Call for back-up after home birth death

A home birth that ended in tragedy has prompted Wellington's coroner to call for back-up midwives at all home births. File photo / Sarah Ivey

A Motueka home birth that ended in tragedy has prompted Wellington's coroner to call for back-up midwives at all home births.

In his report released today, Ian Smith found Breeze Marshall died at Nelson Hospital from "extreme complications" shortly after he was born at home on October 14, 2006.

Mr Smith said he was concerned there wasn't another midwife available to support the lead midwife during Breeze's birth.

"It is not good practice to go it alone," he said.

He said midwives should not operate in isolation and a backup midwife should be available or a planned hospital alternative.

He also recommended midwives advise women and their partners, who were planning home births, about any risks of home birthing.

Police had conducted an investigation into Breeze's death and found there were no suspicious circumstances.

The couple have since had another child.

- NZPA