A coroner’s inquest has started into the death of Stacey Warnecke. The 30-year-old wellness influencer died suddenly from what is believed to be complications related to a postpartum hemorrhage. On September 29, Warnecke welcomed her son into the world at home in Melbourne. Her husband Nathan Warnecke was present, as was doula Emily Lal, who has faced increased criticism for her role during the incident.
Warnecke preferred a home birth because she holds radical views toward the healthcare system. Least of all, she wanted to be on the record against the COVID-19 mandates. In social media circles, Lal branded herself as a free birth “keeper.” She’d supported the home birth despite her practice being unregulated. Victoria’s health complaints commissioner is currently investigating Lal. They are investigating claims that Lal was involved in home births which could have endangered mothers and babies.
In the wake of Warnecke’s tragic death as the result of what happened after birth, the hospital failed to save Warnecke’s life. They were up against an unprecedented draining of their blood supply. The medical staff did everything they could to go in and fix the aftermath of the hemorrhage, but were sadly unable to save her.
The coroner’s inquest will examine Warnecke’s views on the healthcare system, her decision-making process regarding her birth plan, and the broader attitudes that have emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The case has drawn massive attention due to the incident’s tragic outcome. More importantly, it begins a broader, needed discussion about the risks that come with home births and the choices mothers are making when they seek care outside of traditional healthcare settings.
The inquest will be reconvened in March for a further directions hearing. On day two of this session, the coroner will hear from witness statements Emily Lal, paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated Stacey Warnecke.
“Warnecke was a qualified nutritionist who promoted a healthy and ‘chemical-free’ lifestyle on social media.” – source