Hospital Depleted Blood Supply In an Attempt to Save Wellness Social Media Figure's Life After Unassisted Birth, Inquest Hears.
A hospital completely used up a wellness influencer's matching blood group in a unsuccessful attempt to save her life as she bled uncontrollably after a unassisted home delivery, a coroner's inquest has heard.
The 30-year-old woman, 30, was with her husband, her husband, and an unregulated doula named Emily Lal when she gave birth to her baby boy at her home in Melbourne residence on 29 September.
The infant was in good health, but Warnecke's state deteriorated quickly and an emergency services was called around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was informed on Wednesday.
Paramedics arrived to find the woman looking jaundiced and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the floor near the inflatable pool, counsel assisting the court said.
The patient was rushed to the local hospital but doctors were unable to save her.
The preliminary finding suggests she succumbed to severe complications after a postpartum haemorrhage, the counsel explained.
The hospital’s supply of her blood type was completely exhausted during doctors’ efforts to save her, the court was told.
The fatality was notified to authorities, and her husband gave an account to detectives, but the doula declined to cooperate.
When officers went to examine Warnecke’s home the next day, they also found the property had been extensively cleaned by the doula.
Decisions Around Pregnancy Healthcare
Warnecke chose not to receive any prenatal care during her term, including declining scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or doctor.
She desired to give birth at home and engaged Lal, 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 planned home birth, which includes the assistance of registered health professionals.
Warnecke’s interactions with the doula will form part of the coroner’s investigation into her death, the counsel noted.
Her thoughts on the medical establishment, the choices around her birth plan and broader attitudes following the global pandemic will also be examined in a future inquest.
Context and Ongoing Inquiry
The inquest was informed that the woman was a certified nutritionist who promoted a wholesome and “chemical-free” way of life on social media.
Evidence suggests she was deeply influenced by Covid mandates and those concerns shaped her choices during her prenatal period and delivery, counsel added.
In October, Victoria’s health complaints commissioner announced that it was looking into the doula's activities over allegations she was facilitating or participating in home births that could put mothers and babies at risk.
The coroner would be requesting testimony from the doula, as well as from the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated the patient, Ellyard was told.
This matter will be back before the coroner’s court in the coming months for a procedural update.
