Hospital Used Up Blood Trying to Rescue Health Social Media Figure's Life After Unassisted Birth, Inquest Is Told.

A medical facility exhausted its supply of a social media health advocate's matching blood type in a unsuccessful bid to keep her alive 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 doula named Emily Lal when she delivered her baby boy at her Melbourne home on 29 September.

Her newborn son was well, but the mother's condition rapidly declined and an ambulance was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was informed on this week.

Ambulance officers discovered Warnecke looking jaundiced and struggling to breathe as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting the court stated.

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

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

All available reserves of her blood group was completely exhausted during medical teams' attempts to save her, the inquest was informed.

Warnecke’s death was notified to authorities, and Nathan Warnecke gave an account to investigating officers, but the doula refused.

As police went to inspect the residence the following day, they also found the house had been thoroughly cleaned up by Lal.

Choices Regarding Prenatal Care

The woman opted not to receive any medical care during her term, including refusing scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or doctor.

She wanted to give birth at home and contacted Lal, 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 planned home birth, which includes the assistance of qualified medical practitioners.

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

Her thoughts on the healthcare system, the choices around her birth plan and broader attitudes in the wake of the global pandemic will also be examined in a forthcoming hearing.

Background and Ongoing Inquiry

The inquest was informed that Warnecke was a certified nutritionist who promoted a healthy and “natural” lifestyle on her online channels.

Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, Ellyard added.

In October, the state health regulator announced that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was facilitating or participating 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 treated Warnecke, Ellyard was told.

This matter will return to the coroner in the coming months for a further directions hearing.