Medical Center Used Up Blood Trying to Rescue Wellness Social Media Figure's Life Following Unassisted Home Birth, Coroner Hears.

A medical facility completely used up a wellness influencer's specific blood type in a futile attempt to save her life as she suffered catastrophic bleeding following a free birth, a coroner's inquest has been told.

Stacey Warnecke, 30, was accompanied by her spouse, her husband, and an unlicensed doula named the doula when she gave birth to her son at her Melbourne residence on the 29th of September.

Her newborn son was healthy, but the mother's state worsened suddenly and an emergency services was called around 4:30 in the morning, the hearing was informed on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians arrived to find Warnecke looking yellow and struggling to breathe as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard stated.

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

The preliminary finding suggests she died from severe complications following a massive bleeding after childbirth, Ellyard explained.

The hospital’s supply of her blood group was fully used up during doctors’ efforts to stabilize her, the court was informed.

This incident was notified to authorities, and her husband gave an account to investigating officers, but Lal declined to cooperate.

When officers went to inspect the birth scene the following day, they discovered the house had been extensively cleaned by Lal.

Decisions Around Pregnancy Healthcare

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

She planned to deliver at home and contacted the doula, who described herself as a free birth “keeper” on online platforms.

An unassisted birth, sometimes called a wild or unassisted birth, differs from a planned home birth, which includes the assistance of registered medical practitioners.

Warnecke’s interactions with Lal will form part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, Ellyard said.

The 30-year-old’s views on the healthcare system, the decisions around her birth plan and wider perspectives in the wake of the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Context and Current Investigation

The court was told that Warnecke was a qualified dietary consultant who promoted a healthy and “chemical-free” way of life on her online channels.

Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by Covid mandates and those apprehensions shaped her decision-making during pregnancy and birth, counsel said.

In October, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could put mothers and babies at risk.

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

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