Podcast Summary: Something Was Wrong | S23 E1: Built to Birth
Title: Something Was Wrong
Host/Author: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery
Episode: S23 E1: Built to Birth
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Introduction
Something Was Wrong is an award-winning docuseries that delves into the harrowing experiences of survivors who have endured crime and abuse, focusing on their paths to discovery, trauma, and recovery. In Season 23, Episode 1: "Built to Birth", host Tiffany Reiss investigates the maternal healthcare crisis in the United States, highlighting systemic inequities that contribute to pregnancy and birth-related trauma.
Background on Maternal Healthcare in the U.S.
Tiffany Reiss sets the stage by presenting alarming statistics about maternal mortality in the United States. In 2022, the U.S. reported a maternal mortality rate of 22 deaths per 100,000 live births—a figure that is particularly distressing among Black and Indigenous women, who face rates more than double the national average. Reiss emphasizes how systemic gaps and ethical injustices within the healthcare system exacerbate these issues.
Notable Quote:
"America has one of the highest, most alarming rates of maternal deaths among high-income countries, especially those that spend heavily on healthcare."
(02:40)
Choosing Midwifery: Kristin’s Story
The episode centers on Kristin, a pregnant woman from Texas, who decides to pursue care through Origins Birth and Wellness Center—a decision influenced by a desire for a natural birth experience and positive reviews. Initially, Kristin and her husband Thomas are confident in their choice, believing that midwifery offers a safer and more respectful alternative to traditional obstetric care.
Notable Quote:
"Pregnant persons, infants, and their families deserve to feel safe and secure no matter where or how they choose to give birth."
(06:00)
Pregnancy Complications and Neglect
As Kristin’s pregnancy progresses, she begins to experience symptoms indicative of preeclampsia, including spots in her vision and elevated blood pressure. Despite these warning signs, her midwives at Origins Birth and Wellness fail to document her symptoms accurately or refer her to an obstetrician for further evaluation. Instead, they downplay her concerns and recommend unconventional treatments, such as garlic clove suppositories for bacterial vaginosis—a condition typically treated with antibiotics.
Notable Quote:
"I had spots in my vision. Jennifer told me that, 'Oh, that's nothing to be worried about.'"
(43:11)
Lack of Regulation and Clinical Oversight
The episode highlights significant regulatory inconsistencies in midwifery practices across states, particularly in Texas. Kristin discovers that Origins Birth and Wellness employs both licensed and unlicensed midwives, including Jennifer Crawford—an unlicensed student who performed medical duties without proper supervision. This lack of oversight leads to critical lapses in care, such as unrecorded high blood pressure readings and failure to address severe weight gain indicative of fluid retention and potential preeclampsia.
Notable Quote:
"When you're hiring a midwife, one, you don't know to ask. Two, you don't know what kind of education they received."
(16:43)
Consequences and Emotional Impact
Kristin’s deteriorating health culminates in a placental abruption—a life-threatening condition that results in heavy bleeding and necessitates emergency medical intervention. Despite the severity of her condition, Origins Birth and Wellness fails to provide adequate support or timely referrals, leading to critical delays in receiving necessary medical care. The emotional toll on Kristin and her husband is profound, as they grapple with feelings of betrayal and helplessness.
Notable Quote:
"Choices like that cost people everything."
(46:03)
Systemic Failures and Final Outcomes
The episode underscores systemic failures within the maternal healthcare system, emphasizing how inadequate regulation and lack of standardized care protocols for midwives contribute to preventable tragedies. Kristin’s story serves as a stark illustration of the broader maternal health crisis in the U.S., particularly affecting marginalized communities.
Notable Quote:
"We need to start looking at why people are falling in the river in the first place and not just writing it off."
(16:33)
Concluding Insights
Something Was Wrong concludes by reflecting on the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in maternal healthcare. The episode calls for standardized regulations, better education for midwives, and increased collaboration between midwives and medical professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant individuals and their families.
Notable Quote:
"There is a maternal healthcare crisis in the United States that demands immediate attention and action."
(68:07)
Key Takeaways
- Maternal Mortality Crisis: The U.S. faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, with stark racial disparities.
- Regulatory Gaps: Inconsistent midwifery regulations across states lead to significant variations in care quality and safety.
- Neglected Warning Signs: Critical symptoms of pregnancy complications are often overlooked or inadequately addressed by under-regulated midwives.
- Systemic Reform Needed: Comprehensive changes in healthcare policies and midwifery practices are essential to prevent future tragedies.
Relevant Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Maternal Mortality Statistics
- American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM): Standards and Guidelines
- North American Registry of Midwives (NARM): Credentialing and Standards
Produced by: Tiffany Reiss, Executive Producer
Associate Producers: Amy B. Chesler, Lily Rowe
Audio Editing and Music Design: Becca High
Thank You to: Lauren Barkman, Sarah Stewart, Marissa Travis, Darkbox Security, and Allen (Attorney)
Special Shout Out: Emily Wolf for original music
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, promotions, and non-content segments to focus solely on the core narrative and critical insights presented in the episode.