Hospital Used Up Blood In an Attempt to Rescue Wellness Social Media Figure's Life Following Unassisted Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A hospital completely used up a wellness influencer's specific blood group in a vain effort to rescue her as she bled uncontrollably after a so-called "wild" birth, a court has been told.

Stacey Warnecke, aged 30, was with her husband, Nathan Warnecke, and an unregulated doula named Emily Lal when she delivered her baby boy at her home in Melbourne residence on the 29th of September.

Her newborn son was well, but the mother's state rapidly declined and an emergency services was summoned around 4.30am, the hearing was informed on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians discovered the woman looking jaundiced and struggling to breathe as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard said.

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

It is suspected she died from severe complications after a post-birth hemorrhage, Ellyard said.

The hospital’s supply of her blood type was completely exhausted during doctors’ attempts to stabilize her, the court was told.

The fatality was notified to authorities, and Nathan Warnecke provided a statement to investigating officers, but the doula refused.

When officers went to examine Warnecke’s home the following day, they discovered the house had been thoroughly cleaned up by Lal.

Choices Around Prenatal Care

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

She desired to deliver at home and engaged Lal, who advertised herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

An unassisted birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, differs from a home delivery with professional support, which involves care from registered health professionals.

Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, Ellyard said.

The 30-year-old’s thoughts on the medical establishment, the choices around her delivery plan and broader attitudes following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Current Inquiry

The inquest was informed that Warnecke was a certified dietary consultant who promoted a healthy and “natural” way of life on social media.

It appeared she was profoundly affected by Covid mandates and those concerns shaped her choices during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard said.

In October, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner announced that it was investigating Lal over allegations she was involved 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 emergency responders and hospital staff who cared for Warnecke, Ellyard heard.

This matter will be back before the coroner in the coming months for a procedural update.