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A newborn boy was delivered in good health, but unfortunately, the mother’s condition, Warnecke, took a severe turn for the worse, necessitating an emergency call around 4:30 a.m.
Transported swiftly to Frankston Hospital, medical personnel were unable to save her. A medical examiner later confirmed that Warnecke succumbed to a postpartum hemorrhage.
Following her death, the case was reported to the police. Her husband, Nathan, who was also present for the birth, gave a statement to investigators, although another individual, Lal, declined to do so.
The court heard from Rachel Ellyard, the counsel assisting the Victorian coroner, that the doula has also withheld a statement regarding Warnecke’s death.
Ellyard explained that the doula’s refusal stems from concerns over potential self-incrimination.
Coroner Therese McCarthy ordered a direct witness summons be served on Lal, where she would be advised she could give evidence at inquest under a certificate.
The certificate would protect Lal from facing criminal prosecution as a result of her evidence.
“I’m of the view Ms Lal’s evidence is a crucial part of the picture leading up to the death of Ms Warnecke,” McCarthy said.
“I really hope Ms Lal agrees to participate in this process … because I think she can make a significant contribution.”
If Lal continues to object, she will be compelled to give evidence and she will have to make submissions as to why she should be excused.
That process will take place in May ahead of the inquest starting on June 15, Ellyard said.
The scope of the inquest was also outlined during today’s hearing, with the coroner set to investigate the circumstances of Warnecke’s death and whether she would have survived with earlier medical intervention.
The coroner will also consider the risks of home births, whether Warnecke was aware of any risks, why she chose to proceed with a home birth, and any prevention measures going forward.
The coroner had already received statements from the medical examiner, various clinicians involved in Warnecke’s care and the influencer’s family, Ellyard said.
There were still outstanding statements from the Healthcare Complaints Commission and an expert midwife and obstetrician, the counsel assisting said.
The case was adjourned to the inquest in June.
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