Allegedly unregistered midwife Christina Meyer fronts court after baby dies in home birth

An allegedly unregistered midwife who police say assisted in the home birth of a baby boy who died shortly afterwards has appeared in court more than two years after the death.

Emergency services were called to a home near Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast on September 11, 2022, following a home birth.

The newborn boy was unresponsive following the birth and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before he was flown to Coffs Base Hospital.

He later died in hospital.

Allegedly unregistered midwives Christina Meyer, 41, and Penelope “Penny” Burrows, 51, were both arrested at Dorrigo in March this year, more than two years after the boy’s death.

Both women were charged with manslaughter and granted bail.

No pleas have been entered at this stage.

Their cases were both called up in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday morning.

Ms Meyer appeared in person, sporting a blue linen shirt and tote bag, while Ms Burrows was excused from appearing as she was legally represented.

Magistrate Theresa Hamilton adjourned both Ms Meyer and Ms Burrows’ matters until August 26 for a case conference mention.

The Director of Public Prosecutions had earlier asked that Ms Meyer be called up at the same time as Ms Burrows so their matters could be dealt with at the same time; however, Ms Meyer was not in the room at the time, so her matter was dealt with separately.

The pair have also both been handed down interim prohibition orders by the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission.

They are unable to provide any health services, either paid or voluntarily, to any member of the public.

The orders, effective from March 2023, were renewed in May until July 10.