Health chiefs inadvertently steered expectant mothers towards an online platform linked to baby deaths worldwide by promoting 'free birth' as a safer option.
A number of NHS trusts are directing pregnant women contemplating a free birth to the Free Birth Society (FBS) website, despite medical experts warning that the society's claims are misleading and potentially life-threatening.
The FBS advocates for an unassisted approach to childbirth, advising expectant mothers not to use doctors or midwives and avoiding pregnancy scans. The organisation is run by former doulas Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris Clark, who have built a multimillion-dollar business around their extreme ideology.
According to experts, FBS's views on childbirth are at odds with evidence-based medical advice. They claim that doctors and midwives often sexually assault women in hospitals, and describe attempts at newborn resuscitation as 'sabotage'.
However, research has found that many women disengaging from professional services to choose free birth have experienced substandard care in NHS hospitals, with some having previously been subjected to traumatic births. The mass closure of home birth services during the pandemic has also contributed to a rise in free birthing.
Critics argue that promoting FBS as a safer option is irresponsible and may lead to preventable tragedies. Health chiefs have now removed links to the society from their websites, but concerns remain about the potential harm caused by directing expectant mothers towards this platform.
The NHS said it recommends trained healthcare professionals for safe childbirth, while FBS maintains that its content is for educational purposes only. However, with 142 recorded free births in England between 2023 and 2024 resulting in just three reported traumas or mental health concerns, the benefits of promoting free birth are being questioned.
In a statement, Emilee Saldaya attacked 'propaganda' from mainstream news outlets, claiming they aim to discredit her.
A number of NHS trusts are directing pregnant women contemplating a free birth to the Free Birth Society (FBS) website, despite medical experts warning that the society's claims are misleading and potentially life-threatening.
The FBS advocates for an unassisted approach to childbirth, advising expectant mothers not to use doctors or midwives and avoiding pregnancy scans. The organisation is run by former doulas Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris Clark, who have built a multimillion-dollar business around their extreme ideology.
According to experts, FBS's views on childbirth are at odds with evidence-based medical advice. They claim that doctors and midwives often sexually assault women in hospitals, and describe attempts at newborn resuscitation as 'sabotage'.
However, research has found that many women disengaging from professional services to choose free birth have experienced substandard care in NHS hospitals, with some having previously been subjected to traumatic births. The mass closure of home birth services during the pandemic has also contributed to a rise in free birthing.
Critics argue that promoting FBS as a safer option is irresponsible and may lead to preventable tragedies. Health chiefs have now removed links to the society from their websites, but concerns remain about the potential harm caused by directing expectant mothers towards this platform.
The NHS said it recommends trained healthcare professionals for safe childbirth, while FBS maintains that its content is for educational purposes only. However, with 142 recorded free births in England between 2023 and 2024 resulting in just three reported traumas or mental health concerns, the benefits of promoting free birth are being questioned.
In a statement, Emilee Saldaya attacked 'propaganda' from mainstream news outlets, claiming they aim to discredit her.
this is so concerning 
I mean think about it - expectant mothers are trying to prepare for their biggest moment and these health chiefs just inadvertently point them towards a platform that's basically saying "don't trust the medical system" without providing any evidence-based support... it's like playing with fire 
and we're lucky there haven't been more reported traumas or even worse outcomes. I get that they want to offer alternatives, but this is not the way to do it. The FBS is basically cherry-picking info and ignoring all the actual research on safe childbirth practices 
and what's with the "misleading" label? It's not just about promoting their ideology, it's also about putting people's lives at risk. We need better guidance for these women who are already vulnerable...
I remember when my sister had a baby at home and everything went smoothly, the midwife was super nice and professional. but i guess now with all these options online, people are getting misinformed about free birth being safer than traditional hospital births 
. it's like they're comparing apples to oranges or something... NHS trusts should be careful about who they recommend for pregnancy information, 'cause this FBS is just spreading misinformation and potentially putting moms & babies in danger 
.
these so called doulas r makin a killin off this ideology and its killing people 
fbs is literally putting lives at risk and yet health chiefs still promote it 
its time 2 stop the lies and start prioritizin actual evidence-based info