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

A hospital depleted its entire stock of a wellness influencer's specific 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 been told.

The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was accompanied by her spouse, her husband, and an unregulated birth attendant named the doula when she gave birth to her son at her home in Melbourne residence on the 29th of September.

Her newborn son was in good health, but the mother's state rapidly declined and an ambulance was called around 4.30am, the hearing was told on Wednesday.

Emergency medical technicians discovered Warnecke looking pale and gasping for air as she was seated on the floor near the water birth tub, counsel assisting the court stated.

She was taken to Frankston hospital but doctors were unable to save her.

The preliminary finding suggests she succumbed to complications after a massive bleeding after childbirth, the counsel explained.

The hospital’s supply of her blood group was fully used up during medical teams' efforts to stabilize her, the inquest was informed.

The fatality was reported to police, and Nathan Warnecke provided a statement to investigating officers, but the doula declined to cooperate.

As police went to inspect the birth scene the following day, they also found the property had been extensively cleaned by Lal.

Decisions Around Pregnancy Healthcare

The woman opted not to receive any health care during her pregnancy, including refusing scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or obstetrician.

She planned to give birth at home and contacted the doula, who also promoted 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 includes the assistance of registered medical practitioners.

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

Her 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 future inquest.

Background and Ongoing Inquiry

The court was informed that Warnecke was a certified dietary consultant who promoted a healthy and “natural” way of life on her online channels.

It appeared she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those concerns influenced her decision-making during pregnancy and birth, counsel said.

In October, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over allegations she was involved in home deliveries that could put mothers and babies at risk.

The investigation would be seeking a statement from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated the patient, the court was told.

This matter will be back before the coroner in the coming months for a procedural update.