Medical Center Depleted Blood In an Attempt to Rescue Health Influencer's Life Following Unassisted Birth, Coroner Hears.

A hospital completely used up a wellness influencer's specific blood group in a unsuccessful bid to keep her alive as she experienced massive hemorrhaging following a free birth, a coroner's inquest has learned.

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

The infant was in good health, but Warnecke's state rapidly declined and an ambulance was called around 4:30 in the morning, the Victorian coroner’s court was informed on this week.

Emergency medical technicians arrived to find Warnecke looking jaundiced and struggling to breathe as she was seated on the ground near the inflatable pool, the coroner's counsel the court said.

She was taken to the local hospital but doctors were unable to save her.

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

The hospital’s supply of her blood group was completely exhausted during medical teams' efforts to save her, the inquest was told.

Warnecke’s death was notified to authorities, and Nathan Warnecke gave an account to investigating officers, but the doula refused.

As police went to inspect the residence the following day, they also found the property had been thoroughly cleaned up by the doula.

Decisions Regarding Prenatal Healthcare

The woman opted not to receive any health care during her term, including refusing scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or doctor.

The expectant mother planned to deliver at home and contacted the doula, who advertised herself as a free birth “keeper” on social media.

An unassisted birth, sometimes called a birth without medical attendants, differs from a planned home birth, which involves care from registered medical practitioners.

The relationship and communications with the doula will form part of the official inquest into her passing, the counsel noted.

The 30-year-old’s views on the medical establishment, the choices around her birth plan and broader attitudes following the Covid-19 pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest.

Context and Current Investigation

The inquest was informed that Warnecke was a qualified nutritionist who advocated for a healthy and “chemical-free” lifestyle on her online channels.

It appeared she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those concerns shaped her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard said.

In October, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could put mothers and babies at risk.

The investigation would be seeking a statement from Lal, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for Warnecke, the court heard.

This matter will return to the coroner in March for a further directions hearing.