Medical Center Depleted Blood Supply Trying to Save Health Social Media Figure's Life After Unassisted Home Birth, Inquest Hears.

A medical facility completely used up a wellness influencer's specific blood group in a vain effort to rescue her as she experienced massive hemorrhaging following 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 unregulated birth attendant named Emily Lal when she gave birth to her son at her home in Melbourne home on 29 September.

Her newborn son was well, but Warnecke's condition deteriorated quickly and an emergency services was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was informed on this week.

Emergency medical technicians discovered the woman looking jaundiced and gasping for air as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard stated.

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

The preliminary finding suggests she succumbed to severe complications after a postpartum haemorrhage, Ellyard explained.

The hospital’s supply of her blood group was entirely depleted during doctors’ attempts to stabilize her, the court was informed.

Warnecke’s death was notified to authorities, and Nathan Warnecke gave an account to investigating officers, but Lal declined to cooperate.

As police went to inspect the residence the following day, they discovered the property had been extensively cleaned by Lal.

Choices Around Prenatal Healthcare

The woman elected not to receive any form of health care during her pregnancy, including declining ultrasounds and consultations with a midwife or doctor.

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

A free birth, also referred to as a wild or unassisted birth, differs from a planned home birth, which includes the assistance of registered medical practitioners.

The relationship and communications with Lal will be a key part of the official inquest into her death, Ellyard said.

The 30-year-old’s views on the medical establishment, the choices around her birth plan and broader attitudes in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Context and Ongoing Investigation

The inquest was told that the woman was a certified nutritionist who promoted a healthy and “natural” way of life on her online channels.

It appeared she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those apprehensions influenced her choices during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard said.

Earlier this year, the state health regulator 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 paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated the patient, the court heard.

The case will be back before the coroner in March for a procedural update.