.

Their cases were both called up in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday morning.

Ms Meyer appeared in person, sporting a blue linen shirt and tote bag, while Ms Burrows was excused from appearing as she was legally represented.

Magistrate Theresa Hamilton adjourned both Ms Meyer and Ms Burrows’ matters until August 26 for a case conference mention.

Ms Meyer’s case was briefly heard on Tuesday. Picture: NewsWire / Toni Fuller

The Director of Public Prosecutions had earlier asked that Ms Meyer be called up at the same time as Ms Burrows so their matters could be dealt with at the same time; however, Ms Meyer was not in the room at the time, so her matter was dealt with separately.

The pair have also both been handed down interim prohibition orders by the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission.

They are unable to provide any health services, either paid or voluntarily, to any member of the public.

The orders, effective from March 2023, were renewed in May until July 10.

Ms Burrows’ bail conditions include not being in contact with Ms Meyer, nor can she go near or try to contact the boy’s family or any prosecution witnesses.

A senior constable who dealt with Ms Burrows’ bail conditions noted there was a concern if she was released from custody she could interfere with witnesses or evidence, according to court documents.