AUBURN, Calif. -- A mother accused of drowning her newborn baby in a Granite Bay home pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of murder and assault against a child.

Kristina Fuelling, 27, is set to appear in court again in early February for a status conference.

Several of Fuelling's family members were present in court, but none offered a comment.

After the brief proceeding, Nicholas Fuelling, the defendant's husband, broke down in tears. He left the court hidden by an umbrella, his hand covering his face.

The defense attorney asked the court to arrange for a blood sample to be taken from Fuelling.

Legal observers said an analysis of blood chemistry could be the basis for a defense of diminished mental capacity or temporary insanity.

Meanwhile, Fuelling remains in jail.

Fuelling is not on suicide watch, but is kept in a holding cell for constant observation, separated for her own safety.

Nicholas summoned deputies to the family's home Sunday morning, where they found 8-day-old Faith Evelyn Fuelling not breathing.

Investigators believe the infant daughter was drowned in a bathroom sink.

Rescuers tried to perform life-saving measures before the baby was transported to the Sutter Roseville Medical Center.

Hospital officials said they pronounced the infant dead at 7:20 a.m., Ausnow said.