Medical Center Depleted Blood In an Attempt to Save Wellness Social Media Figure's Life Following Unassisted Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A medical facility completely used up a social media health advocate's matching blood group in a futile attempt to keep her alive as she experienced massive hemorrhaging following a unassisted home delivery, a court has been told.

The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was with her husband, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed doula named the doula when she delivered her baby boy at her home in Melbourne residence on 29 September.

The baby boy was in good health, but Warnecke's state rapidly declined and an emergency services was called around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was informed on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians discovered Warnecke looking jaundiced and gasping for air as she sat on the ground near the inflatable pool, the coroner's counsel Rachel Ellyard said.

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

Authorities believe she succumbed to complications following a postpartum haemorrhage, the counsel said.

The medical center's stock of her blood group was fully used up during medical teams' attempts to save her, the inquest was informed.

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

As police went to examine the residence the next day, they also found the house had been extensively cleaned by Lal.

Decisions Around Prenatal Care

Warnecke elected not to receive any health care during her pregnancy, including refusing scan appointments and consultations with a qualified midwife or doctor.

She wanted to deliver at home and engaged the doula, who described 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 qualified medical practitioners.

Warnecke’s interactions with Lal will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, the counsel said.

Her thoughts on the medical establishment, the choices around her birth plan and broader attitudes following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a future inquest.

Background and Ongoing Investigation

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

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

Earlier this year, the state health regulator announced that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home births that could pose a danger to women and infants.

The investigation would be requesting testimony from the doula, as well as from the emergency responders and hospital staff who treated the patient, Ellyard heard.

This matter will be back before the coroner in March for a further directions hearing.