Medical Center Used Up Blood Supply Trying to Save Wellness Social Media Figure's Life Following Unassisted Birth, Inquest Hears.

A hospital completely used up a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a futile attempt to save her life as she suffered catastrophic bleeding following a unassisted home delivery, a coroner's inquest has been told.

The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was with her husband, her husband, and an unregulated doula named the doula when she gave birth to her son at her home in Melbourne residence on 29 September.

The infant was well, but the mother's state worsened suddenly and an emergency services was called around 4.30am, the hearing was told on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians arrived to find Warnecke looking pale and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the ground near the birthing pool, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard stated.

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

The preliminary finding suggests she succumbed to severe complications after a postpartum haemorrhage, Ellyard said.

The medical center's stock of her blood type was entirely depleted during doctors’ attempts to stabilize her, the inquest was told.

This incident was notified to authorities, and Nathan Warnecke gave an account to detectives, but Lal declined to cooperate.

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

Decisions Regarding Prenatal Care

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

She desired to deliver at home and contacted Lal, who described herself as a free birth “keeper” on online platforms.

A so-called "wild" birth, sometimes called a birth without medical attendants, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of qualified health professionals.

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

Her thoughts on the medical establishment, the choices around her delivery plan and broader attitudes following the Covid-19 pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest.

Background and Current Investigation

The court was informed that Warnecke was a qualified nutritionist who advocated for a healthy and “chemical-free” lifestyle on her online channels.

It appeared she was profoundly affected by Covid mandates and those apprehensions shaped her decision-making during pregnancy and birth, counsel said.

Earlier this year, the state health regulator announced that it was investigating Lal over allegations she was facilitating or participating 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 emergency responders and hospital staff who treated Warnecke, the court was told.

The case will be back before the coroner in the coming months for a procedural update.