**Free Birthing Fiascos: A Warning for Pregnant Women Around the World**
A shocking investigation by The Guardian has uncovered disturbing evidence that the Free Birth Society (FBS) - a business led by social media influencers Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris-Clark - is promoting practices that are medically illiterate, misleading, or downright dangerous.
According to the probe, FBS profits from sales of instructional video guides and online courses that train "radical birth keepers" to support women in unassisted births. The organization's claims conflict with evidence-based medical advice, as experts warn that free birthing poses a higher risk for mother and baby.
The investigation found at least 48 cases of late-term stillbirths or neonatal deaths linked to FBS followers, many of whom relied on the group's advice during critical moments in their pregnancies. These tragedies raise questions about whether medical intervention would have made a difference.
Perhaps most alarmingly, the leaders of FBS - including Saldaya and Norris-Clark - have been known to offer direct medical guidance to expectant mothers via phone calls or messages, despite having no formal training as medical professionals. This is particularly concerning, given that such decisions can have life-or-death consequences for both mother and baby.
Furthermore, the investigation reveals that FBS has profited from growing distrust in maternity services, capitalizing on concerns about an overly medicalized approach to birth. The organization's rhetoric often paints doctors and midwives as obstacles to women's freedom of choice - a damaging narrative that can have devastating real-world consequences.
The leaders of FBS seem undeterred by mounting criticism, with Norris-Clark recently dismissing critics as "pathetic losers". Saldaya has also responded to concerns about her organization's practices, likening attempts to discredit FBS to the actions of those who seek to silence whistleblowers.
As The Guardian Investigates series continues to uncover the truth behind FBS, it is essential that expectant mothers around the world exercise extreme caution when considering unassisted birth. Medical professionals and evidence-based advice are still the best guarantees for a safe and healthy pregnancy - and for the well-being of both mother and baby.
A shocking investigation by The Guardian has uncovered disturbing evidence that the Free Birth Society (FBS) - a business led by social media influencers Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris-Clark - is promoting practices that are medically illiterate, misleading, or downright dangerous.
According to the probe, FBS profits from sales of instructional video guides and online courses that train "radical birth keepers" to support women in unassisted births. The organization's claims conflict with evidence-based medical advice, as experts warn that free birthing poses a higher risk for mother and baby.
The investigation found at least 48 cases of late-term stillbirths or neonatal deaths linked to FBS followers, many of whom relied on the group's advice during critical moments in their pregnancies. These tragedies raise questions about whether medical intervention would have made a difference.
Perhaps most alarmingly, the leaders of FBS - including Saldaya and Norris-Clark - have been known to offer direct medical guidance to expectant mothers via phone calls or messages, despite having no formal training as medical professionals. This is particularly concerning, given that such decisions can have life-or-death consequences for both mother and baby.
Furthermore, the investigation reveals that FBS has profited from growing distrust in maternity services, capitalizing on concerns about an overly medicalized approach to birth. The organization's rhetoric often paints doctors and midwives as obstacles to women's freedom of choice - a damaging narrative that can have devastating real-world consequences.
The leaders of FBS seem undeterred by mounting criticism, with Norris-Clark recently dismissing critics as "pathetic losers". Saldaya has also responded to concerns about her organization's practices, likening attempts to discredit FBS to the actions of those who seek to silence whistleblowers.
As The Guardian Investigates series continues to uncover the truth behind FBS, it is essential that expectant mothers around the world exercise extreme caution when considering unassisted birth. Medical professionals and evidence-based advice are still the best guarantees for a safe and healthy pregnancy - and for the well-being of both mother and baby.
, those two ladies Emilee & Yolande are literally putting lives at risk with their pseudo-medical advice... how can you just give people life-or-death guidance over a phone call? 
no training, no expertise... it's insane. and they're making bank off of it too? that's just sick 
. I mean, I get the whole "free birth" movement and all but come on, safety first, right? 
let's not forget there are actual medical professionals out there who have dedicated their lives to helping people during childbirth... we need experts, not social media influencers 
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I cant even believe wat these 2 girls r doin!!! They're puttin innocent ppl thru hell & profittin off it! Free birthing is NOT all its cracked up to be, imo. Its like they dont care about the lives of their followers, just about makin a quick buck. And yeah, i totally agree w/ The Guardian Investigates - these 2 r total charlatans! 
How can they just dismiss critics as "pathetic losers"?? That's so not okay!!! We need to spread awareness & make sure ppl do their research before makin decisions about havin a baby. Medical professionals know what they're talkin about, let's listen to them!! 
I'm seriously worried about this Free Birth Society business, it's like they're putting lives at risk just to make a buck 
It's just not right, we need to be super careful when searching for birth info online, I'd rather rely on NHS or World Health Organization resources 
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48 cases of late-term stillbirths or neonatal deaths linked to their followers? That's just heartbreaking 
no excuse for profiting from people's lives like that 
the fact that they're basically doling out medical advice like it's no big deal is terrifying 
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i mean who gives medical advice over the phone with NO TRAINING ???! it makes me so mad 
and its not like theyre even takin responsibility for the harm theyve caused 
the fact that theyre tryna silence critics is just wow 
u should totes trust your doc midwife or whatever medical pro when it comes to havin a baby 
anyway, just dont go thru with unassisted birth ppl pls ur baby needs u!
especially when it comes to things like late-term stillbirths or neonatal deaths... 48 cases? That's crazy! The fact that they're profiting from people's desperation and using medical jargon to make themselves sound legit is just appalling 
. I think we need to take a close look at the influence of social media on our healthcare choices and make sure we're not getting swayed by celebrities or influencers who are more interested in their brand than actual medical expertise