Hospital Used Up Blood Supply In an Attempt to Rescue Health Influencer's Life Following Unassisted Home Birth, Coroner Hears.

A medical facility exhausted its supply of a social media health advocate's matching blood type in a futile bid 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 birth attendant named Emily Lal when she gave birth to her son at her Melbourne residence on 29 September.

The baby boy was well, but Warnecke's state deteriorated quickly and an emergency services was summoned around 4.30am, the inquest was informed on this week.

Paramedics arrived to find the woman looking pale and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the ground near the inflatable pool, the coroner's counsel the court said.

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

It is suspected she died from complications following a post-birth hemorrhage, the counsel explained.

The medical center's stock of her blood type was completely exhausted during doctors’ efforts to stabilize her, the inquest was informed.

Warnecke’s death was reported to police, and her husband provided a statement to detectives, but the doula declined to cooperate.

When officers went to inspect the residence the next day, they also found the house had been deep cleaned by the doula.

Decisions Regarding Prenatal Healthcare

The woman chose not to receive any health care during her pregnancy, including refusing ultrasounds and consultations with a midwife or obstetrician.

She desired to deliver at home and contacted the doula, who advertised herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

A free birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, differs from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of qualified health professionals.

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

Her thoughts on the medical establishment, the choices around her birth plan and broader attitudes in the wake of the global pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest.

Background and Ongoing Investigation

The court was told that Warnecke was a certified dietary consultant who promoted a healthy and “chemical-free” lifestyle on her online channels.

Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by pandemic-related restrictions and those apprehensions shaped her decision-making during her prenatal period and delivery, counsel said.

In October, the state health regulator announced that it was investigating Lal over allegations she was involved in home births that could put mothers and babies at risk.

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

The case will be back before the coroner’s court in March for a further directions hearing.