A woman from near St. Stephen, N.B., who was charged in connection with the death of her newborn boy, has changed her plea to guilty.

Becky Sue Morrow, 27, was charged in March with disposing of the dead body of a child with the intent to conceal its birth, after police found a male infant in the backyard of her home in Old Ridge. She was also charged with improperly or indecently offering an indignity to a dead human body.

A pathologist examined the body, but was unable to determine whether the boy died of natural causes.

Morrow had pleaded not guilty to the charges on April 12 and was scheduled to appear in court in St. Stephen on Tuesday so a trial date could be set.

The slight woman — wearing jeans, a dark blue hoodie and sneakers — entered court flanked by her parents. Her father held her tightly throughout the proceedings and she rested her head on his shoulder, weeping.

When the judge asked for her plea, Morrow replied, "Guilty," in a voice so quiet she was asked to repeat herself.

Crown prosecutor Jim McAvity read transcripts of police interviews with Morrow, her roommate, some acquaintances and her family, first warning those present that the contents were graphic.

According to the reports, Morrow had concealed a previous pregnancy, giving birth in February of 2005 to a child who is no longer in her custody. Friends told police they suspected Morrow was pregnant again, as she had visibly gained weight. However, Morrow denied her condition and wore baggy clothing.

According to statements that Morrow gave police, the infant died of natural causes either before, during or directly after birth before 3 a.m. on March 12, in the bathroom of the home she shared with a female roommate.

Morrow told police that she gave birth, wrapped the child in a towel and, crying, held him on the floor of the bathroom. She said she then placed the body in a box in her bedroom, cleaned the bathroom and bathed.

Morrow embarrassed about being pregnant

Later in the day, Morrow told police, she attempted to incinerate the body in her backyard before going to work. When asked by police if she believed no one would find out about her pregnancy, she said, "Yes." Morrow said she was embarrassed about becoming pregnant for a second time.

The body was discovered that evening by Morrow's roommate and some guests, who inspected the backyard because they were suspicious of her behaviour and sudden rapid weight loss.

Defence lawyer Brian Ferguson and Morrow's family refused to comment.

Morrow is on strict house arrest until her sentencing on the two criminal charges. Morrow is due back in court on July 31.