'Lifeless' baby took two gasps after delivery, inquest hears
One expert has told the court there were likely signs of life when Alby Spreadborough was born at Emerald Hospital, while another disagreed.
Newborn Alby Spreadborough was born flat, pale and lifeless, but a doctor observed him briefly taking two breaths during emergency caesarean section delivery in February 2023. During a coronial inquest in Townsville, experts considered whether Alby was stillborn or died from a lack of oxygen. Specialist neonatologist Melissa Luig believed the brief breaths were signs of life and the baby may have had a slow heartbeat, while obstetrician Greg Duncombe thought Alby showed no signs of life.
Midwife Jess Nabe and parents Rebecca and Tim Spreadborough noted no breathing, heartbeat or pulse during delivery. The coroner heard the medical charts and decision-making surrounding the emergency caesarean section were questioned, with calls for better education about a rare condition Alby's mother had developed. The coroner will publish findings and recommendations after reviewing the evidence.
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