Medical Center Used Up Blood Supply In an Attempt to Save Health Social Media Figure's Life After Free Birth, Coroner Is Told.

A hospital depleted its entire stock of a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a vain effort to save her life as she experienced massive hemorrhaging after a so-called "wild" birth, a court has been told.

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

Her newborn son was in good health, but the mother's state rapidly declined and an ambulance was summoned around 4.30am, the Victorian coroner’s court was informed on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians arrived to find the woman looking yellow and having difficulty breathing as she sat on the ground near the water birth tub, counsel assisting the court said.

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

Authorities believe she died from complications following a postpartum haemorrhage, the counsel said.

All available reserves of her blood type was fully used up during doctors’ efforts to save her, the inquest was told.

Warnecke’s death was reported to police, and her husband gave an account to investigating officers, but Lal refused.

When officers went to examine the birth scene the next day, they discovered the house had been extensively cleaned by the doula.

Choices Regarding Prenatal Care

Warnecke opted not to receive any form of health care during her pregnancy, including declining ultrasounds and appointments with a midwife or obstetrician.

She planned to deliver at home and engaged Lal, who also promoted herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

A free birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a planned home birth, which involves care from qualified health professionals.

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

The 30-year-old’s thoughts on the medical establishment, the decisions around her delivery plan and wider perspectives 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 qualified nutritionist who promoted a wholesome and “natural” lifestyle on her online channels.

Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those concerns shaped her choices during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard added.

In October, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner 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 requesting testimony from Lal, as well as from the emergency responders and hospital staff who cared for Warnecke, Ellyard was told.

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