Doula Support After Baby Death: Coroner’s Call for Guidance
- A coroner has issued a warning that more babies could die if clearer guidance isn't established regarding the role of home birthing assistants, specifically after a case where...
- Matilda Pomfret-Thomas died in November 2023 from a brain injury, 15 days after a difficult home birth where timely transfer to a hospital was delayed despite indications of...
- A prevention of future deaths report, published on january 17, 2024, calls on the Department of Health and the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)...
Coroner Warns of Potential Infant Deaths Due to doula Practices
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A coroner has issued a warning that more babies could die if clearer guidance isn’t established regarding the role of home birthing assistants, specifically after a case where a doula’s actions potentially delayed critical medical care.
The Death of Matilda Pomfret-thomas
Matilda Pomfret-Thomas died in November 2023 from a brain injury, 15 days after a difficult home birth where timely transfer to a hospital was delayed despite indications of fetal distress, according to an inquest concluded last month.
Prevention of Future Deaths Report
A prevention of future deaths report, published on january 17, 2024, calls on the Department of Health and the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to address potential risks associated with doulas. Doulas are non-medical professionals who offer emotional and practical support during pregnancy and childbirth, often working alongside National Health Service (NHS) midwives.
Midwife access Restricted
Hampshire assistant coroner Henry Charles found that midwives from Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra Hospital felt their access was “being restricted by the doula” when Matilda’s mother went into labor on October 29, 2023. The first offer to transfer the mother to the hospital came at 7:19 a.m. after meconium – a substance indicating fetal stress - was detected.