Medical Center Depleted Blood Supply Trying to Save Health Influencer's Life Following Free Home Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A medical facility depleted its entire stock of a wellness influencer's specific blood type in a futile bid to keep her alive as she suffered catastrophic bleeding following a so-called "wild" birth, a coroner's inquest has been told.

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

The baby boy was well, but Warnecke's condition rapidly declined and an ambulance was called around 4.30am, the hearing was told on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians arrived to find Warnecke looking yellow and struggling to breathe as she sat on the floor near the birthing pool, the coroner's counsel Rachel Ellyard stated.

She was rushed to the local hospital but her life could not be saved.

The preliminary finding suggests she succumbed to severe complications after a massive bleeding after childbirth, Ellyard said.

All available reserves of her blood type was entirely depleted during doctors’ efforts to stabilize her, the court was told.

The fatality was reported to police, and her husband gave an account to detectives, but Lal declined to cooperate.

As police went to examine the residence the next day, they also found the house had been thoroughly cleaned up by the doula.

Choices Regarding Prenatal Care

Warnecke elected not to receive any form of medical care during her pregnancy, including refusing ultrasounds and appointments with a midwife or doctor.

She wanted to give birth at home and contacted the doula, who described herself as a advocate for unassisted birth 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 registered medical practitioners.

Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will be a key part of the official inquest into her death, the counsel said.

Her thoughts on the medical establishment, the choices around her birth plan and broader attitudes following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a future inquest.

Context and Current Inquiry

The inquest was informed that Warnecke was a certified dietary consultant who advocated for a wholesome and “chemical-free” lifestyle on her online channels.

It appeared she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her choices during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard added.

Earlier this year, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could pose a danger to women and infants.

The coroner would be seeking a statement from the doula, as well as from the emergency responders and hospital staff who treated Warnecke, the court was told.

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