Medical Center Exhausted Blood Supply Trying to Save Wellness Influencer's Life After Unassisted Home Birth, Inquest Hears.

A hospital depleted its entire stock of a wellness influencer's specific blood type in a futile effort to keep her alive as she bled uncontrollably following a so-called "wild" birth, 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 home in Melbourne residence on the 29th of September.

The infant was healthy, but the mother's state deteriorated quickly and an ambulance was called around 4:30 in the morning, the Victorian coroner’s court was told on this week.

Paramedics discovered Warnecke looking pale and gasping for air as she sat on the ground near the water birth tub, counsel assisting the court stated.

The patient was rushed to Frankston hospital but could not be saved.

The preliminary finding suggests she succumbed to complications following a post-birth hemorrhage, Ellyard said.

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

Warnecke’s death was reported to police, and her husband provided a statement to detectives, but Lal refused.

As police went to inspect the birth scene the next day, they discovered the property had been deep cleaned by the doula.

Decisions Around Prenatal Healthcare

The woman elected not to receive any medical care during her pregnancy, including refusing ultrasounds and consultations with a qualified midwife or doctor.

She desired to give birth at home and engaged the doula, who also promoted herself as a free birth “keeper” on social media.

A free birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a planned home birth, which includes the assistance of qualified medical practitioners.

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

The 30-year-old’s beliefs on the healthcare system, the decisions around her birth plan and wider perspectives following the Covid-19 pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest.

Background and Ongoing Investigation

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

Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those apprehensions influenced her decision-making during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard added.

Earlier this year, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner announced that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was involved in home deliveries that could pose a danger to women and infants.

The investigation would be requesting testimony from Lal, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for Warnecke, Ellyard was told.

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