A hospital depleted its entire stock of a social media health advocate's matching blood type in a vain bid to rescue her as she suffered catastrophic bleeding after a so-called "wild" birth, a court has heard.
The 30-year-old woman, aged 30, was accompanied by her spouse, Nathan Warnecke, and an unregulated doula named Emily Lal when she delivered her son at her home in Melbourne home on the 29th of September.
The baby boy was in good health, but the mother's state worsened suddenly and an ambulance was summoned around 4:30 in the morning, the inquest was informed on this week.
Emergency medical technicians arrived to find Warnecke looking jaundiced and having difficulty breathing as she was seated on the ground near the water birth tub, the coroner's counsel the court said.
The patient was taken to Frankston hospital but could not be saved.
Authorities believe she succumbed to severe complications after a post-birth hemorrhage, Ellyard said.
The medical center's stock of her blood type was fully used up during doctors’ attempts to save her, the court was told.
This incident was reported to police, and her husband gave an account to investigating officers, but Lal declined to cooperate.
As police went to examine the residence the next day, they discovered the property had been deep cleaned by Lal.
Warnecke elected not to receive any form of medical care during her pregnancy, including refusing scan appointments and appointments with a qualified midwife or obstetrician.
She planned to deliver at home and contacted Lal, who advertised herself as a free birth “keeper” on social media.
A free birth, sometimes called a wild or unassisted birth, is distinct from a home delivery with professional support, which includes the assistance of registered medical practitioners.
Warnecke’s interactions with Lal will be a key part of the coroner’s investigation into her death, the counsel noted.
The 30-year-old’s views on the healthcare system, the decisions around her birth plan and broader attitudes following the global pandemic will also come under scrutiny in a future inquest.
The inquest was told that Warnecke was a qualified nutritionist who advocated for a healthy and “chemical-free” way of life on social media.
Evidence suggests she was profoundly affected by pandemic-related restrictions and those apprehensions influenced her decision-making during pregnancy and birth, Ellyard added.
Earlier this year, the state health regulator issued a warning that it was investigating Lal over concerns 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 emergency responders and hospital staff who cared for the patient, Ellyard was told.
This matter will return to the coroner in the coming months for a procedural update.
A passionate writer and traveler sharing insights on personal growth and lifestyle from a UK perspective.
