Shocking: Baby Dies as Couple Opts for DIY Home Delivery
In Periya Sengeerai village of Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district, a newborn baby passed away shortly after being delivered at home. The young couple, Abhirami (27) and her husband Rajasekar are now facing legal and health department scrutiny for their decision to conduct a home delivery using guidance from YouTube videos.
Delivery Conducted at Home Without Medical Supervision
Abhirami, who was nine months pregnant with her second child, went into labour on December 11. Instead of seeking medical assistance, her husband and mother-in-law performed the delivery at home, relying on information they had gathered online. Initially, the baby cried and was breastfed, but within an hour, the newborn lost consciousness and showed signs of hypothermia. Tragically, the baby passed away despite the couple’s efforts.
Burial on Family Property and Police Involvement
The couple buried the baby near the grave of their first child, who had died at the age of three months due to a neural tumour, according to their account. Local authorities were alerted to the incident on December 12, prompting a swift investigation.
Health Officials Launch Investigation
On the orders of Dr. P. Vijayakumar, Deputy Director of Health Services (DDHS) for the Aranthangi health unit, a medical team visited the couple’s residence. The team included the block medical officer (BMO) from Ponpethi, a medical officer (MO), and the village health nurse (VHN).
Their investigation revealed that Abhirami and Rajasekar had avoided antenatal care (ANC) at the local public health centre during her second pregnancy. While Abhirami had previously relied on public health services during her first pregnancy, the couple chose to forgo professional care this time.
Educational Background and Motivation Behind Home Delivery
Both parents are educated—Rajasekar holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree, while Abhirami has a Bachelor of Science degree. After losing their first child, they reportedly turned away from allopathic medicine and researched home delivery techniques online.
Mother Receives Post-Delivery Medical Care
Following the delivery, Abhirami retained the placenta, a potentially life-threatening complication. She was transferred to the government hospital in Aranthangi for medical treatment, where she is currently under observation.
Legal and Medical Action Initiated
Health officials confirmed the case had been reported to the Aavudaiyarkovil police station. The BMO of Ponpethi filed a formal complaint against the couple for their actions, which may have contributed to the newborn’s death.
Conclusion
In November there was another incident where A 36-year-old man in Tamil Nadu delivered his third child at home using instructions from a WhatsApp group. This tragic incident has sparked discussions about the risks of unassisted home deliveries and the importance of antenatal care. Health officials emphasized the need for proper medical monitoring during pregnancy to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
