Phone data contradicts birthkeeper testimony

Coroner Therese McCarthy heard on Monday that forensic analysis of a smartphone may contradict the testimony of birthkeeper Emily Lal regarding the death of Stacey Warnecke. The inquest into Warnecke's death, which began in June, was paused while experts examined digital records from the 30-year-old nutritionist and wellness influencer. Warnecke died in September 2025 at Frankston Hospital in Melbourne after suffering a massive postpartum haemorrhage following a home birth.

Rachel Ellyard, counsel assisting the coroner, presented findings from the phone analysis, including messages in a WhatsApp group chat coordinated by Lal for women choosing freebirth. Ellyard stated that the evidence directly contradicted Lal's June testimony, in which she described her role as a supportive friend rather than a medical advisor. Warnecke had paid Lal $6,000 for support throughout the pregnancy.

A recorded call between the two women was played to the court. During the conversation, Warnecke expressed fear of the hospital, to which Lal replied, "You should be scared of the hospital." Lal added that staying home required a solid mindset and warned that midwives might inadvertently sabotage home births if they became exhausted. Ellyard argued that Lal had "groomed" clients to resist medical help, viewing hospitalization as a failure of preparation.

Lal had previously testified that she was not clinically trained and that it was not her responsibility to make the birth safer or call an ambulance unless specifically asked. She claimed she only shared her own experiences of freebirthing her children. However, Ellyard noted that Lal provided referrals, sold supplements, and offered expert commentary, a role far more structured than that of a friend.

Warnecke's husband, Nathan, was also described as having been reassured that his role was simply to support from the sidelines. Lal has since declined to return to court for further evidence. She originally gave testimony under a certificate of protection, meaning her words could not be used against her in future proceedings.

Ellyard suggested to the coroner that she may find Lal committed perjury in relation to the falsity of her evidence and refer the matter to the Office of Public Prosecutions. The OPP prepares and conducts criminal matters. Ellyard also noted evidence that Lal held herself out as an expert capable of meeting the needs of pregnant women despite having no clinical authority.

The court previously heard that Lal asked Warnecke three times whether she wanted an ambulance called after Warnecke lost up to 1.5 liters of blood and began struggling to breathe. Warnecke agreed to the ambulance on the third attempt, but paramedics found her seriously unwell. She died several hours later, with the hospital exhausting its blood supply in an effort to save her. Ellyard stated that Warnecke would have survived if she had been in a hospital setting.