A tragic incident in Moscow has brought to light the critical risks associated with home births conducted without proper medical supervision. Aisha Rakaeva, a 27-year-old social media influencer, gave birth to her son in an inflatable pool at her flat on December 13 last year. Sadly, the infant, though born alive, died approximately an hour later, reportedly due to drowning in amniotic fluid.

The woman assisting Rakaeva, 59-year-old Natalia Kotlar, was swiftly arrested following the tragedy. Kotlar had presented herself with an impressive resume, claiming to be an experienced psychologist, educator, head of a parenting culture centre, and an instructor of 'Gentle Birth' courses. She had even authored a book on water births and asserted frequent international work invitations. However, police investigations revealed that Kotlar possessed no formal medical qualifications, nor any higher medical education or specialization in obstetrics and gynecology, contrary to what Rakaeva apparently believed. Law enforcement sources stated the baby "choked on amniotic fluid," underscoring the severity of the situation.

Babies in the womb are immersed in amniotic fluid, which serves vital functions like cushioning against injury, maintaining temperature, and aiding lung and musculoskeletal development. Oxygen is typically supplied via the placenta and umbilical cord. Post-birth, fluid in the lungs is naturally absorbed, but complications can arise, leading to severe breathing problems. One such potentially deadly condition is Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN), where excess fluid remains in the lungs. While it is not confirmed if Ms. Rakaeva's baby suffered from TTN, a condition usually diagnosed by a doctor shortly after birth and requiring extra oxygen, the lack of immediate medical intervention in this home setting proved fatal.

Natalia Kotlar has been charged with illegal medical practice and providing services that failed to meet safety requirements. Despite reportedly denying wrongdoing and challenging her pre-trial detention, medical experts have voiced strong opinions on the necessity of professional training. Obstetrician, gynaecologist, and public health expert Lyubov Yerofeyeva emphasized that safe childbirth requires extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills, not just practical know-how. Yerofeyeva stated that a trained professional would recognize danger signs, such as a rising fetal heart rate, and promptly seek emergency medical assistance, which could have saved the baby's life.

Aisha Rakaeva, known as Aisha Chigga to her over 1.5 million social media followers, expressed her profound grief on Telegram, describing the loss as "the hardest moment of my life." She shared her hospitalization and ongoing emotional and psychological struggles, appealing for her fans' moral support amidst threats and investigations.

This incident draws parallels with another recent tragedy in the UK, where newborn Pippa Gillibrand died after a botched home birth in August 2024. An inquest heard that community midwives failed to properly monitor her heartbeat during a busy Bank Holiday weekend. Pippa suffered brain damage from oxygen deprivation during delivery and passed away at 12 days old. Her parents, Victoria and Thomas Gillibrand, expressed their deep sorrow and hope that the inquest would provide answers regarding the inadequate care, which was potentially exacerbated by staff shortages. Both cases tragically highlight the critical importance of qualified medical oversight during childbirth, whether in a hospital or at home, to prevent potentially avoidable deaths and ensure the safety of both mother and child.