Mother’s Home Birth Using Influencer’s Method Turns Tragic As Newborn Dies After Pool Delivery

A Melbourne mother’s decision to “freebirth” at home using a birthing pool rented from Instagram influencer Emily Lal ended in tragedy when her healthy newborn died just hours after birth. According to the coroner’s report, the death would have been “highly unlikely” if the birth had taken place in a hospital or under professional midwife care. Lal, who goes by “The Authentic Birthkeeper” online, advocates for unassisted water births and encourages skepticism toward medical institutions. Paramedics were unable to revive the baby, prompting urgent warnings about the risks of unsafe DIY birthing practices.