Hospital Exhausted Blood Trying to Rescue Wellness Social Media Figure's Life After Unassisted Home Birth, Coroner Hears.

A medical facility depleted its entire stock of a social media health advocate's matching blood group in a unsuccessful effort to save her life as she bled uncontrollably following a unassisted home delivery, a coroner's inquest has heard.

The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was with her husband, her husband, and an unregulated birth attendant named Emily Lal when she delivered her son at her Melbourne residence on 29 September.

The baby boy was in good health, but the mother's state worsened suddenly and an ambulance was summoned around 4.30am, the Victorian coroner’s court was informed on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians arrived to find Warnecke looking yellow and gasping for air as she was seated on the ground near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting the court said.

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

Authorities believe she died from severe complications after a postpartum haemorrhage, Ellyard explained.

All available reserves of her blood type was fully used up during doctors’ efforts to save her, the inquest was told.

This incident was reported to police, and Nathan Warnecke provided a statement to detectives, but the doula refused.

When officers went to examine Warnecke’s home the next day, they also found the house had been thoroughly cleaned up by the doula.

Choices Regarding Prenatal Care

The woman chose not to receive any medical care during her term, including refusing scan appointments and consultations with a qualified midwife or obstetrician.

She wanted to give birth at home and engaged the doula, who also promoted herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on social media.

A free birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which involves care from qualified medical practitioners.

Warnecke’s interactions with Lal will be a key part of the official inquest into her passing, 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 be examined in a forthcoming hearing.

Context and Current Investigation

The court was informed that the woman was a qualified dietary consultant who advocated for a wholesome and “chemical-free” lifestyle on social media.

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

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

The investigation would be requesting testimony from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for the patient, the court was told.

This matter will be back before the coroner’s court in the coming months for a further directions hearing.