Podcast Summary: Something Was Wrong
Episode: S23 E11 - The Moment That Everything Changed
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Hosted by: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery

Introduction

In this poignant and emotionally charged episode of Something Was Wrong, survivors Kristin and Caitlin Wages share their harrowing experiences with medical negligence during childbirth. The episode delves deep into the trauma they endured, the subsequent emotional and psychological battles, and their journey toward healing and advocacy.

The Traumatic Birth Experience

[03:29] Kristin: "You don't know anybody until you talk."
Kristin opens up about her sudden realization that her relationship with Caitlin goes beyond friendship as they navigate their shared traumatic experiences.

[03:55] Caitlin Wages:
Caitlin recounts the terrifying moments during her son's birth, describing how NICU personnel were called in because her baby wasn't breathing. She expresses her initial sense of safety with her obstetrician, which quickly deteriorated.

[05:03] Caitlin Wages:
She discusses the critical moment when her OB informed her that she had pushed for two and a half hours, exceeding the recommended limit, leading to severe cervical swelling and the risk of hemorrhage. This was the turning point that intensified her fear and mistrust in the medical care she received.

Medical Negligence and Aftermath

[06:57] Caitlin Wages:
Caitlin details the complications post-discharge, including her inability to take deep breaths and the absence of expected follow-up care from the birth center. Her attempts to secure a home nurse visit were met with resistance, highlighting systemic failures.

[08:06] Tiffany Reese:
The host inquires about Caitlin's efforts to contact a patient advocate, prompting Caitlin to explain how limited her options were due to the birth center's negligence.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

[14:49] Kristin:
Kristin shares the profound emotional toll the experience took on her, including constant anxiety, fear of losing her child, and feelings of isolation. She reflects on the impact this had on her relationships, particularly with her husband, and her struggle with self-worth and identity.

[26:49] Tiffany Reese:
Acknowledging the shared trauma, Tiffany emphasizes the individual suffering experienced by both women, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional scars alongside physical injuries.

Seeking Support and Advocacy

[35:33] Caitlin Wages:
Caitlin expresses her motivations for sharing her story, aiming to bring awareness and justice to other women wronged by the Origins birth center. She discusses the lack of transparency and the financial exploitation she endured, including withheld refunds promised by the facility.

[41:06] Kristin:
Kristin describes her path to healing through counseling and connecting with other survivors. She highlights the importance of community support and the validation that comes from hearing others' similar experiences.

Legislative Efforts and Closure

[41:32] Elizabeth Fewell:
Elizabeth, a commissioner, and Kristin, a founding member of Moms Advocating for the Moms alliance, advocate for Malik's Law HB 4553. This legislation aims to require midwives to report outcomes related to transfer mortality and morbidity rates, addressing the lack of public transparency.

[42:58] Tiffany Reese:
Tiffany underscores the systemic issues within the midwifery care model, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved safety measures to protect mothers and babies.

Moving Forward and Healing

[34:09] Kristin:
Despite her traumatic first birth experience, Kristin shares her second positive birth experience with certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) in a hospital setting. This contrast underscores the importance of trusted and competent medical care in fostering a sense of safety and recovery.

[35:33] Caitlin Wages:
Caitlin reflects on the enduring impact of her trauma, expressing both hope and frustration. She stresses the necessity for survivors to continue advocating for systemic change while seeking personal healing.

Conclusion

Through their candid and heartfelt narratives, Kristin and Caitlin illuminate the profound and lasting effects of medical negligence during childbirth. Their stories serve as a powerful call to action for improved healthcare practices, greater transparency, and stronger support systems for survivors. The episode not only highlights personal resilience but also emphasizes the importance of community and legislative efforts in preventing future tragedies.

Notable Quotes:

• Caitlin Wages [05:03]: "Do you know what could have happened? You could have torn your cervix. And I lost it when she told me that that was the moment that everything changed for the rest of my life."

• Kristin [15:21]: "I think that I could have been level headed. I didn't want to go in and have them gaslight me."

• Caitlin Wages [20:54]: "The trauma that I went through and processing it all, the last thing on my mind was going through my contract and reading that thing about the fact that they're supposed to do an audit."

• Kristin [28:14]: "It cut me deeply. That is another point of guilt, honestly, that I carry with me is that my son didn't deserve that."

• Kristin [35:33]: "It was like, I can't do this again. I can't do this again."

• Caitlin Wages [36:04]: "I want to stop excusing them. It's feeling comfort and the empathy from somebody else."

Reflection

This episode of Something Was Wrong powerfully captures the multifaceted trauma experienced by mothers who have faced medical negligence during childbirth. Through Kristin and Caitlin's stories, listeners gain insight into the physical dangers, emotional turmoil, and systemic failures that can transform a life-altering event into a nightmare. The survivors' journey toward advocacy and healing offers a beacon of hope and underscores the critical need for accountability and compassionate care in the healthcare system.