"A number of NHS trusts are directing women who are contemplating a free birth to a charity website that until Monday referred to FBS podcasts as a source of empowering stories that can help British women preparing for their own birth. It contained a link to the FBS podcast, which medical experts warn is being used to radicalise women with misinformation."
"FBS advocates an extreme version of free birth, otherwise known as unassisted birth. It advises mothers not to use doctors or midwives and suggests they avoid pregnancy scans. The multimillion-dollar business, run by former doulas Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris Clark, has a successful podcast, Instagram following, festival and online schools for birth attendants. Screengrab from the FBS website promoting its services."
"The prevalence of freebirthing is low in the UK, but is believed to be on the rise, fuelled in part by distrust of maternity services and fears of an overly medicalised approach to birth. However, experts have warned that many FBS claims are at odds with evidence-based medical advice. Saldaya and Norris-Clark have described medical attempts at newborn resuscitation as a form of sabotage, and claimed that doctors and midwives often sexually assault women in hospitals."
NHS trusts have been directing pregnant women toward a charity website that linked to the Free Birth Society (FBS). FBS promotes an extreme form of unassisted or 'free' birth, advising against use of doctors, midwives, and some pregnancy scans, and spreading misinformation. The organisation, run by former doulas Emilee Saldaya and Yolande Norris Clark, operates a podcast, social accounts, festivals, and online training. Medical experts warn FBS content can radicalise women and contradicts evidence-based maternity care. A Guardian investigation identified 48 cases of late-term stillbirths, neonatal deaths, or serious harm connected to FBS, with 18 cases showing FBS strongly influencing decision-making.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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