Food influencer Stacey Hatfield dies from rare complications shortly after birth of first child

Stacey Hatfield, Australia-based nutritionist and social media food influencer who ran the “Natural Spoonfuls” brand, died on Sept. 29 shortly after giving birth to her and husband Nathan Warnecke’s first child, the family said. Her husband announced the death in an Instagram post on saying an “unforeseen and extremely rare complication arose” after a successful home birth and that Hatfield died after being transferred to hospital.

"Its with heavy heart that (I) share with you the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, soul mate and best friend, Stacey Warnecke (Hatfield)," said her husband, Nathan Warnecke. The family has not released further medical details and Warnecke did not specify the nature of the complication.

Hatfield was an entrepreneur and digital creator behind Natural Spoonfuls, a platform dedicated to sharing low-tox recipes and natural living tips.


"It's come as an absolute terrible tragedy and shock to our family the likes of which we didn't think possible," Warnecke wrote in a Monday, Oct. 20 email. "Her work was an incredible part of her life and she took great pride in what she did."


Warnecke did not disclose the exact date of the birth or provide further details about the nature of the complications.

"Words can't do justice to how devastating this is for myself and everyone that knew and loved her," Warnecke wrote. "She was my lighthouse in the storm and the world is less bright without her in it."

According to her husband, Hatfield felt most at peace in nature, “surrounded by trees and sand at her feet.” He said she lived with deep gratitude for what she had, valuing simplicity over material possessions. Her favorite pastime, he added, was relaxing with a book and a mug of green tea, accompanied by their French Bulldog, Winter.

An online fundraiser organized by Jon Downie, the baby’s uncle, shared that the couple had eagerly anticipated the arrival of their son, but Hatfield was able to hold and cherish him for only a brief time before tragedy struck.

"We are sincerely asking for support to help Nathan focus on what matters most, grieving, healing and bonding with his son Axel," Downie wrote.

The fundraiser aims not only to cover funeral expenses but also to support the family with baby essentials and childcare. By Monday, Oct. 20, it had already raised over 33,400 Australian dollars to assist Warnecke and his newborn son.