Hospital Used Up Blood Supply In an Attempt to Rescue Wellness Social Media Figure's Life Following Free Birth, Coroner Hears.

A medical facility exhausted its supply of a wellness influencer's specific blood type in a unsuccessful bid to keep her alive as she experienced massive hemorrhaging after a free birth, a coroner's inquest has heard.

The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was accompanied by her spouse, her husband, and an unlicensed doula named Emily Lal when she delivered her son at her home in Melbourne home on 29 September.

The baby boy was in good health, but the mother's condition deteriorated quickly and an ambulance was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the hearing was informed on this week.

Ambulance officers discovered Warnecke looking yellow and struggling to breathe as she sat on the floor near the birthing pool, the coroner's counsel the court stated.

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

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

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

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

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

Choices Regarding Pregnancy Healthcare

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

The expectant mother wanted to deliver at home and engaged Lal, who advertised herself as a free birth “keeper” 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 qualified medical practitioners.

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

Her views on the healthcare system, the choices around her delivery plan and wider perspectives in the wake of the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Context and Ongoing Investigation

The court was informed that Warnecke was a qualified dietary consultant who promoted a healthy and “chemical-free” lifestyle on social media.

Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her choices during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard added.

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 seeking a statement from Lal, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated the patient, Ellyard was told.

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