Heartbreak as popular ‘low tox’ nutritionis…

A popular Melbourne nutritionist and food influencer has died just hours after giving birth to her first child, leaving behind her devastated husband and their newborn son Axel.

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

The new mum died suddenly on September 29 when she experienced an ‘extremely rare complication’ shortly after a seemingly smooth home birth.

Her husband, Nathan Warnecke, shared the heartbreaking announcement on Instagram and said Stacey had dreamt of becoming a mother for many years.

‘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 wrote.

‘Stace passed on the 29th September 2025 after successfully giving birth to our firstborn son, Axel, at home.

‘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.’

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

‘I knew Stace for nine amazing years. She was the light of my life and the reason I got up in the morning. Words can’t do justice to how devastating this is for myself and everyone that knew and loved her. She was my lighthouse in the storm and the world is less bright without her in it,’ he continued.

Nathan also reflected on Stacey’s deep love of nature, their travels across the globe, and her passion for simple living.

‘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.’

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

Nathan said he had always admired her drive and determination.

‘Stace was a self-starter with an unparalleled work ethic. I’m so proud of her for everything she achieved in her professional life and I was privileged enough to be able to help her complete her vision throughout the years,’ he said.

Above all, he said, her greatest dream was to become a mother.

‘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 loved being pregnant and over the last nine months told our son she loved him every day. She held Axel when he was born, nursed him, saw that he was a boy and loved him.’

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

The fundraiser notes that Stacey was only able to hold Axel ‘for a few short moments’ before she died.

Nathan ended his tribute with a final message to his wife.

‘Thank you for a wonderful life together my love. I know this isn’t the end – I look forward to seeing you again someday,’ he wrote.