Hospital Depleted Blood Trying to Rescue Health Influencer's Life Following Unassisted Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A hospital depleted its entire stock of a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a unsuccessful effort to rescue her as she experienced massive hemorrhaging after a unassisted home delivery, a coroner's inquest has been told.

Stacey Warnecke, aged 30, was accompanied by her spouse, her husband, and an unregulated birth attendant named the doula when she gave birth to her baby boy at her Melbourne home on 29 September.

The infant was healthy, but the mother's state rapidly declined and an emergency services was summoned around 4.30am, the inquest was told on Wednesday.

Ambulance officers arrived to find the woman looking jaundiced and gasping for air as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard said.

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

Authorities believe she succumbed to severe complications after a postpartum haemorrhage, Ellyard explained.

All available reserves of her blood group was fully used up during doctors’ efforts to save her, the inquest was told.

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

When officers went to inspect the residence the next day, they also found the property had been thoroughly cleaned up by Lal.

Decisions Around Prenatal Healthcare

Warnecke chose not to receive any form of health care during her pregnancy, including refusing scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or doctor.

The expectant mother desired to deliver at home and engaged Lal, who also promoted herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

A free birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of registered health professionals.

Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will form part of the official inquest into her passing, the counsel said.

Her beliefs on the medical establishment, the decisions around her delivery plan and broader attitudes following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Context and Ongoing Investigation

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

It appeared she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those concerns shaped her decision-making during her prenatal period and delivery, counsel added.

Earlier this year, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could put mothers and babies at risk.

The coroner would be requesting testimony from Lal, as well as from the emergency responders and hospital staff who cared for the patient, Ellyard was told.

The case will be back before the coroner in March for a procedural update.