A MIDWIFE has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a baby who she helped deliver at a home birth.
Oyebola Coxon , 36, a privately practising midwife attended a home to assist a woman with her birth.
The home birth "guru" from Australia with over 40,000 social media followers allegedly left the mum in labour for two days without calling for an ambulance.
Cops said the death came eight days after the attempted home birth on October 2, 2024 after the Italian-born midwife allegedly ignored complications and requests to be taken to hospital.
The mum eventually went to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital and delivered the baby by emergency cesarean - but the baby boy could not be saved and died over a week later.
The influencer mid-wife had been building a social media presence by promoting herself as a guru and advocate of natural, at-home child-birth.
A channel created by Coxon called “Mamma Informata” pushes shocking information about blood tests and ultrasounds being unnecessary, gestational diabetes being non-existent, and that hospital visits increased the risk of infection
In her videos and paid courses Coxon also encouraged women to give birth at home - even in high-risk cases, including breech deliveries and twins.
She promised what she called "positive births" without epidurals or cesareans, urging women to resist doctors’ advice even in emergencies.
Following a police investigation into the incident, Coxon, who often called herself “Bibi” online, was taken into custody in Wallsend, New South Wales, on 14th August.
Coxon’s charges were related to the death of a baby during prolonged home birth- resulting in manslaughter and reckless grievous bodily harm.
Coxon, originally from Mantua in northern Italy, studied in Parma before moving to Australia.
Her huge following of 40,000 followers are made up of many young moms attracted to her claims of pain-free, natural childbirth.
She often slams mainstream medical advice claiming that paediatricians were just after money, gestational diabetes was a "myth", and that toxoplasmosis was not a risk in pregnancy.
Coxon’s arrest has sparked major outrage in Australia and Italy about the limits of giving health advice online.
There has also been an uproar on social media about “gurus” promoting fake medical misinformation to vulnerable women.
Journalists - including Francesca Bubba, who has investigated Coxon's methods said: “This is a tragedy that could have been prevented”.
She also claims her teachings are dangerous and unscientific.
Coxon was granted conditional bail after appearing in court last Thursday afternoon.
Under strict conditions, she is no longer allowed to act, practice or educate anyone relating to any birth or pregnancy.
She must also surrender her Italian and Australian passports and report to Nelson Bay Police Station daily.
Coxon's trial is set to begin at Newcastle Crown Court on October 15, 2025.
