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.
Stacey Hatfield, 30, was best known for her business Natural Spoonfuls where she spruiked the benefits of a ‘low tox’ lifestyle and natural recipes.
The new mum died suddenly on September 29 when she experienced an ‘extremely rare complication’ after a home birth.
While she was able to hold and nurse her new baby boy Axel for the first time, her family said she ‘was only able to experience the joy for a few short moments’.
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.’
A popular Melbourne nutritionist and food influencer has died suddenly 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 (pictured while pregnant next to husband Nathan)
Nathan said the one factor that has helped him ‘reconcile in this horrible time’ is that Stacey’s last moments on earth were her happiest.
‘[She was] the happiest I’ve ever seen her,’ he recalled.
‘Her memory will remain with those of us that knew her as the ditzy, green-eyed, blond haired girl whose smile could fill a room.’
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,’ he said.
Stacey founded Natural Spoonfuls in 2019 and later launched the food content company Waffl.
Nathan also reflected on Stacey’s deep love of nature, their travels across the globe, and her passion for simple living
Above all, he said, her greatest dream was to become a mother
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.
‘She loved him so much and still continues to love 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.
Nathan, a professional surveyor, works on the establishment of new roads and freeways and is often on a nightshift rotation.
Nathan said the one factor that has helped him ‘reconcile in this horrible time’ is that Stacey’s last moments on earth were her happiest
‘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,’ Nathan said
‘Nathan is not one to ask for help, however we know he will need assistance. The challenge to provide all that a young child needs without his soulmate is a daunting one whilst dealing with such a tragic loss,’ Jon Downie, a close friend of the couple, said.
‘Late night feedings, nappy changes and adjustment to this new life are a heavy burden for a young father even with the support of family.’
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.
Hundreds of tributes flooded in from the Australian health and wellness community, many of whom had no idea Stacey had passed until Monday morning.
‘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.
