Hospital Exhausted Blood In an Attempt to Save Wellness Social Media Figure's Life After Unassisted Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A hospital completely used up a social media health advocate's matching blood type in a vain effort to keep her alive as she suffered catastrophic bleeding after a so-called "wild" birth, a coroner's inquest has heard.

Stacey Warnecke, 30, was accompanied by her spouse, her husband, and an unregulated birth attendant named Emily Lal when she gave birth to her baby boy at her Melbourne home on the 29th of September.

The baby boy was healthy, but Warnecke's state deteriorated quickly and an ambulance was called around 4.30am, the inquest was informed on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians discovered Warnecke looking pale 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 Frankston hospital but her life could not be saved.

It is suspected she succumbed to severe complications following a post-birth hemorrhage, Ellyard said.

The hospital’s supply of her blood type was entirely depleted during medical teams' attempts to save her, the court was told.

This incident was notified to authorities, and Nathan Warnecke provided a statement to investigating officers, but Lal refused.

When officers went to examine the birth scene the following day, they also found the property had been thoroughly cleaned up by Lal.

Decisions Around Prenatal Healthcare

Warnecke elected not to receive any medical care during her pregnancy, including refusing ultrasounds and appointments with a qualified midwife or obstetrician.

The expectant mother planned to give birth at home and engaged the doula, who described herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

A so-called "wild" birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, is distinct from a planned home birth, which includes the assistance of registered health professionals.

Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will form part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, the counsel noted.

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

Background and Current Inquiry

The inquest was told that the woman was a qualified nutritionist who advocated for a wholesome and “natural” way of life on her online channels.

It appeared she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those apprehensions shaped her decision-making during her prenatal period and delivery, counsel added.

Earlier this year, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over concerns 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 Lal, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for the patient, Ellyard was told.

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