Hospital Depleted Blood Supply In an Attempt to Save Wellness Influencer's Life After Unassisted Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A medical facility exhausted its supply of a social media health advocate's specific blood group in a futile effort to rescue her as she experienced massive hemorrhaging following a so-called "wild" birth, a court has been told.

Stacey Warnecke, 30, was with her husband, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed birth attendant named Emily Lal when she delivered her baby boy at her home in Melbourne home on 29 September.

Her newborn son was healthy, but the mother's condition rapidly declined and an emergency services was called around 4.30am, the inquest was informed on Wednesday.

Ambulance officers discovered the woman looking jaundiced and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the floor near the birthing pool, the coroner's counsel the court stated.

She was transported to the local hospital but could not be saved.

Authorities believe she died from severe complications after a massive bleeding after childbirth, the counsel explained.

The hospital’s supply of her blood group was entirely depleted during doctors’ attempts to stabilize her, the court was told.

This incident was reported to police, and her husband provided a statement to investigating officers, but the doula refused.

As police went to examine the birth scene the following day, they discovered the property had been extensively cleaned by the doula.

Choices Around Prenatal Healthcare

Warnecke elected not to receive any form of health care during her pregnancy, including declining ultrasounds and consultations with a midwife or obstetrician.

She wanted to deliver at home and engaged Lal, who advertised herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

A free birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which involves care from qualified health professionals.

The relationship and communications with Lal will form part of the coroner’s investigation into her death, Ellyard said.

Her beliefs on the healthcare system, the decisions around her delivery plan and broader attitudes in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic will also be examined in a forthcoming hearing.

Context and Ongoing Inquiry

The court was informed that Warnecke was a certified dietary consultant who advocated for a wholesome and “natural” way of life on her online channels.

It appeared she was deeply influenced by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard said.

In October, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could pose a danger to women and infants.

The investigation would be requesting testimony from Lal, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for Warnecke, Ellyard heard.

This matter will be back before the coroner’s court in March for a procedural update.