Podcast Summary: Something Was Wrong | S23 E13: Origins Shit Show

Introduction Something Was Wrong, an award-winning docuseries by Broken Cycle Media | Wondery, delves into the harrowing experiences of survivors navigating trauma, abuse, and negligence. In Season 23, Episode 13 titled "Origins Shit Show," Barbie, a pediatric nurse and survivor of adverse birthing experiences, shares her poignant story of hope, betrayal, and loss at the hands of Origins Birth and Wellness.

Barbie’s Journey to Origins Birth and Wellness

Barbie begins her narrative by describing her medical background and the challenges she and her husband faced while trying to conceive. After four years of unsuccessful attempts, they discovered that IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) was their only option. Due to the high costs and limited insurance coverage, Barbie and her husband traveled to Zelen, Czech Republic, in February 2019, where they successfully completed an IVF round for approximately $6,000, significantly less than the estimated $20,000 to $30,000 in the United States. During this process, Barbie learned she had a prothrombin gene mutation, increasing her risk for blood clots.

Experience at Origins: Initial Impressions and Rising Concerns

Upon returning to Texas, Barbie sought out Origins Birth and Wellness, attracted by its low transfer rates and the promise of a natural, peaceful birth with medical backup readily available. She attended an open house and felt a strong connection, reflecting her upbringing in a natural birthing environment. Barbie recounts her initial satisfaction with Origins, noting, “The first half of my pregnancy was fine because it felt very typical. It felt like I was having a smooth sailing pregnancy” (10:16).

However, subtle signs began to emerge that something was amiss. Barbie describes routine appointments that felt impersonal and dismissive, such as self-administering urine dipsticks and being "fat shamed" for weight gain without proper medical intervention. A significant red flag was that no healthcare provider had examined her vaginal area throughout her pregnancy, even during critical tests like the group B strep swab (10:10; 12:01).

Onset of Complications: Signs of Preeclampsia

Barbie’s health started to deteriorate as her blood pressure consistently rose from 140s to alarming levels. Despite experiencing concerning symptoms like rapid weight gain and headaches, her concerns were downplayed by Origins staff. She highlights the lack of appropriate response: “They should have said, hey, you’ve got weight gain, you’ve had some headaches, and your blood pressure... maybe we should get something checked” (35:16).

By October 8th, 2019, Barbie's blood pressure had surged to 148/98, and her fundal height indicated a lack of uterine growth. Despite these critical indicators of preeclampsia, Origins failed to transfer her care to a specialist, a decision Barbie strongly believes should have been made no later than 34 weeks (35:20).

Encounters with Origins Staff: Negligence and Betrayal

On October 9th, Barbie experienced an extreme blood pressure spike of 210/117 while at work. Despite clear signs of impending medical emergency, Origins directed her to their birthing center instead of the emergency room. Barbie recalls, “They should have said, get to the emergency room” (40:56). The staff’s reluctance to escalate her care resulted in delayed intervention, ultimately leading to the tragic loss of her baby, Sadie, due to severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

Hospital Delivery and Aftermath

Upon eventual delivery at Baylor University Medical Center, Sadie was born prematurely at 37 weeks and suffered from severe complications, including a low Apgar score and infections. Barbie was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening condition that was inadequately addressed by Origins. The aftermath left Barbie grappling with physical and emotional trauma, compounded by the loss of her baby and the death of her mother.

Efforts for Accountability: Reviews and Communications

In the wake of her traumatic experience, Barbie sought accountability by leaving factual reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp. This led to contact from Kristen, the podcast host, who introduced her to a community of survivors. Barbie also attempted to obtain her complete medical records from Origins, encountering resistance and limited disclosures that hindered her quest for justice.

Amy Tate, a midwife associated with Origins, responded to allegations with a public statement expressing empathy but avoiding specific details. Barbie felt further invalidated by Amy’s justification of Origins' actions, which she perceived as gaslighting and manipulation (38:48; 40:58).

Reflections and Conclusions

Barbie concludes by emphasizing the need for thorough research and vigilance when choosing birthing centers. She advocates for higher standards and accountability among midwives to prevent others from experiencing similar negligence. “Not all birthing centers are bad. Not all midwives are bad,” she asserts, urging future parents to prioritize informed decision-making to safeguard their health and that of their children (43:37).

Notable Quotes

• “They should have said, hey, you’ve got weight gain, you’ve had some headaches, and your blood pressure... maybe we should get something checked.” — Barbie (35:20)
• “Amy was like, you need to leave. They're fine.” — Barbie (38:48)
• “Not all midwives are bad, but do your research.” — Barbie (43:48)

Conclusion

Episode 13 of Something Was Wrong sheds light on the critical failures within Origins Birth and Wellness, highlighting the devastating impact of medical negligence on a trusting mother-to-be. Barbie’s story serves as a cautionary tale, advocating for better oversight, standardized training for midwives, and empowered, informed choices for expectant parents to break the cycle of trauma and loss in childbirth.