Something Was Wrong: S23 E2 - Life Threatening Emergency

Introduction

In the gripping second episode of Season 23 of Something Was Wrong, hosted by Broken Cycle Media | Wondery, Kristin and her husband Thomas recount their harrowing experience surrounding the birth of their son, Theodore (Theo). This detailed narrative delves into the medical negligence, trauma, and subsequent recovery they endured, shedding light on systemic failures within the healthcare system.

1. Pregnancy Complications and Initial Signs of Trouble (02:40 - 07:46)

Kristin begins by detailing her pregnancy, highlighting early signs of complications that were reportedly overlooked by her midwives. At 36 weeks, she experienced multiple high blood pressure readings, severe swelling, low hemoglobin, and abnormal hematocrit levels—symptoms indicative of preeclampsia. Despite these alarming signs, Kristin was not referred to an OB GYN for specialized care. Instead, she was instructed to perform "spinning babies" exercises to naturally turn her breech baby.

Kristin (04:25): "When you have preeclampsia, your body is beginning to deteriorate... So at 36 weeks and four days, I was not referred to an OB GYN because my son was breech."

2. Onset of Labor and Initial Response (07:46 - 12:45)

On February 1st, 2022, at 39 weeks and five days, Kristin's water broke at 1 AM, leading to the onset of contractions. She contacted the on-call midwife, Mariah, who advised her to rest and monitor contractions. Despite feeling consistent with active labor after four hours, Mariah doubted Kristin's assessment, categorizing her contractions as not indicative of active labor for a first-time mother.

Kristin (07:46): "I have a contraction monitor and I am recording my contractions... That's when I call them. I say, hey, I think I'm in active labor."

3. Escalation of Complications and Lack of Proper Referral (12:45 - 20:28)

As contractions became sporadic and Kristin noticed reduced fetal movement, she reached out to Jennifer Crawford, a student midwife on call. Jennifer recommended continuing labor with additional exercises, despite evident red flags. Kristin felt her concerns were dismissed, leading to delayed intervention.

Kristin (09:54): "At 36 weeks and four days, I was not referred to an OB GYN because my son was breech... I still felt confidence in my team."

4. Emergency Cesarean Section and Theo's Critical Condition (20:28 - 37:35)

Upon finally arriving at Baylor hospital, Dr. Deborah Fuller performed an ultrasound that revealed Theo's transverse breech position with a prolapsed umbilical cord and extremities—a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate cesarean delivery. The swift and chaotic response, including a rushed incision and extraction, left Theo with a low APGAR score and led to his admission into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Concurrently, Kristin faced severe uterine infections and a hyperintensive crisis due to preeclampsia.

Kristin (10:34): "He had his cord wrapped around his neck twice and he was born stunned and white... this is a life-threatening emergency."

Dr. Fuller (16:20): "He looks like a normal baby boy, but he is not. We are going to be checking him for all sorts of things."

5. Postpartum Medical Complications and Misdiagnosis (37:35 - 49:23)

Post-delivery, Kristin did not regain consciousness immediately. It was later discovered that she suffered from a rare genetic deficiency, pseudocholine and esterase deficiency, which prevented her from metabolizing specific paralytics, leading to respiratory failure. Despite being on a ventilator, Kristin became consciously aware but unable to communicate, experiencing what felt like a living nightmare.

Kristin (25:37): "I realized that I could still die, that I wasn't safe yet."

6. Emotional Aftermath and Strained Relationships (49:23 - 60:38)

The traumatic events took a severe toll on Kristin and Thomas's marriage. Feelings of guilt, isolation, and betrayal emerged as they grappled with their new reality. Both struggled with trust issues, depression, and hypervigilance over Theo's well-being. Their differing coping mechanisms led to resentment and emotional distance, exacerbating their mental health challenges.

Thomas (53:23): "She felt like she couldn't do anything for him. She knew she was a failure."

Kristin (54:21): "It was a very dark, ugly monster that would lock in a closet... It was like PTSD."

7. Seeking Accountability and Public Awareness (60:38 - 65:44)

Frustrated by the medical negligence and lack of accountability from the midwifery team at Origins Birth and Wellness, Thomas initiated the formation of Survivors of Origins, Birth and Wellness. This group aimed to shed light on systemic failures and prevent similar tragedies. Kristin publicly shared their story through online reviews, exposing the dangerous practices and unlicensed midwives involved in their care.

Thomas (65:03): "We have hundreds of positive reviews that actually led us to Origins. Reading the one-stars was horrifying, much like what we experienced."

8. Long-Term Recovery and Healing (65:44 - End)

Over time, Kristin and Thomas embarked on a healing journey, involving extensive therapy to mend their fractured relationship and individual mental health. They relocated to a quieter area, allowing for a more peaceful recovery environment. Kristin gradually rebuilt her connection with Theo through breastfeeding and bonding, while Thomas grappled with career changes and lingering distrust in medical institutions. Their resilience, coupled with professional support, eventually fostered a renewed sense of unity and emotional intimacy.

Kristin (60:38): "We went through therapy and we're in a much better place... choosing to love each other even when it was hard."

Dr. Fuller (61:22): "His immediate APGAR score when he came out was a one. And after a few minutes, it progressed to a four. But we've received a lot of reassurance."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Medical Negligence: The lack of proper referral and oversight by the midwifery team led to catastrophic outcomes for both mother and child.

• Systemic Failures: Highlights the critical need for stringent protocols and accountability within birth centers to ensure patient safety.

• Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of medical emergencies extends beyond the immediate physical health, deeply affecting personal relationships and mental well-being.

• Advocacy and Awareness: Kristin and Thomas's efforts to publicize their experience underscore the importance of survivor stories in driving systemic change and preventing future tragedies.

Notable Quotes

• Kristin (07:46): "I do what Jennifer tells me to do. I was at home. My doula comes. I love my doula. She's fantastic."

• Thomas (32:16): "I was extremely hypervigilant. I could not sleep. I woke often just to make sure he was breathing."

• Kristin (43:24): "I was terrified of SIDS. I started doing all this research and what causes SIDS."

• Dr. Fuller (16:20): "We're going to be checking him for all sorts of things. He looks like a normal baby boy, but he is not."

• Thomas (54:29): "I began to distrust the world. I can't walk into a hospital without thinking of what happened to me."

Conclusion

"Life Threatening Emergency" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of medical negligence. Kristin and Thomas's story is not just one of survival but also of resilience and the quest for justice. Their courage in sharing their ordeal aims to inspire change within the healthcare system, ensuring that no other family endures similar suffering.

For More Information and Resources:

• Episode Notes: Detailed content warnings, sources, and resources are available in the episode notes.
• Support Groups: Survivors of Origins, Birth and Wellness.
• Therapy and Counseling: Seek professional help to navigate postpartum trauma and relationship strains.

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