🔗 Share this article Hospital Exhausted Blood Trying to Save Health Influencer's Life After Free Home Birth, Inquest Hears. A medical facility exhausted its supply of a wellness influencer's specific blood type in a unsuccessful bid to keep her alive as she bled uncontrollably following a so-called "wild" birth, a court has heard. Stacey Warnecke, aged 30, was with her husband, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed birth attendant named Emily Lal when she gave birth to her son at her home in Melbourne home on the 29th of September. The baby boy was healthy, but Warnecke's state worsened suddenly and an emergency services was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the hearing was informed on Wednesday. Emergency medical technicians discovered the woman looking jaundiced and gasping for air as she was seated on the floor near the birthing 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 severe complications after a post-birth hemorrhage, Ellyard explained. The hospital’s supply of her blood group was completely exhausted during doctors’ attempts to stabilize her, the court was informed. The fatality was notified to authorities, and her husband gave an account to detectives, but the doula declined to cooperate. As police went to inspect Warnecke’s home the next day, they discovered the house had been thoroughly cleaned up by the doula. Decisions Regarding Prenatal Care The woman elected not to receive any form of medical care during her term, including declining ultrasounds and appointments with a midwife or obstetrician. She desired to deliver at home and contacted Lal, who also promoted herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on social media. An unassisted birth, sometimes called a wild or unassisted birth, differs from a planned home birth, which involves care from registered medical practitioners. Warnecke’s interactions with Lal will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, the counsel noted. The 30-year-old’s views on the healthcare system, the choices around her delivery plan and wider perspectives following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing. Background and Ongoing Investigation The court was told that the woman was a qualified dietary consultant who advocated for a wholesome and “chemical-free” lifestyle on her online channels. Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard added. In October, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home births that could pose a danger to women and infants. The investigation would be seeking a statement from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for Warnecke, the court heard. This matter will be back before the coroner in the coming months for a procedural update.
A medical facility exhausted its supply of a wellness influencer's specific blood type in a unsuccessful bid to keep her alive as she bled uncontrollably following a so-called "wild" birth, a court has heard. Stacey Warnecke, aged 30, was with her husband, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed birth attendant named Emily Lal when she gave birth to her son at her home in Melbourne home on the 29th of September. The baby boy was healthy, but Warnecke's state worsened suddenly and an emergency services was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the hearing was informed on Wednesday. Emergency medical technicians discovered the woman looking jaundiced and gasping for air as she was seated on the floor near the birthing 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 severe complications after a post-birth hemorrhage, Ellyard explained. The hospital’s supply of her blood group was completely exhausted during doctors’ attempts to stabilize her, the court was informed. The fatality was notified to authorities, and her husband gave an account to detectives, but the doula declined to cooperate. As police went to inspect Warnecke’s home the next day, they discovered the house had been thoroughly cleaned up by the doula. Decisions Regarding Prenatal Care The woman elected not to receive any form of medical care during her term, including declining ultrasounds and appointments with a midwife or obstetrician. She desired to deliver at home and contacted Lal, who also promoted herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on social media. An unassisted birth, sometimes called a wild or unassisted birth, differs from a planned home birth, which involves care from registered medical practitioners. Warnecke’s interactions with Lal will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, the counsel noted. The 30-year-old’s views on the healthcare system, the choices around her delivery plan and wider perspectives following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing. Background and Ongoing Investigation The court was told that the woman was a qualified dietary consultant who advocated for a wholesome and “chemical-free” lifestyle on her online channels. Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard added. In October, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home births that could pose a danger to women and infants. The investigation would be seeking a statement from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who cared for Warnecke, the court heard. This matter will be back before the coroner in the coming months for a procedural update.