Italian hospital investigated after newborn dies under sleeping mother

Thousands sign petition calling for better postnatal care amid concerns over conditions in maternity units

Controversy is mounting in Italy over conditions in hospital maternity units after a newborn is believed to have died by suffocation under the weight of his mother who fell asleep after breastfeeding him.

An investigation is under way into the tragedy, which occurred at the Sandro Pertini hospital in Rome on 8 January. The results of the autopsy are expected within 60 days.