Clinician Reports Birthkeeper Following Maternal Death

A senior clinician reported an unlicensed birthkeeper to Victoria Police on September 29, the same day 30-year-old wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke died following a home birth in Melbourne. The report, filed by an executive at Bayside Health Peninsula, was prompted by concerns regarding public health and safety after staff observed the birthkeeper using clinical terminology despite lacking medical training.

Warnecke had engaged Emily Lal, a birthkeeper, for a fee of $6,000 to facilitate a home birth without clinical supervision. During the delivery, Warnecke suffered a postpartum haemorrhage. Testimony provided to the inquest indicates that while Warnecke experienced respiratory distress and cardiac arrest, the birthkeeper did not call for emergency services until the third request from the patient. Warnecke was transported to Frankston Hospital approximately two hours after delivery, where she later died despite surgical intervention.

Medical experts testifying at the inquest noted that postpartum haemorrhage is a treatable condition in clinical settings. The birthkeeper, who maintains she acted as a friend rather than a medical provider, testified that she was not legally required to provide a statement to police. The inquest continues as authorities examine the regulatory implications of birthkeeping practices operating outside the formal medical system.