Free Birth Society’s Influence Linked to Preventable Tragedy

A recent investigation by the Guardian has highlighted the tragic consequences associated with the philosophy of the Free Birth Society (FBS), a US-based organization promoting unassisted childbirth. The report details how the society’s teachings contributed to a preventable death during childbirth, echoing concerns about the implications of their ideology on maternal and infant health.

A Distressing Journey into Free Birth

In a new six-part podcast series titled The Birth Keepers, hosted by Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne, the story of Lorren Holliday is presented as a case study. Holliday, a former actress, relocated with her husband, Chris, from Los Angeles to the desert of Joshua Tree, seeking a life in harmony with nature. Shortly after, she became pregnant and began exploring the concept of free birth, ultimately leading her to the Free Birth Society’s online content.

Initially, Holliday planned for a hospital birth. However, after a disappointing appointment with a doctor and the high cost of hiring a midwife—around $5,000—she turned to social media. There, she discovered FBS and became engrossed in their podcasts, which celebrated successful free births. “I just got hooked,” she recounted in the podcast, indicating how the FBS narrative resonated with her desire for a natural birthing experience.

Misguided Trust in Online Advice

Holliday’s increasing involvement with the Free Birth Society led her to join a Facebook group run by Emilee Saldaya, the organization’s founder. She became close with Saldaya, trusting her guidance as she prepared for the arrival of her baby. The FBS community often discouraged interaction with medical professionals, promoting a philosophy that dismissed traditional prenatal care, including ultrasounds, which they incorrectly claimed could harm babies.

As Holliday’s due date in October 2018 approached, she felt confident her experience would mirror the positive stories she had absorbed from the FBS podcasts. Unfortunately, she quickly faced an unexpected and intense reality during labor. After two days of severe pain and no sign of progress, she reached out to Saldaya for advice. Instead of receiving the help she desperately needed, Saldaya told her, “There’s no way out,” reinforcing a narrative that discouraged seeking medical assistance.

Despite concerns about potential complications, including signs of meconium, a substance that can indicate fetal distress, Holliday continued to rely on the FBS for support. Saldaya assured her that everything was fine and encouraged her to persevere through the pain. Tragically, as Holliday eventually sought medical intervention after six days of labor, she learned that her baby had no heartbeat.

“This was not a tragedy, but a preventable death,” said a professor of midwifery regarding Holliday’s experience.

The aftermath was devastating. Holliday’s daughter, named Journey Moon, was stillborn, weighing 8 pounds 13 ounces. The couple faced a harrowing delivery process complicated by the baby’s position, which required the assistance of multiple doctors. Chris later described the moment as one that left an indelible mark on his soul, stating, “Am I about to lose everything right now?”

Community Response and Expert Analysis

In the wake of this tragedy, experts have voiced their concerns regarding the information disseminated by the Free Birth Society. Many women, similar to Holliday, felt compelled to trust the organization, believing they were acting in the best interests of their babies. A midwife involved in the Facebook group expressed her alarm at the situation, noting that warnings about Holliday’s labor were consistently suppressed by group administrators.

Since the Guardian published its investigation, Saldaya has denied any involvement in the circumstances surrounding Journey Moon’s death, claiming that the narrative inaccurately portrays her as a virtual midwife. In response to accusations, FBS issued a disclaimer stating that its content is not intended to provide medical advice related to pregnancy or childbirth.

The tragic case of Lorren Holliday serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unassisted birth philosophies and the influence of online communities on expectant mothers. As the Free Birth Society continues to attract followers, the need for balanced information and critical assessment of such ideologies becomes increasingly urgent. The Guardian podcast series, The Birth Keepers, delves deeper into these issues, shedding light on how misinformation can lead to life-altering consequences.