Hospital Used Up Blood Supply Trying to Save Health Social Media Figure's Life Following Free Home Birth, Coroner Is Told.

A hospital exhausted its supply of a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a unsuccessful attempt to save her life as she bled uncontrollably following a so-called "wild" birth, a coroner's inquest has heard.

The 30-year-old woman, 30, was accompanied by her spouse, Nathan Warnecke, and an unregulated doula named Emily Lal 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 condition rapidly declined and an emergency services was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was informed on Wednesday.

Paramedics discovered the woman looking pale and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the floor near the water birth tub, counsel assisting the court said.

She was transported to the local hospital but doctors were unable to save her.

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

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

Warnecke’s death was reported to police, and her husband gave an account to investigating officers, but the doula declined to cooperate.

When officers went to examine the birth scene the next day, they discovered the property had been deep cleaned by Lal.

Choices Regarding Prenatal Care

Warnecke opted not to receive any form of prenatal care during her pregnancy, including refusing ultrasounds and appointments with a qualified midwife or obstetrician.

She planned to deliver at home and engaged the doula, who also promoted herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

A so-called "wild" birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, differs from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of registered health professionals.

Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will form part of the official inquest into her death, Ellyard noted.

The 30-year-old’s beliefs on the healthcare system, the choices around her delivery plan and wider perspectives following the global pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest.

Background and Current Inquiry

The court was told that the woman was a certified nutritionist who advocated for a healthy and “chemical-free” lifestyle on social media.

It appeared she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those concerns influenced her choices during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard added.

Earlier this year, 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 coroner would be requesting testimony from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for the patient, Ellyard heard.

The case will return to the coroner’s court in March for a procedural update.