Medical Center Used Up Blood Supply Trying to Save Wellness Social Media Figure's Life Following Free Home Birth, Coroner Is Told.

A hospital completely used up a social media health advocate's specific blood group in a futile bid to rescue her as she suffered catastrophic bleeding after a free birth, a coroner's inquest has heard.

The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was with her husband, Nathan Warnecke, and an unregulated doula named the doula when she gave birth to her baby boy at her Melbourne residence on 29 September.

The baby boy was in good health, but Warnecke's condition rapidly declined and an emergency services was called around 4.30am, the inquest was informed on this week.

Paramedics arrived to find the woman looking jaundiced and gasping for air as she was seated on the floor near the water birth tub, counsel assisting the court said.

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

It is suspected she succumbed to severe complications following a massive bleeding after childbirth, Ellyard said.

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

This incident was notified to authorities, and her husband gave an account to investigating officers, but the doula refused.

As police went to inspect the birth scene the next day, they discovered the house had been extensively cleaned by Lal.

Choices Around Prenatal Care

The woman opted not to receive any form of prenatal care during her pregnancy, including refusing scan appointments and consultations with a midwife or obstetrician.

The expectant mother planned to give birth at home and engaged the doula, who advertised herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on online platforms.

A so-called "wild" birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, differs from a planned home birth, which involves care from registered health professionals.

Warnecke’s interactions with Lal will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her death, Ellyard noted.

The 30-year-old’s thoughts on the medical establishment, the decisions around her birth plan and wider perspectives in the wake of the global pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest.

Context and Ongoing Investigation

The court was informed that the woman was a certified dietary consultant who advocated for a wholesome and “natural” lifestyle on her online channels.

Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by pandemic-related restrictions and those apprehensions influenced her decision-making during pregnancy and birth, counsel said.

Earlier this year, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner announced that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was involved in home deliveries that could pose a danger to women and infants.

The investigation would be seeking a statement from Lal, as well as from the emergency responders and hospital staff who cared for Warnecke, the court heard.

This matter will be back before the coroner’s court in March for a procedural update.