THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

Inquest into Melbourne influencer’s death following freebirth halted after new phone evidence discovered <p>Coroner tells freebirth inquest new material ‘of such significance’ any findings must be postponed so information can be analysed</p><p></p><p></p><p>The closing submissions in an inquest into the death of a woman who gave birth at home with no support from medically trained health workers has been delayed, after new evidence came to light following a forensic analysis of her mobile phone.</p><p>Stacey Warnecke, a 30 year-old nutritionist, died on 29 September in Frankston hospital in Melbourne.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/18/freebirth-death-melbourne-influencer-phone-evidence-inquest-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

Birth keeper says she wouldn't call an ambulance for a dying mum ByWAYNE FLOWER, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIAand AAP Published:23:22 EDT, 15 June 2026|Updated:00:08 EDT, 16 June 2026 Viewcomments A 'birth keeper' who watched as a popularMelbournenutritionist and food influencer struggled during childbirth said she had no obligation to call her an ambulance. Stacey Warnecke, 30,died in hospital on September 29 from complications of postpartum haemorrhage, several hours after giving birth to her son Axel at home without medical assistance. On Tuesday, the Coroners Court of Victoria heard Ms Warnecke chose not to receive any healthcare during her pregnancy and gave birth at home alongside her husband Nathan and 'birth keeper' Emily Lal. Lal, a mother of four, had built a significant following among mothers before Ms Warnecke's death. She appeared at the coronial inquest, but only after being granted a certificate against self-incrimination. The court heard Lal had declined to speak to police ahead of the inquest, and that when officers attended the scene the following day the house had been 'extensively cleaned by Ms Lal'. Rachel Ellyard, counsel assisting Coroner Therese…

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

Death of 'freebirther's' baby during homebirth preventable - The Nightly Death of freebirther’s baby during homebirth ‘preventable’, Authentic Birthkeeper Emily Lal actions examined The death of a baby girl at a Melbourne home in a ‘freebirthing’ tragedy could have been prevented, the coroner has ruled. Peta Rasdien The Nightly 3 Min Read 08 Aug 2025 Updated 08 Aug 2025 The coroner ruled baby E’s death could have been prevented if her mother had sought medical assistance. Stock photo. Credit: ink drop - stock.adobe.com The death of a baby girl at a Melbourne home in a “freebirthing” tragedy could have been prevented, the coroner has ruled. Baby E died in December 2022, hours after she was born at home in a birthing pool hired by her parents from an Instagram influencer who opposes medical intervention during pregnancy. The actions of her parents and the influencer, Emily Lal, were the subject of a coronial inquiry, with the findings handed down on Thursday. Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters. Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox. By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy . The newborn’s mo…

Melbourne wellness influencer found short of breath and clammy after home birth hours before death <p>Stacey Warnecke, 30, died from a treatable complication after giving birth without any trained medical staff, an inquest hears</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jun/15/australia-news-live-experts-push-back-at-call-for-shark-cull-after-attack-university-students-report-freedom-of-speech-fears">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>A Melbourne wellness influencer was found lying on the floor of her home in an altered state of consciousness beside a large blood clot in the<strong> </strong>hours before she died in hospital, an inquest has heard.</p><p>Stacey Warnecke, 30, died in September from a treatable complication after giving birth at home to her son Axel without any trained medical staff, the inquest which began on Monday i…

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

Birthkeeper hired by woman who died after freebirth tells inquest she was ‘not there to make a birth safer’ <p>Emily Lal – paid $6,000 to provide freebirth support package to Stacey Warnecke – tells coroner her role was primarily to be a ‘supportive friend’</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jun/16/australia-news-live-victoria-wfh-work-from-home-labor-fuel-excise-budget-cost-of-living-albanese-chalmers-one-nation-hanson-rba-interest-rates-decision-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>A birthkeeper hired by a woman who died after giving birth at home has told a coroner that she was “not there to make a birth safer”.</p><p>Emily Lal gave evidence on Tuesday at the inquest into the death of 30-year-old Stacey Warnecke, who died on 29 September in Frankston hospital after giving birth at home with her husband and Lal presen…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

Triple-zero call revealed after wellness influencer's free birth death shares Share article A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her firstborn in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. Australian wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke died hours after free birthing at home. GoFundMe Advertisement A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court today. Nathan Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a “friend”. She said the new mother had been bleeding, but it had stopped, while her breathing complications “kinda comes and goes”. Read more Rich lister tops donations for shark attack victim Sounds of Axel crying and W…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

A hospital director has revealed he referred an unregistered doula to police over concerns she was a risk to public health following a wellness influencer's fatal free birth. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting, Bayside Health Peninsula executive Shyaman Menon told the court on Wednesday. An issue was raised at the meeting about Ms Lal's language during the new mother's birth, despite the doula identifying herself as a friend and not having any medical training. "The language used was more than what a general public member would unders…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

An unregistered doula present during a wellness influencer's fatal free birth was referred to police after doctors expressed concerns about her risk to public health, an inquest has been told. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had been undergoing a free birth at her Melbourne home with unregistered doula Emily Lal and her husband Nathan on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done intentionally without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition soon rapidly declined. She was rushed to Frankston Hospital suffering multiple cardiac arrests after appearing hot, pale, gasping for air and going in and out of consciousness. Doctors worked desperately to save her, including performing two separate surgeries - a hysterectomy and draining fluid that had pooled around her heart. It was entire supply of Ms Warnecke's blood type was used up, but she died of blood loss from a postpartum haemorrhage, the Victorian Coroners Court was told. After the death, senior and executive hospital staff convened a "red light" meeting. The meetings, which would usually be called 24 to 48 hours after a significant inciden…

A triple-zero call made hours before a wellness influencer died after giving birth at home has been played in court for the first time. Stacey Warnecke, 30, had opted for a free birth for her first born in the presence of her husband Nathan and paid unregistered doula Emily Lal at a Melbourne home on September 29. A free birth, unlike a home birth where a registered midwife is present, is done without any medical professionals. Her baby boy Axel was healthy but Ms Warnecke's condition rapidly declined. A triple-zero call made at 4.30am raising concerns about her declining health was played in the Victorian Coroners Court on Monday. Mr Warnecke could be heard telling the operator his wife was having trouble breathing after giving birth at home. The phone was then passed to Ms Lal who, when asked if she was the midwife, told the operator she was a "friend". She said the new mother had been bleeding but it had stopped, while her breathing complications "kinda comes and goes". Sounds of Axel crying and Ms Warnecke's rapid breathing could be heard in the background. The first paramedic to arrive about 10 minutes later found Ms Warnecke lying on the floor, skin yellow, clammy an…

Clinician reported birthkeeper to police the day Melbourne wellness influencer died following freebirth <p>Inquest hears clinician wasn’t legally required to report to police but was concerned about public health and safety </p><p>A senior clinician reported a birthkeeper to police the same day one of her clients died after giving birth at home – something the senior clinician said he had not done before.</p><p>The evidence was heard during the third day of the inquest into the death of 30-year-old wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke, who died on 29 September in Frankston hospital in Melbourne. She had paid Emily Lal $6,000 to support her to have a freebirth at home without any clinically trained staff involved.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/17/clinician-reported-birthkeeper-to-police-the-day-melbourne-wellness-influencer-died-following-freebirth">Continue reading...</a>