Something Was Wrong: Episode S23 E12 - "Tuff"

Release Date: April 30, 2025
Host/Author: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery
Description: Something Was Wrong is an award-winning docuseries exploring survivors' journeys of discovery, trauma, and recovery from crime and abuse.

Introduction

In this poignant episode titled "Tuff," host Tiffany Reese delves into Sarah's harrowing experience during the birth of her son, Tuff, at Origins Birth and Wellness in Dallas. The episode examines alleged negligence by the midwives, particularly focusing on Amy Tate, and the lasting impact on Sarah and her family.

Sarah's Story: A Whirlwind Beginning and a Traumatic Birth

[04:53] Sarah:
Sarah recounts her rapid courtship and marriage in early 2018, followed by her pregnancy announcement made during a rodeo in Las Vegas. Her decision to switch from a traditional OB-GYN to Origins Birth and Wellness was driven by a desire for a more personalized birthing experience.

[07:02] Sarah:
She describes her initial interactions with Origins, highlighting the center's cozy environment and proximity to Baylor Dallas for emergency transfers. Despite concerns from friends, Sarah and her husband felt secure, believing they were prepared for a natural birth.

Labor and Complications

[09:40] Sarah:
At 39½ weeks, Sarah goes into labor on April 21st, 2019. Early contractions escalate quickly, leading to her water breaking at 1:30 PM. The presence of meconium (baby's first stool) in the amniotic fluid signals potential distress.

[12:16] Sarah:
Despite intense contractions, Sarah's cervix fails to dilate, attributed to scar tissue from a previous LEEP procedure. The midwife attempts to manually break the scar tissue, but progress remains stalled.

Critical Moments and Emergency Response

[16:01] Sarah:
After four hours of pushing, tensions rise as the midwife appears panicked. A video captures Sarah's distress and the midwife's increasing anxiety. Observers suggest that the midwife may have misinterpreted the baby's heart tones.

[17:39] Sarah:
As Sarah continues to struggle, her husband instinctively intervenes by squeezing her belly, leading to the birth of Tuff at 8:55 PM after 34 hours of labor. The immediate aftermath is chaotic: Tuff is covered in meconium, fails to cry, and shows no signs of respiratory effort or heartbeat upon arrival at the NICU.

NICU and Miraculous Recovery

[26:50] Sarah:
Tuff is diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), resulting from prolonged lack of oxygen to the brain. Despite grim prognosis, Tuff begins to stabilize after intense medical intervention, including cooling therapy and seizure management.

[37:22] Sarah:
Over the following weeks, Tuff defies expectations by recovering significantly. By May 14th, he is ready to go home, having overcome seizures and respiratory challenges. An MRI surprisingly shows normal results, contradicting earlier predictions of severe brain damage.

Aftermath and Seeking Accountability

[26:13] Tiffany Reese:
Tiffany inquires about post-delivery contact with Amy Tate and Origins, revealing strained communications and lack of support from the midwives involved.

[33:09] Amy Tate's Response:
Amy Tate responds via voicemail and email, distancing herself from the allegations. She denies any negligence, emphasizes her continued commitment to safe midwifery, and claims no direct involvement with the problematic outcomes at Origins after stepping away in 2021.

[46:25] Sarah:
Sarah confronts Amy Tate with detailed medical records and expresses deep frustration over the conflicting accounts of Tuff's birth. She highlights discrepancies between her experience and Amy's statements, asserting that negligence was averted only by timely intervention.

Broader Implications and Calls for Change

[57:00] Sarah:
Reflecting on her traumatic experience, Sarah urges expectant mothers to advocate fiercely for their and their babies' safety. She emphasizes the importance of being vigilant, seeking second opinions, and prioritizing the baby's well-being over personal birthing preferences.

[58:28] Tiffany Reese:
Tiffany concludes by highlighting ongoing efforts to support survivors and push for legislative changes, such as Malik's Law, aimed at improving birthing safety and accountability within the midwifery community.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah (05:41): "I felt like a number next pregnant person in the door, out the door, go through the motions."

• Sarah (13:42): "Once your water breaks, you're at risk for any type of infection."

• Amy Tate (36:39): "I practice safely and true midwifery care, unlike some people."

• Sarah (57:00): "If something isn't right, advocate for yourself, advocate for your baby."

Conclusion

"Tuff" is a compelling episode that sheds light on potential lapses in midwifery care and the critical importance of maternal advocacy during childbirth. Through Sarah's emotional narrative and the controversial responses from Amy Tate, the episode underscores the necessity for transparency, accountability, and systemic improvements in birthing practices to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Further Resources

• Episode Notes: For full content warnings, sources, and resources, listeners are encouraged to visit the episode notes.
• Survivor Groups: Sarah mentions joining the Origins survivors group, urging affected individuals to connect and support each other.
• Legislative Efforts: Advocacy for Malik's Law, aimed at enhancing birthing safety protocols.

Something Was Wrong continues to amplify the voices of survivors, advocating for healing and systemic change. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the community, share their stories, and support initiatives that prioritize the safety and well-being of mothers and their babies.