Medical Center Used Up Blood Supply Trying to Save Health Social Media Figure's Life Following Unassisted Home Birth, Coroner Is Told.

A hospital completely used up a social media health advocate's specific blood type in a unsuccessful attempt to rescue her as she suffered catastrophic bleeding following a unassisted home delivery, a coroner's inquest has learned.

The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was with her husband, her husband, and an unregulated birth attendant named the doula when she gave birth to her son at her Melbourne home on 29 September.

The baby boy was healthy, but the mother's state rapidly declined and an emergency services was called around 4.30am, the Victorian coroner’s court was told on this week.

Paramedics arrived to find Warnecke looking yellow and gasping for air as she sat on the ground near the water birth tub, the coroner's counsel the court stated.

She was rushed to Frankston hospital but could not be saved.

The preliminary finding suggests she succumbed to complications following a post-birth hemorrhage, Ellyard said.

All available reserves of her blood type was entirely depleted during medical teams' efforts to save her, the inquest was told.

Warnecke’s death was reported to police, and her husband gave an account to detectives, but Lal refused.

When officers went to inspect the residence the following day, they also found the property had been deep cleaned by Lal.

Decisions Around Pregnancy Healthcare

The woman chose not to receive any form of prenatal care during her term, including declining scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or obstetrician.

The expectant mother wanted to give birth at home and engaged the doula, who described herself as a advocate for unassisted birth on social media.

An unassisted birth, also referred to as a birth without medical attendants, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of registered health professionals.

The relationship and communications with Lal will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her death, Ellyard said.

Her beliefs on the healthcare system, the decisions around her birth plan and broader attitudes in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a forthcoming hearing.

Context and Ongoing Inquiry

The court was told that the woman was a certified dietary consultant who promoted a wholesome and “chemical-free” lifestyle 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 said.

In October, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over concerns 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 emergency responders and hospital staff who cared for the patient, the court was told.

This matter will return to the coroner in the coming months for a further directions hearing.