A wellness influencer tragically passed away due to severe blood loss after choosing to have an unassisted home birth, a court has been informed.

Stacey Warnecke, 30, was accompanied by her husband, Nathan, and an unregistered doula, Emily Lal, when she gave birth to her son in their Melbourne home on September 29.

While her newborn son arrived healthy, Warnecke’s condition quickly deteriorated, prompting a call to emergency services around 4:30 a.m., as reported to the Victorian Coroners Court today.

Warnecke, a certified nutritionist, was known for advocating a healthy, “chemical-free” lifestyle through her social media platforms.

Coroner Ellyard noted that Warnecke appeared to be deeply affected by COVID-19 regulations, which significantly influenced her choices during her pregnancy and childbirth.

Warnecke made the decision to forgo all medical care during her pregnancy, opting out of ultrasounds and any consultations with midwives or obstetricians.

She wanted to give birth at home and contacted Lal, who also promoted herself as a free birth “keeper” on social media.

Victoria’s Health Complaints Commissioner announced in October it was investigating Lal over allegations she was facilitating or participating in homebirths that could put mothers and babies at risk.

Ellyard said the coroner would be seeking a statement from Lal, as well as the paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated Warnecke.

The case will return to the coroner’s court in March for a further directions hearing.