Hospital Used Up Blood Trying to Save Health Influencer's Life Following Unassisted Home Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A medical facility completely used up a wellness influencer's matching blood type in a unsuccessful effort to save her life as she suffered catastrophic bleeding after a free birth, a court has heard.

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

The baby boy was healthy, but Warnecke's condition deteriorated quickly and an emergency services was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was told on this week.

Emergency medical technicians discovered Warnecke looking jaundiced and struggling to breathe as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting the court said.

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

Authorities believe she succumbed to severe complications after a post-birth hemorrhage, Ellyard explained.

The medical center's stock of her blood type was fully used up during medical teams' attempts to save her, the inquest was informed.

Warnecke’s death was reported to police, and her husband provided a statement to investigating officers, but the doula refused.

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

Choices Regarding Pregnancy Healthcare

The woman elected not to receive any form of health care during her term, including declining scan appointments and consultations with a midwife or obstetrician.

She wanted to give birth at home and engaged Lal, who described herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

A free birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, is distinct from a planned home birth, which involves care from qualified health professionals.

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

Her views on the medical establishment, the decisions around her birth plan and broader attitudes following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Current Investigation

The inquest was told that Warnecke was a qualified dietary consultant who promoted a healthy and “chemical-free” way of life on her online channels.

Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by Covid mandates and those apprehensions shaped her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard added.

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

The investigation would be requesting testimony from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for the patient, the court heard.

This matter will return to the coroner’s court in the coming months for a further directions hearing.