Hospital Used Up Blood Supply In an Attempt to Rescue Wellness Influencer's Life Following Unassisted Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A hospital completely used up a wellness influencer's matching blood type in a unsuccessful attempt to keep her alive as she suffered catastrophic bleeding following a free birth, a coroner's inquest has been told.

Stacey Warnecke, 30, was with her husband, her husband, and an unregulated doula named the doula when she delivered her baby boy at her Melbourne residence on 29 September.

The baby boy was well, but Warnecke's state deteriorated quickly and an emergency services was summoned around 4.30am, the hearing was told on Wednesday.

Ambulance officers arrived to find Warnecke looking jaundiced and struggling to breathe as she sat on the ground near the water birth tub, the coroner's counsel Rachel Ellyard stated.

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

Authorities believe she succumbed to complications after a massive bleeding after childbirth, Ellyard said.

The hospital’s supply of her blood group was completely exhausted during doctors’ attempts to stabilize her, the court was told.

Warnecke’s death was notified to authorities, and her husband gave an account to detectives, but the doula refused.

When officers went to examine the residence the next day, they discovered the property had been extensively cleaned by Lal.

Decisions Regarding Pregnancy Care

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

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

An unassisted birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which involves care from qualified health professionals.

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

The 30-year-old’s views on the healthcare system, the choices around her birth plan and wider perspectives following the Covid-19 pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a future inquest.

Background and Ongoing Investigation

The court was informed that Warnecke was a qualified dietary consultant who promoted a wholesome and “natural” lifestyle on social media.

Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her decision-making during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard added.

In October, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was involved in home births that could pose a danger to women and infants.

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

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