Hospital Used Up Blood Supply Trying to Rescue Health Influencer's Life Following Unassisted Home Birth, Coroner Is Told.
A hospital exhausted its supply of a social media health advocate's matching blood type in a vain effort to keep her alive as she experienced massive hemorrhaging following a so-called "wild" birth, a coroner's inquest has heard.
The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was accompanied by her spouse, Nathan Warnecke, and an unregulated birth attendant named the doula when she delivered her son at her home in Melbourne residence on 29 September.
Her newborn son was in good health, but the mother's state deteriorated quickly and an emergency services was called around 4.30am, the inquest was told on this week.
Paramedics discovered the woman looking pale and struggling to breathe as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard stated.
The patient was rushed to Frankston hospital but could not be saved.
Authorities believe she succumbed to complications following a massive bleeding after childbirth, Ellyard explained.
The hospital’s supply of her blood group was entirely depleted during medical teams' attempts to save her, the court was told.
Warnecke’s death was notified to authorities, and Nathan Warnecke provided a statement to investigating officers, but Lal declined to cooperate.
As police went to examine Warnecke’s home the next day, they also found the property had been thoroughly cleaned up by the doula.
Choices Around Pregnancy Care
The woman chose not to receive any prenatal care during her pregnancy, including refusing scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or obstetrician.
The expectant mother planned to give birth at home and contacted the doula, who advertised herself as a free birth “keeper” on social media.
A free birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, is distinct from a planned home birth, which involves care from registered health professionals.
Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will be a key part of the official inquest into her passing, the counsel said.
Her beliefs on the medical establishment, the decisions around her delivery plan and broader attitudes following the Covid-19 pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.
Context and Ongoing Investigation
The inquest was told that Warnecke was a certified nutritionist who advocated for a healthy and “chemical-free” lifestyle on social media.
Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those apprehensions shaped her choices during pregnancy and birth, counsel added.
In October, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home deliveries that could put mothers and babies at risk.
The coroner would be seeking a statement from Lal, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated Warnecke, the court was told.
This matter will be back before the coroner’s court in the coming months for a further directions hearing.