Medical Center Used Up Blood Trying to Rescue Wellness Social Media Figure's Life After Free Home Birth, Coroner Is Told.

A hospital depleted its entire stock of a wellness influencer's specific blood type in a futile attempt to save her life as she bled uncontrollably following a free birth, a court has heard.

Stacey Warnecke, 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 home in Melbourne home on the 29th of September.

The baby boy was well, but Warnecke's condition deteriorated quickly and an emergency services was called around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was informed on this week.

Paramedics discovered Warnecke looking jaundiced and gasping for air as she sat on the ground near the birthing pool, counsel assisting the court said.

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

The preliminary finding suggests she died from severe complications following a postpartum haemorrhage, Ellyard said.

The hospital’s supply of her blood group was fully used up during doctors’ attempts to save her, the inquest was told.

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

As police went to inspect Warnecke’s home the following day, they also found the property had been extensively cleaned by the doula.

Choices Regarding Pregnancy Care

The woman elected not to receive any prenatal care during her pregnancy, including declining scan appointments and consultations with a qualified midwife or doctor.

She wanted to give birth at home and engaged the doula, who described herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

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

The relationship and communications with the doula will form part of the official inquest into her death, Ellyard said.

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

Background and Ongoing Investigation

The inquest was told that Warnecke was a qualified nutritionist who promoted a wholesome and “chemical-free” way of life on social media.

It appeared she was deeply influenced by pandemic-related restrictions and those apprehensions influenced her choices during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard added.

In October, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was involved 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 heard.

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