Medical Center Depleted Blood In an Attempt to Rescue Health Social Media Figure's Life After Unassisted Birth, Inquest Hears.

A medical facility completely used up a social media health advocate's matching blood type in a futile attempt to rescue her as she bled uncontrollably following a free birth, a court has learned.

The 30-year-old woman, 30, was accompanied by her spouse, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed birth attendant named Emily Lal when she gave birth to her baby boy at her home in Melbourne home on the 29th of September.

The infant was in good health, but Warnecke's state worsened suddenly and an ambulance was called around 4.30am, the Victorian coroner’s court was told on this week.

Emergency medical technicians arrived to find the woman looking yellow and struggling to breathe as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard stated.

The patient was taken to the local hospital but her life could not be saved.

Authorities believe she succumbed to complications after a massive bleeding after childbirth, the counsel said.

The medical center's stock of her blood group was entirely depleted during medical teams' efforts to stabilize her, the court was informed.

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

As police went to examine Warnecke’s home the next day, they discovered the house had been deep cleaned by the doula.

Choices Regarding Pregnancy Healthcare

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

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

An unassisted birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which involves care from registered health professionals.

The relationship and communications with the doula will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, Ellyard said.

The 30-year-old’s beliefs on the medical establishment, the choices around her birth plan and wider perspectives in the wake of the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Ongoing Investigation

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

Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her decision-making during pregnancy and birth, counsel added.

In October, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over concerns 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 emergency responders and hospital staff who treated Warnecke, Ellyard heard.

The case will return to the coroner’s court in March for a procedural update.