Mum will apply for bail over WA baby death

A mother accused of killing her two-month-old daughter was "clearly ill" after giving birth to the baby, a Perth court has heard.

Melanie Anne Pears, 30, and Tony James Paraha, 50, appeared in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with the manslaughter of Narelle Pears last month.

Pears, who appeared via video link from Bandyup Prison and wept during proceedings, was represented by Bill Harris, who told the court he did not understand why his client was not on bail given the facts as he understood them.

Mr Harris said Pears had given birth to a premature baby in November and was discharged the next day.

"She was clearly ill and incapable of looking after herself," he said.

The magistrate interrupted Mr Harris before he could explain any more.

Mr Harris said he would make an application at Pears' next court appearance on February 24.

Paraha, who is at Hakea Prison, is scheduled to appear in court on the same day, but it is not yet clear whether he will also make a bail application.