Medical Center Used Up Blood Trying to Rescue Health Influencer's Life After Free Home Birth, Coroner Hears.

A medical facility depleted its entire stock of a social media health advocate's matching blood group in a vain bid to save her life as she bled uncontrollably after a free birth, a coroner's inquest has learned.

Stacey Warnecke, aged 30, was accompanied by her spouse, her husband, and an unlicensed birth attendant named Emily Lal when she delivered her baby boy at her Melbourne residence on the 29th of September.

Her newborn son was in good health, but the mother's condition worsened suddenly and an emergency services was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was informed on this week.

Emergency medical technicians discovered Warnecke looking yellow and struggling to breathe as she was seated on the floor near the water birth tub, counsel assisting the court stated.

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

Authorities believe she died from severe complications after a postpartum haemorrhage, the counsel explained.

The medical center's stock of her blood group was entirely depleted during doctors’ attempts to stabilize her, the inquest was informed.

The fatality was reported to police, and Nathan Warnecke provided a statement to detectives, but the doula refused.

As police went to inspect Warnecke’s home the next day, they discovered the house had been extensively cleaned by Lal.

Decisions Around Pregnancy Care

Warnecke chose not to receive any prenatal care during her term, including refusing ultrasounds and consultations with a midwife or obstetrician.

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

A so-called "wild" birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, differs from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of qualified health professionals.

Warnecke’s interactions with Lal will be a key part of the official inquest into her death, Ellyard noted.

Her views on the medical establishment, the decisions around her delivery plan and broader attitudes following the Covid-19 pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Ongoing Inquiry

The inquest was informed that Warnecke was a certified dietary consultant who advocated for a healthy and “chemical-free” way of life on her online channels.

It appeared she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those apprehensions shaped her choices during pregnancy and birth, counsel added.

Earlier this year, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner announced that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could put mothers and babies at risk.

The investigation would be seeking a statement from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated Warnecke, the court heard.

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