🔗 Share this article Hospital Exhausted Blood Supply Trying to Save Health Influencer's Life After Free Home Birth, Coroner Is Told. A medical facility completely used up a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a futile attempt to save her life as she bled uncontrollably following a free birth, a coroner's inquest has learned. The 30-year-old woman, 30, was accompanied by her spouse, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed birth attendant named the doula when she gave birth to her son at her home in Melbourne residence on 29 September. The baby boy was in good health, but Warnecke's state worsened suddenly 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 sat on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting the court said. She was taken to the local hospital but her life could not be saved. Authorities believe she succumbed to complications after a postpartum haemorrhage, the counsel explained. The medical center's stock of her blood group was completely exhausted during medical teams' attempts to stabilize her, the court was told. The fatality was reported to police, and her husband provided a statement to investigating officers, but the doula declined to cooperate. As police went to examine the residence the following day, they also found the house had been deep cleaned by Lal. Decisions Regarding Pregnancy Care The woman chose not to receive any form of medical care during her term, including declining scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or obstetrician. She planned to give birth at home and contacted Lal, who described herself as a free birth “keeper” on social media. A so-called "wild" birth, sometimes called a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a planned home birth, which involves care from registered health professionals. Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will form part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, the counsel said. The 30-year-old’s beliefs on the healthcare system, the decisions around her delivery plan and broader attitudes in the wake of the global pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest. Background and Ongoing Inquiry The inquest was told that the woman was a certified dietary consultant who promoted a healthy and “chemical-free” way of life on her online channels. Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her choices during pregnancy and birth, counsel said. Earlier this year, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was facilitating or participating in home births that could put mothers and babies at risk. 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’s court in the coming months for a further directions hearing.
A medical facility completely used up a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a futile attempt to save her life as she bled uncontrollably following a free birth, a coroner's inquest has learned. The 30-year-old woman, 30, was accompanied by her spouse, Nathan Warnecke, and an unlicensed birth attendant named the doula when she gave birth to her son at her home in Melbourne residence on 29 September. The baby boy was in good health, but Warnecke's state worsened suddenly 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 sat on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting the court said. She was taken to the local hospital but her life could not be saved. Authorities believe she succumbed to complications after a postpartum haemorrhage, the counsel explained. The medical center's stock of her blood group was completely exhausted during medical teams' attempts to stabilize her, the court was told. The fatality was reported to police, and her husband provided a statement to investigating officers, but the doula declined to cooperate. As police went to examine the residence the following day, they also found the house had been deep cleaned by Lal. Decisions Regarding Pregnancy Care The woman chose not to receive any form of medical care during her term, including declining scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or obstetrician. She planned to give birth at home and contacted Lal, who described herself as a free birth “keeper” on social media. A so-called "wild" birth, sometimes called a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a planned home birth, which involves care from registered health professionals. Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will form part of the coroner’s investigation into her passing, the counsel said. The 30-year-old’s beliefs on the healthcare system, the decisions around her delivery plan and broader attitudes in the wake of the global pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest. Background and Ongoing Inquiry The inquest was told that the woman was a certified dietary consultant who promoted a healthy and “chemical-free” way of life on her online channels. Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns shaped her choices during pregnancy and birth, counsel said. Earlier this year, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over concerns she was facilitating or participating in home births that could put mothers and babies at risk. 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’s court in the coming months for a further directions hearing.