Medical Center Depleted Blood Trying to Save Wellness Social Media Figure's Life After Unassisted Home Birth, Coroner Is Told.

A hospital completely used up a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a futile bid to rescue her as she experienced massive hemorrhaging following a free birth, a coroner's inquest has learned.

Stacey Warnecke, aged 30, was accompanied by her spouse, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed birth attendant named the doula when she delivered her baby boy at her Melbourne home on the 29th of September.

The infant was healthy, but Warnecke's state deteriorated quickly and an ambulance was called around 4.30am, the inquest was informed on this week.

Emergency medical technicians discovered Warnecke looking pale and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting the court said.

She was rushed to the local hospital but doctors were unable to save her.

It is suspected she died from complications following a massive bleeding after childbirth, Ellyard said.

The hospital’s supply of her blood group was entirely depleted during medical teams' attempts to stabilize her, the inquest was informed.

This incident was notified to authorities, and Nathan Warnecke gave an account to detectives, but Lal refused.

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

Decisions Regarding Pregnancy Care

The woman opted not to receive any health care during her term, including refusing ultrasounds and appointments with a midwife or doctor.

The expectant mother wanted to give birth at home and contacted Lal, who described herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on social media.

A so-called "wild" birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which involves care from registered medical practitioners.

Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will form part of the coroner’s investigation into her death, the counsel noted.

The 30-year-old’s views on the medical establishment, the decisions around her birth plan and wider perspectives following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Ongoing Inquiry

The court was informed that Warnecke was a qualified nutritionist who advocated for a wholesome and “chemical-free” way of life on social media.

Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns influenced her decision-making during her prenatal period and delivery, counsel said.

Earlier this year, the state health regulator announced that it was investigating Lal over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could put mothers and babies at risk.

The investigation would be seeking a statement from Lal, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for Warnecke, the court heard.

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