Medical Center Exhausted Blood Trying to Rescue Health Social Media Figure's Life Following Free Birth, Coroner Hears.

A hospital depleted its entire stock of a wellness influencer's specific blood group in a vain effort to rescue her as she bled uncontrollably after a so-called "wild" 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 son at her Melbourne home on 29 September.

The baby boy was in good health, but the mother's condition deteriorated quickly and an ambulance was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was informed on Wednesday.

Paramedics arrived to find Warnecke looking jaundiced and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the ground near the water birth tub, the coroner's counsel Rachel Ellyard stated.

She was taken to the local hospital but her life could not be saved.

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

The hospital’s supply of her blood type was completely exhausted during doctors’ attempts to save her, the inquest was told.

The fatality was reported to police, and her husband gave an account to investigating officers, but Lal declined to cooperate.

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

Decisions Around Pregnancy Healthcare

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

She desired to deliver at home and engaged Lal, who also promoted herself as a free birth “keeper” on online platforms.

An unassisted birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, differs from a home delivery with professional support, which involves care from qualified medical practitioners.

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

The 30-year-old’s thoughts on the healthcare system, the decisions around her delivery plan and broader attitudes following the Covid-19 pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest.

Background and Current Inquiry

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

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

Earlier this year, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns 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.

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