The mother of a baby who died two hours after birth was given a drug to speed up labour despite evidence that the baby was already struggling to obtain sufficient oxygen, a court has heard.

Kathryn Windmill's baby Mabel Grace was unable to be resuscitated after she was born in an emergency caesarean at the LaTrobe Valley Regional Hospital on October 10, 2012.

Sam and Kathryn Windmill outside the Victorian Coroner's Court on Tuesday. Credit:Wayne Taylor

Mrs Windmill, whose obesity placed her and her baby at greater risk of complications, laboured for more than 13 hours before being transferred for an emergency caesarean section at 5.10pm.

Obstetrician Christine Tippett reviewed the case, telling the Victorian Coroner's Court on Tuesday that referring Mrs Windmill for a caesarean section many hours earlier would have given Mabel a better chance of survival.