A popular Melbourne nutritionist and food influencer who died just hours after her first child was born is understood to have had a ‘freebirth’.

Stacey Hatfield, 30, was best known for her business Natural Spoonfuls where she promoted the benefits of a ‘low tox’ lifestyle and natural recipes.

She died suddenly on September 29 after experiencing an ‘extremely rare complication’ following a home birth.

While Ms Hatfield was able to hold and nurse her baby boy, Axel, for the first time, her family said she ‘was only able to experience the joy for a few short moments’.

It was reported by the Herald Sun on Saturday that Ms Hatfield is believed to have chosen a ‘freebirth’, which is when someone chooses to give birth at home without help from a doctor or midwife.

Freebirth can carry risks, including potential complications during labour and birth that may require urgent medical care. 

It is different to a planned home birth during which a woman is supported by a trained practitioner who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). 

Safer Care Victoria has said it respects every woman’s right to choose where she gives birth, but warned there has been an increase in ‘freebirths’ in recent years. 

‘Unfortunately, some have resulted in poor outcomes for mothers and babies, such as severe bleeding in the mother or breathing problems in the baby leading to long term health issues or even death,’ the state government said.

Registered midwife Juliana Brennan, who helps women give birth at home, said she is concerned about the rise in freebirths.

‘There is a distinct difference between homebirth, with registered midwives that work within Safer Care Victoria guidelines to keep women and babies well and healthy, (and a freebirth)’ she said.

‘We’ve got boundaries… We carry all the equipment a birth suite would have, the only things we don’t have at home is an obstetrician, a paediatrician or an operating theatre.

‘If we feel we may need one of the above, we go into hospital.’

Ms Hatfield’s husband, Nathan Warnecke, wrote a heartbreaking tribute to the beloved influencer on social media a week after her death.

‘It’s with a heavy heart that I share with you the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, soul mate and best friend, Stacey,’ he said. 

‘Tragically, shortly after, an unforeseen and extremely rare complication arose and she passed after being transferred to hospital. Hospital staff were amazing and did the utmost to help, but ultimately nothing could be done despite their best efforts.’ 

Mr Warnecke said his wife ‘loved being pregnant’ and had told their son Axel that she loved him every day during the pregnancy.

‘It was her life’s biggest dream to be a mum. She did it. On her terms, exactly the way she always dreamed of doing it,’ he said.

‘She held Axel when he was born, nursed him, saw that he was a boy and loved him.’

The couple had been married less than a year after tying the knot on a beach in the Maldives, a day Nathan described as ‘the happiest of (his) life’.

‘She lived her whole life with an appreciation for everything she had and cared not for materialistic possessions. Her favourite pastime was reading a book with a mug of green tea and our French Bulldog, Winter, by her side,’ he said.

Stacey founded Natural Spoonfuls in 2019 and later launched the food content company Waffl.

Nathan, a professional surveyor, works on the establishment of new roads and freeways and is often on night shifts.

Family and friends have since rallied around Nathan, with a GoFundMe set up to support him as he navigates life as a single father. 

Following his tragic statement, tributes flooded in from the health and wellness community, many of whom had no idea Stacey had passed away until Monday.

‘Oh my goodness. Sending you so much love Stace for our beautiful chats, your passion for photography and love for your family. You will be sorely missed but watching over everyone – I have no doubt,’ nutritionist Sally O’Neil wrote.

‘I’m at a loss for words and so heartbroken for you all. Stace was always so supportive and kind and inspiring. I’m so grateful to have connected with her,’ another, Dani’s Health Eats, said.

‘Completely heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for your loss,’ model Brooke Hogan added.