Hospital Exhausted Blood Supply In an Attempt to Save Wellness Influencer's Life After Unassisted Home Birth, Inquest Hears.

A medical facility depleted its entire stock of a social media health advocate's specific blood type in a unsuccessful effort to keep her alive as she suffered catastrophic bleeding after a so-called "wild" birth, a court has been told.

Stacey Warnecke, aged 30, was with her husband, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed doula named the doula when she delivered her baby boy at her home in Melbourne home on 29 September.

The baby boy was well, but Warnecke's condition worsened suddenly and an ambulance was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the Victorian coroner’s court was informed on Wednesday.

Ambulance officers discovered Warnecke looking pale and struggling to breathe as she sat on the floor near the birthing pool, counsel assisting the court stated.

She was transported to Frankston hospital but could not be saved.

The preliminary finding suggests she died from severe complications following a post-birth hemorrhage, the counsel explained.

The medical center's stock of her blood type was entirely depleted during doctors’ efforts to save her, the inquest was told.

Warnecke’s death was reported to police, and Nathan Warnecke provided a statement to detectives, but the doula declined to cooperate.

When officers went to inspect the birth scene the next day, they also found the house had been deep cleaned by Lal.

Choices Around Prenatal Healthcare

Warnecke opted not to receive any form of prenatal care during her term, including declining ultrasounds and consultations with a qualified midwife or obstetrician.

The expectant mother desired to give birth at home and engaged the doula, who advertised herself as a free birth “keeper” on online platforms.

A free birth, sometimes called a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of registered 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 thoughts on the medical establishment, the choices around her delivery plan and broader attitudes following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a future inquest.

Context and Ongoing Investigation

The court was told that the woman was a certified nutritionist who advocated for a wholesome and “natural” way of life on social media.

Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those concerns influenced her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard said.

In October, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over concerns she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could put mothers and babies at risk.

The coroner would be seeking a statement from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated Warnecke, the court was told.

This matter will be back before the coroner’s court in March for a further directions hearing.