Medical Center Exhausted Blood Trying to Rescue Health Social Media Figure's Life Following Free Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A medical facility depleted its entire stock of a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a unsuccessful bid to rescue her as she bled uncontrollably after a free birth, a coroner's inquest has learned.

Stacey Warnecke, aged 30, was with her husband, Nathan Warnecke, and an unregulated doula named the doula when she delivered her son at her Melbourne residence on the 29th of 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 this week.

Paramedics discovered the woman looking yellow and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the ground near the birthing pool, the coroner's counsel Rachel Ellyard stated.

The patient was taken to Frankston hospital but doctors were unable to save her.

Authorities believe she died from complications following a postpartum haemorrhage, Ellyard said.

All available reserves of her blood group was entirely depleted during medical teams' efforts to stabilize her, the court was informed.

The fatality was notified to authorities, and her husband provided a statement to investigating officers, but the doula declined to cooperate.

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

Choices Regarding Prenatal Healthcare

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

She wanted to deliver at home and engaged the doula, who described herself as a free birth “keeper” on social media.

A so-called "wild" birth, sometimes called a wild or unassisted birth, differs from a planned home birth, which includes the assistance of qualified health professionals.

Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will be a key part of the official inquest into her passing, the counsel noted.

Her views on the healthcare system, the choices around her delivery plan and wider perspectives in the wake of the global pandemic will also be examined in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Ongoing Inquiry

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

Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those apprehensions influenced her decision-making during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard added.

In October, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner announced that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could pose a danger to women and infants.

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

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