Hospital Depleted Blood Trying to Save Wellness Social Media Figure's Life Following Unassisted Birth, Coroner Is Told.

A medical facility depleted its entire stock of a social media health advocate's matching blood group in a vain attempt to rescue her as she bled uncontrollably following a free birth, a coroner's inquest has heard.

Stacey Warnecke, aged 30, was accompanied by her spouse, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed doula named Emily Lal when she gave birth to her baby boy at her Melbourne residence on the 29th of September.

Her newborn son was in good health, but the mother's condition deteriorated quickly and an ambulance was called around 4.30am, the Victorian coroner’s court was informed on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians discovered Warnecke looking yellow and having difficulty breathing as she sat on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting the court stated.

She was rushed to Frankston hospital but her life could not be saved.

The preliminary finding suggests she succumbed to severe complications after a massive bleeding after childbirth, the counsel said.

The medical center's stock of her blood type was fully used up during doctors’ attempts to stabilize her, the inquest was told.

Warnecke’s death was reported to police, and Nathan Warnecke gave an account to investigating officers, but the doula declined to cooperate.

As police went to inspect the birth scene the next day, they also found the house had been extensively cleaned by the doula.

Decisions Around Prenatal Care

Warnecke opted not to receive any form of medical care during her term, including refusing ultrasounds and appointments with a midwife or doctor.

The expectant mother desired to give birth at home and contacted Lal, who also promoted herself as a free birth “keeper” on social media.

An unassisted birth, sometimes called a birth without medical attendants, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of qualified health professionals.

Warnecke’s interactions with Lal will be a key part of the official inquest into her death, the counsel said.

The 30-year-old’s beliefs on the medical establishment, the decisions around her birth plan and wider perspectives in the wake of the global pandemic will also be examined in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Current Investigation

The inquest was informed that Warnecke was a certified nutritionist who advocated for a healthy and “natural” lifestyle on her online channels.

It appeared she was profoundly affected by Covid mandates and those concerns shaped her decision-making during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard said.

Earlier this year, the state health regulator announced that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was involved in home births that could put mothers and babies at risk.

The coroner would be seeking a statement from the doula, as well as from the emergency responders and hospital staff who treated Warnecke, Ellyard was told.

This matter will return to the coroner in March for a further directions hearing.