Hospital Used Up Blood In an Attempt to Rescue Wellness Social Media Figure's Life Following Unassisted Home Birth, Coroner Is Told.

A hospital exhausted its supply of a wellness influencer's specific blood type in a unsuccessful effort to rescue her as she bled uncontrollably after a free birth, a coroner's inquest has heard.

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

The baby boy was healthy, but Warnecke's condition deteriorated quickly and an ambulance was called around 4.30am, the Victorian coroner’s court was informed on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians discovered the woman looking pale and gasping for air as she sat on the ground near the water birth tub, counsel assisting the court said.

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

Authorities believe she died from complications following a massive bleeding after childbirth, Ellyard said.

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

Warnecke’s death was notified to authorities, and her husband provided a statement to detectives, but the doula declined to cooperate.

As police went to examine the birth scene the following day, they discovered the house had been extensively cleaned by Lal.

Decisions Regarding Pregnancy Care

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

She planned to deliver at home and engaged the doula, who described herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on social media.

A free birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of qualified health professionals.

Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her death, Ellyard noted.

The 30-year-old’s views on the healthcare system, the choices around her delivery plan and broader attitudes in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic will also be examined in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Ongoing Inquiry

The court was told that Warnecke was a qualified nutritionist who advocated for a wholesome and “natural” lifestyle on social media.

Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by Covid mandates and those concerns shaped her choices during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard said.

Earlier this year, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was facilitating or participating in home births that could pose a danger to women and infants.

The coroner would be requesting testimony from Lal, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated Warnecke, Ellyard heard.

The case will be back before the coroner’s court in March for a further directions hearing.