Influencers Promoting Unassisted ‘Freebirth‘ Face Scrutiny After Cluster of Infant Deaths
A growing movement encouraging women to give birth without medical intervention, frequently enough referred to as “freebirth” or “wild birth,” is under intense scrutiny following a series of infant deaths linked to individuals associated with the Free Birth Society (FBS). The trend, amplified by social media influencers, has sparked debate about the risks of foregoing traditional prenatal care and hospital births.
One prominent figure in the movement, educator and podcaster Ina Saldaya, recently announced the stillbirth of her son at 41 weeks gestation. This loss follows at least two other full-term stillbirths or neonatal deaths among a cohort of 15 pregnant teachers and students from the first class of Saldaya’s MMI school.
Saldaya and fellow influencer, midwife Aja Norris-Clark, have publicly championed unassisted childbirth, advocating for women to “find their own way” and frequently enough criticizing the conventional medical system as “toxic” and “abusive.” Saldaya previously stated, “I stand righteously in my values… In a world were mothers and babies are routinely abused in birth, I will always stand with my whole heart for women finding their own way. And yes – turns out many of them prefer to give birth at home, like I do.”
In a podcast recorded shortly before her loss, Saldaya dismissed critics as “a little troll group” and, alongside Norris-Clark, described them as “a bunch of very deeply insecure, bitter, sad, lonely women.” norris-Clark likened them to “the fish that eat dead skin during a pedicure,” with Saldaya adding, “Disgusting.”
Following the announcement of her stillbirth on August 25th, Saldaya ceased posting personal updates on social media. Despite the tragic outcome, Norris-Clark, after visiting Saldaya in North Carolina last month, stated that Saldaya is “integrating this experience beautifully” and ”so grateful that she chose freebirth, especially for her son.”
the case has raised concerns about the potential dangers of the freebirth movement and the obligation of influencers promoting it. The Guardian is currently investigating the broader impact of the FBS and its teachings, with a podcast series launching in December.
