Medical Center Used Up Blood Supply In an Attempt to Rescue Health Influencer's Life Following Free Home Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A medical facility completely used up a social media health advocate's matching blood type in a vain attempt to rescue her as she suffered catastrophic bleeding after a so-called "wild" birth, a court has heard.

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

The baby boy was in good health, but Warnecke's condition worsened suddenly and an ambulance was called around 4.30am, the hearing was told on Wednesday.

Ambulance officers discovered Warnecke looking yellow and gasping for air as she was seated on the floor near the water birth tub, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard said.

The patient was transported to the local hospital but could not be saved.

It is suspected she succumbed to severe complications following a massive bleeding after childbirth, the counsel explained.

The medical center's stock of her blood group was fully used up during doctors’ attempts to save her, the inquest was informed.

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

As police went to inspect the residence the following day, they discovered the property had been deep cleaned by the doula.

Choices Regarding Pregnancy Care

Warnecke chose not to receive any form of health care during her term, including refusing ultrasounds and consultations with a qualified midwife or doctor.

She planned to give birth at home and contacted Lal, who advertised 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 registered health professionals.

The relationship and communications with the doula will form part of the official inquest into her death, the counsel said.

The 30-year-old’s beliefs on the medical establishment, the decisions around her birth plan and broader attitudes in the wake of the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Context and Current Investigation

The inquest was told that Warnecke was a qualified dietary consultant who advocated for a healthy and “chemical-free” way of life on social media.

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

Earlier this year, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over concerns she was involved in home deliveries that could pose a danger to women and infants.

The coroner would be requesting testimony from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated the patient, Ellyard was told.

The case will return to the coroner’s court in the coming months for a further directions hearing.