Hospital Used Up Blood Supply In an Attempt to Save Health Influencer's Life Following Free Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A hospital completely used up a wellness influencer's matching blood type in a unsuccessful bid to keep her alive as she bled uncontrollably following a so-called "wild" birth, a court has heard.

The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was accompanied by her spouse, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed birth attendant named the doula when she delivered her son at her home in Melbourne residence on 29 September.

The baby boy was in good health, but Warnecke's condition rapidly declined and an ambulance was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the hearing was told on Wednesday.

Paramedics discovered the woman looking yellow and struggling to breathe as she sat on the ground near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard stated.

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

It is suspected she died from complications following a massive bleeding after childbirth, Ellyard said.

The hospital’s supply of her blood group was entirely depleted during doctors’ efforts to save her, the inquest was informed.

Warnecke’s death was notified to authorities, and Nathan Warnecke provided a statement to investigating officers, but Lal refused.

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

Decisions Regarding Prenatal Healthcare

Warnecke opted not to receive any prenatal care during her term, including declining ultrasounds and appointments with a qualified midwife or obstetrician.

The expectant mother desired to deliver at home and engaged the doula, who also promoted 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 planned home birth, which includes the assistance of qualified medical practitioners.

The relationship and communications with the doula will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her death, Ellyard said.

Her beliefs on the healthcare system, the choices around her birth plan and broader attitudes following the Covid-19 pandemic will also be examined in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Current Investigation

The inquest was told that Warnecke was a certified dietary consultant who promoted a wholesome and “chemical-free” way of life on social media.

It appeared she was profoundly affected by Covid mandates and those concerns influenced her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, counsel said.

Earlier this year, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was involved in home deliveries that could put mothers and babies at risk.

The coroner would be seeking a statement from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for Warnecke, the court was told.

This matter will return to the coroner’s court in the coming months for a procedural update.