Hospital Used Up Blood Trying to Save Wellness Social Media Figure's Life After Free Home Birth, Coroner Hears.
A medical facility exhausted its supply of a social media health advocate's matching blood group in a vain attempt to rescue her as she suffered catastrophic bleeding following a so-called "wild" birth, a court has learned.
Stacey Warnecke, 30, was accompanied by her spouse, her husband, and an unregulated doula named the doula when she gave birth to her son at her Melbourne home on the 29th of September.
The infant was healthy, but the mother's state rapidly declined and an emergency services was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the Victorian coroner’s court was told on Wednesday.
Ambulance officers discovered Warnecke looking pale and struggling to breathe as she sat on the ground near the birthing pool, counsel assisting the court said.
She was transported to Frankston hospital but her life could not be saved.
It is suspected she succumbed to severe complications after a postpartum haemorrhage, Ellyard said.
The medical center's stock of her blood type was entirely depleted during doctors’ efforts to stabilize her, the court was informed.
This incident was reported to police, and her husband gave an account to detectives, but Lal declined to cooperate.
When officers went to inspect the residence the following day, they discovered the property had been extensively cleaned by Lal.
Decisions Regarding Pregnancy Care
Warnecke elected not to receive any prenatal care during her term, including declining ultrasounds and appointments with a midwife or doctor.
The expectant mother wanted to give birth at home and contacted the doula, who also promoted herself as a free birth “keeper” on online platforms.
A free birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of qualified health professionals.
Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will be a key part of the official inquest into her death, Ellyard said.
The 30-year-old’s thoughts on the healthcare system, the choices around her birth 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 nutritionist who advocated for a healthy and “chemical-free” lifestyle on social media.
It appeared she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those apprehensions influenced her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, counsel said.
In October, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was involved in home births that could pose a danger to women and infants.
The investigation would be requesting testimony from the doula, as well as from the emergency responders and hospital staff who cared for the patient, Ellyard heard.
The case will return to the coroner’s court in March for a procedural update.
