Wellness Mom Dies After Unassisted Home Birth

A Melbourne woman, Stacey Warnecke, 30, died following a free birth at her home on September 29, attended by an unregulated doula. Warnecke, who had declined all prenatal medical care, including ultrasounds and midwife appointments, experienced a rapid decline after delivering her son. Paramedics were called, but she was pronounced dead at Frankston hospital, suspected to have died from postpartum hemorrhage.

The hospital's entire supply of her blood type was depleted during extensive efforts to save her life. The unregulated doula, Emily Lal, who also promoted herself as a free birth 'keeper,' reportedly cleaned the home extensively before authorities could examine it. Lal refused to provide a statement to police.

Warnecke, a qualified nutritionist, had promoted a healthy, 'chemical-free' lifestyle online and appeared profoundly affected by COVID-19 mandates, which influenced her birth decisions. Victoria's Health Complaints Commissioner is investigating Lal for potentially endangering mothers and babies, warning the public against engaging her services. A coroner's inquest will further examine the circumstances surrounding Warnecke's death.