The Birth Keepers: I choose this – episode one

In the first episode of 'The Birth Keepers,' hosts Shirin Kale and Lucy Osborne investigate the Free Birth Society (FBS), founded by Emily Saldea, which encourages women to birth without medical assistance. The episode features the story of Nicole Garrison, who was drawn into FBS's ideology that emphasized self-empowerment and freedom from traditional medical practices. Despite the allure of their message, Nicole's free birth led to life-threatening complications when she experienced severe postpartum hemorrhaging after giving birth, highlighting the potential risks involved in unassisted birth.

The hosts also explore the dramatic contrasts between the idyllic portrayals promoted by FBS and the harsh realities of birth, inviting listeners to question the credibility of the leaders and the dangerous practices they endorse. Nicole's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of radical beliefs surrounding childbirth and the importance of being informed about the risks and benefits of different birth options.