A mother whose newborn baby passed away just a week after birth recounted a distressing moment when the baby, appearing blue and limp, was placed on her chest by an enthusiastic midwife during a planned home birth. The tragic incident occurred at University College Hospital in London on October 26, 2022, following complications arising from the delivery process.
The mother, Gemma Lomas, had opted for a home birth facilitated by the Edgware Midwives team at Barnett Hospital, which is part of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. During the subsequent inquest at Barnet Coroner’s Court, it was revealed that Gemma had not been adequately informed about the potential risks associated with a natural delivery, especially given her prior caesarean section for the birth of her first child.
Testifying at the inquest, Gemma described how the midwives appeared slow to respond when her newborn, Poppy Hope Lomas, was born in distress, with the baby showing signs of oxygen deprivation. Despite expressing concerns and discomfort, Gemma felt encouraged by the midwife, Alice Boardman, who advocated for a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) at home, assuring her that it was a routine procedure they handled regularly.
Guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend that VBACs be conducted in a well-equipped facility with immediate access to cesarean resources, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols. Sadly, Poppy’s condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting her transfer to University College Hospital where she eventually succumbed to her injuries after life support was withdrawn.
The grieving parents, Gemma and Jason Lomas, faced the heart-wrenching reality of losing their daughter due to what was determined as an extended period of oxygen deprivation during birth. They also highlighted instances where their concerns, including Gemma’s physical pain from her previous C-section scar, were disregarded by the attending midwives.
Reflecting on the loss of their healthy baby, Gemma expressed the added anguish of the tragedy unfolding in the supposed safety of their home. The inquest, presided over by senior coroner Andrew Walker, has been adjourned to gather further evidence from the Edgware Midwives involved in the case.