Hospital Depleted Blood Supply In an Attempt to Save Wellness Influencer's Life After Unassisted Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A hospital exhausted its supply of a social media health advocate's specific blood type in a vain effort to keep her alive as she bled uncontrollably following a free birth, a coroner's inquest has heard.

The 30-year-old woman, 30, was with her husband, her husband, and an unregulated doula named the doula when she delivered her baby boy at her Melbourne residence on 29 September.

Her newborn son was in good health, but Warnecke's state deteriorated quickly and an emergency services was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was told on this week.

Emergency medical technicians arrived to find Warnecke looking pale and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, the coroner's counsel Rachel Ellyard stated.

She was transported to Frankston hospital but could not be saved.

Authorities believe she died from severe complications after a massive bleeding after childbirth, Ellyard said.

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

Warnecke’s death was reported to police, and Nathan Warnecke provided a statement to investigating officers, but Lal declined to cooperate.

As police went to inspect the birth scene the following day, they discovered the house had been deep cleaned by Lal.

Decisions Regarding Prenatal Healthcare

The woman opted not to receive any health care during her pregnancy, including declining ultrasounds and consultations with a midwife or obstetrician.

The expectant mother planned to deliver at home and engaged the doula, who advertised herself as a free birth “keeper” on online platforms.

A so-called "wild" birth, sometimes called a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of registered medical practitioners.

The relationship and communications with the doula will form part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, the counsel noted.

Her thoughts on the healthcare system, the decisions around her delivery plan and wider perspectives following the global pandemic will also be examined in a forthcoming hearing.

Context and Ongoing Inquiry

The inquest was informed that the woman was a qualified dietary consultant who promoted a healthy and “natural” lifestyle on her online channels.

Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by Covid mandates and those concerns influenced her decision-making during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard said.

Earlier this year, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was involved in home births that could put mothers and babies at risk.

The coroner would be seeking a statement from the doula, as well as from the emergency responders and hospital staff who cared for the patient, Ellyard was told.

This matter will return to the coroner’s court in March for a procedural update.