A 36-year-old Australian midwife and social media content creator has been arrested and charged with manslaughter after a newborn died following a home birth she allegedly oversaw.
Oyebola “Bibi” Coxon, once known online for sharing graphic images of natural births and her own twin delivery, was taken into custody on Thursday, Aug. 14, nearly a year after the infant’s death.
A Home Birth Turns to Horror
According to police, the incident began on October 2, 2024, when Coxon attended a home in Wallsend, near Newcastle, to assist with a private birth. Over the next two days, investigators say, warning signs were ignored.
“Police will allege in court that the midwife did not act upon signs of complications and repeated requests by the woman to attend hospital,” the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force said in a statement.
On Oct. 4, the mother was finally rushed to John Hunter Hospital, where doctors performed an emergency C-section. Both the mother and the baby suffered “significant medical complications.”
The baby boy died six days later.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the tragedy, detectives launched Strike Force Girona to investigate. After nearly 11 months of gathering evidence, Coxon was arrested Thursday morning at Newcastle Police Station.
“This is a deeply distressing case,” an NSW Police spokesperson told local reporters. “The allegations are that proper medical intervention was delayed despite clear signs the situation was becoming critical.”
Coxon faces charges of manslaughter and reckless grievous bodily harm.
Influencer Persona Wiped Clean
Before her arrest, Coxon had gained a following on social media by promoting natural birthing practices and sharing intimate details of her own experiences as a mother and midwife. In 2022, she went viral for posting what outlets described as “graphic images” from the home birth of her twins.
But after the investigation began, Coxon’s online presence disappeared. Her Instagram, TikTok, and other social media accounts have all been deleted or taken offline.
“She had a big following,” one Newcastle mother told 7 News Australia. “A lot of women trusted her advice because she made home births seem beautiful and safe. It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen.”
Court Appearance and Restrictions
Coxon appeared in court Thursday afternoon and was granted conditional bail. Under the terms, she must:
- Stop practicing or teaching anything related to pregnancy or childbirth.
- Surrender both her Australian and Italian passports.
- Report daily to Nelson Bay Police Station.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for October.
A spokesperson for Hunter New England Health District confirmed Coxon had not been employed by the district “for several years.” Her last known midwife position was at New Maitland Hospital, though her professional registration status remains unclear.
Broader Debate Over Home Birth Safety
The case has reignited debate in Australia — and internationally — over the safety of unregulated home births. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, home births account for less than 1% of all births nationwide, but experts warn that inadequate emergency care can turn complications deadly.
“This is why protocols exist,” Dr. Amelia Price, an obstetrician at John Hunter Hospital, told local media. “Delaying hospital intervention in high-risk cases can be catastrophic for both mother and baby.”
As the case moves forward, grieving parents and midwifery advocates alike are watching closely.
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