Hospital Used Up Blood Trying to Rescue Health Social Media Figure's Life Following Free Birth, Inquest Hears.

A medical facility completely used up a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a unsuccessful bid to save her life as she bled uncontrollably after a unassisted home delivery, a coroner's inquest has heard.

The 30-year-old woman, 30, was accompanied by her spouse, her husband, and an unregulated birth attendant named Emily Lal when she delivered her baby boy at her Melbourne home on the 29th of September.

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

Emergency medical technicians discovered Warnecke looking jaundiced and gasping for air as she sat on the ground near the birthing pool, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard stated.

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

The preliminary finding suggests she died from severe complications after a massive bleeding after childbirth, the counsel explained.

All available reserves of her blood type was completely exhausted during medical teams' attempts to save her, the court was informed.

This incident was reported to police, and her husband provided a statement to investigating officers, but Lal declined to cooperate.

When officers went to inspect Warnecke’s home the following day, they discovered the property had been thoroughly cleaned up by the doula.

Choices Around Prenatal Care

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

The expectant mother desired to deliver at home and contacted the doula, who advertised 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 involves care from qualified medical practitioners.

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

The 30-year-old’s thoughts on the healthcare system, 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 Investigation

The inquest was informed that Warnecke was a qualified dietary consultant who promoted a wholesome and “natural” lifestyle on social media.

It appeared she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those apprehensions influenced her decision-making during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard said.

In October, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner announced that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could pose a danger to women and infants.

The investigation would be requesting testimony from the doula, as well as from the emergency responders and hospital staff who treated Warnecke, the court heard.

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