Private Midwife and Content Creator Arrested and Charged with Manslaughter After Baby Dies Following Home Birth

A private midwife has been arrested in connection with the death of a baby following a home birth in Australia.

On Thursday, Aug. 14, the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force confirmed that a 36-year-old woman was taken into custody at Newcastle Police Station around 8:30 a.m. local time “following extensive inquiries by strike force detectives,” according to a news release.

The woman was identified by police as Oyebola Coxon. According to 7 News, Coxon, who also went by the name Bibi, was a content creator, though her social media accounts appear to have been deleted.

In the statement, police said: “A woman who worked as a midwife will face court today charged with manslaughter following the death of a baby during a home birth near Newcastle last year.”

Authorities allege that on Oct. 2, 2024, Coxon attended a home in Wallsend to assist with a birth. Over the next two days, police claim she ignored signs of complications and requests from the mother to go to the hospital. On Oct. 4, 2024, the mother went to John Hunter Hospital, where the baby was delivered by emergency caesarean.

Both mother and child reportedly suffered serious medical complications. The baby boy died in the hospital on Oct. 10, 2024. Police from the Newcastle City Police District launched inquiries under Strike Force Girona.

Coxon now faces charges of manslaughter and reckless grievous bodily harm.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Coxon was granted conditional bail after a Thursday court appearance. Her bail conditions bar her from practicing or teaching in any field related to pregnancy or birth. She must also surrender her Italian and Australian passports and report daily to Nelson Bay Police Station.

A spokesperson for the Hunter New England Health District told 7 News that Coxon had not worked with the health service for several years. The outlet also reported she went viral in 2022 for sharing “graphic images” of her twins’ home birth.

A LinkedIn profile that appears to belong to Coxon lists her last midwife role at New Maitland Hospital in Metford, though the page does not appear to be current.

Her case is expected to return to court in October, per the ABC.