Tragic Consequences of Free Birth Philosophy Explored in Podcast

The Guardian has revisited the troubling implications of the Free Birth Society (FBS) in a new six-episode podcast series titled The Birth Keepers. This series highlights the experiences of women who have followed the society’s controversial philosophy, with a focus on the tragic case of Lorren Holliday, whose story exemplifies the dangers of unassisted childbirth.

Founded by Emilee Saldaya, the Free Birth Society promotes a philosophy of childbirth that discourages medical assistance, a practice that has drawn criticism even from advocates of alternative birthing methods. Unlike home births, where midwives provide support, free births occur entirely without medical assistance. The society has gained a following through various platforms, including podcasts and social media, where it advises women against seeking help from healthcare professionals, including doctors and midwives.

From Enthusiasm to Tragedy

After relocating from Los Angeles to the rugged terrain of Joshua Tree National Park, Lorren and her husband, Chris, eagerly anticipated starting a family. Following a quick pregnancy, Lorren joined FBS’s online community, captivated by the organization’s podcasts that celebrated successful unassisted births. “I just got hooked,” she recalled in the podcast, describing how she listened to multiple episodes daily. With a growing trust in Saldaya and the community, Lorren felt empowered to abandon traditional medical care.

As her due date approached in October 2018, Lorren was convinced that her experience would mirror the positive stories shared by the society. However, she soon found herself in a harrowing situation. The labor progressed painfully, and when she reached out to Saldaya for guidance, she was told, “The pain is not unbearable… There’s no way out.” Despite expressing concerns about her condition, Saldaya dismissed her fears, urging her to continue with the unassisted birth.

Warnings Ignored and a Life Lost

As Lorren’s labor extended beyond two days, she began to experience worrying symptoms, including the presence of meconium, which can indicate fetal distress. When she sought advice, she received reassurances rather than warnings. “All looks well and healthy,” Saldaya replied, despite Lorren’s escalating pain and distress.

Concerned members of the FBS Facebook group, including midwife Renee LaPonte, attempted to intervene, urging Lorren to seek medical help. Their messages were deleted by group administrators, who enforced strict rules against suggesting medical assistance. “There were several of us doing that,” LaPonte said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “That’s not a variation of normal. She needs help.”

After six days of labor, Lorren finally decided to go to the hospital, only to discover that her baby, whom they named Journey Moon, had died. The subsequent delivery required intervention from multiple doctors due to complications, resulting in an excruciating experience for Lorren.

Experts who reviewed Lorren’s experience noted that there were significant warning signs that suggested the baby was in distress, characterizing the outcome as a “preventable death.” This sentiment echoes throughout the podcast, highlighting the broader implications of the Free Birth Society’s teachings.

In response to the investigation, Emilee Saldaya claimed that many allegations were false or defamatory, asserting that she had no prior connection with Lorren. The FBS has since issued disclaimers regarding the medical implications of their content, emphasizing that their advice does not substitute for professional medical guidance.

The Guardian‘s investigation serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with unassisted childbirth, particularly when influenced by organizations that promote such practices without acknowledging the inherent dangers. As the podcast series continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about the responsibilities of influencers in the realm of maternal health.