Doula faces charges after free birth death inquest

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 06:31 · Archive

An unregistered doula could be charged with perjury after her sworn inquest evidence was contradicted by a phone recording.

Stacey Warnecke, a 30-year-old wellness influencer, died hours after giving birth to her son Axel at her Melbourne home in September 2025. She had chosen a free birth—one intentionally conducted without medical professionals—attended by her husband Nathan and doula Emily Lal. Ms Warnecke was rushed to hospital after complications but died from postpartum haemorrhage. A coronial inquest is examining whether she would have survived with earlier medical intervention and the risks of free birth.

Emily Lal, an unregistered doula, testified under oath at the inquest in June after being given a certificate indemnifying her answers from future legal proceedings, though this did not extend to false evidence. She told the court her role was mainly that of a friend and support.

Analysis of Ms Warnecke's phone uncovered a 35-minute recording from January 2025 between the expectant mother and Ms Lal, played in court on Monday. In the call, Ms Warnecke described wanting the doula present as a 'wise woman' who could tell her whether she was healthy or dying. Ms Lal responded that if Ms Warnecke was 'solid enough' she would manage. This contradicted Ms Lal's sworn testimony about the limited nature of her involvement.

How it is being reported

• Doula could face charges after influencer's birth deathSworn evidence provided by an unregistered doula to an inquest into the free birth death of an influencer has been contradicted by a phone recording.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 06:06
• Doula could face charges after influencer's birth deathSworn evidence provided by an unregistered doula to an inquest into the free birth death of an influencer has been contradicted by a phone recording.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 06:05

In this story: Stacey Warnecke · Emily Lal · Nathan Warnecke · Melbourne

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