Public statement issued by Nathan Warnecke, husband of Stacey Hatfield, follows her death, while Emily Lal, a self-described doula known as the Authentic Birthkeeper, is under scrutiny for involvement in home births and avoiding police interviews as authorities investigate.

The Victorian Coroners Court is weighing whether to hold an official inquest, with a listening or hearing likely scheduled to resume in March.

Frankston Hospital ran out of Hatfield’s blood type during emergency treatment, and she died the same day after delivering her baby.

Hatfield’s attorney contends her pregnancy choices and avoidance of conventional healthcare were shaped by COVID-19 mandates, and the coroner is expected to examine Lal’s involvement.

Initial reports indicate Hatfield may have died from postpartum hemorrhage after childbirth, with paramedics noting she appeared ill and yellow at the scene.

Stacey Hatfield, a Melbourne wellness influencer, died from postpartum hemorrhage following a home birth assisted by an unregulated doula on September 29.

Hatfield’s death is tied to a home birth attended by Emily Lal, with doctors unable to save her after the postpartum hemorrhage.

Hatfield, 30, was a Melbourne-based influencer who promoted a chemical-free lifestyle and died after giving birth at home with Lal's involvement.

Hatfield was a qualified nutritionist who advocated a chemical-free lifestyle, with the coroner noting COVID-era policy influences on her decisions.

The inquest will examine Hatfield’s views on healthcare, birth choices, and pandemic-era attitudes, with a directions hearing set for March.

The coroner plans to request statements from Lal, paramedics, and treating clinicians as part of the inquiry.

Lal’s role in home births and the broader safety of unregulated births are under investigation by the Victorian coroner, following guidance from the health complaints commissioner.