Coroner calls for more guidance on doulas after baby’s death in Hampshire

Prevention of future deaths report issued after delay in taking mother of Matilda Pomfret-Thomas to hospital

A coroner has warned that more babies could die without greater clarity and guidance over the role of home birthing assistants, after the death of a baby girl raised concerns about a doula delaying access to hospital treatment.

Matilda Pomfret-Thomas died of a brain injury in November 2023, 15 days after her mother had a difficult home labour and was not immediately transferred to hospital despite signs of foetal distress, an inquest concluded last month.