Something Was Wrong: Episode S23 E4 – Hell House
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Hell House," Amanda shares her harrowing experience with Origins Birth and Wellness, a birth center she chose in Dallas, Texas, hoping for a personal and supportive environment for her childbirth. This detailed account uncovers the discrepancies between her expectations and the alarming realities she faced, shedding light on broader issues within midwife-led birth centers.
Choosing Origins Birth Center
Amanda and her husband meticulously planned their pregnancy and childbirth experience. They opted for a birth center over a hospital or home birth to maintain proximity to medical facilities while seeking a more intimate setting. “I wanted everything to be unmedicated. That's why we chose the birth center route,” Amanda explains (17:44).
She chose Origins in Dallas based on its appealing aesthetics and a friend's positive experience. The birth center featured three uniquely decorated birth suites designed to feel homely yet professional. Amanda appreciated the variety, noting, “It's kind of like being at home, but you're not going to have to clean up or deal with any of the after stuff” (09:57).
Early Pregnancy Care
During her early pregnancy, Amanda attended prenatal appointments at Origins’ clinic, separated from the birth suites. She interacted primarily with Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and occasionally with student midwives. While she felt confident in the care, she noticed occasional delays and cancellations of appointments. “They tried to really keep you on a schedule of you see this person and you won't see them again for, like, two or three visits,” she recounts (12:21).
Labor at Origins: A Nightmare Unfolds
Amanda’s labor began unexpectedly soon after her IUD removal. Initially, she and her husband felt prepared, having arranged playlists, essential oils, and other comforts. However, things quickly deteriorated. Upon arriving at the birth center for a tour, Amanda found that the midwives present were not consistent with those who initially recommended Origins to her. “Little did we know it would turn out to be a total nightmare” (02:50).
As labor progressed, Amanda encountered several troubling issues:
- Lack of Consistent Care: The owners, Caitlin and Gina, were absent during critical moments. Amanda notes, “Caitlyn was the one that gave the tour, and then I never saw either of them for the rest of the time” (09:57).
- Inadequate Medical Support: Despite being 10 centimeters dilated and fully effaced, Amanda experienced prolonged labor with minimal intervention. “They were very condescending to my husband. One of them said, 'Oh, does daddy need a snack and a nap?'” she recalls (30:48).
- Environmental Distress: The presence of other women giving birth simultaneously created a chaotic and unsupportive environment. Amanda felt her body was not comfortable and her support system was inadequate. “We were laying there all night listening to the lady next door have her baby screaming, crying, carrying on. It was kind of traumatizing” (25:53).
Transfer to Hospital and Emergency Care
After enduring nearly two days of labor without satisfactory progress, Amanda was eventually transferred to a hospital. The transfer was delayed despite her being fully dilated, leading to severe exhaustion and dehydration. “I had 700 milliliters of tea-colored urine. That's how dehydrated I was” (33:56).
At the hospital, Amanda was diagnosed with chorioamnionitis, a severe infection caused by prolonged labor and ruptured membranes. Immediate medical interventions, including antibiotics and an epidural, were administered to manage her condition and facilitate the birth of her ten-pound baby. Reflecting on the transfer, Amanda expressed frustration: “I think we should have been transferred much sooner than we were” (33:56).
Aftermath: Healing and Survivor Support
Postpartum, Amanda faced additional disappointments with Origins. Promised postpartum care and follow-up appointments were neglected. In response to her traumatic experience and others' similar stories, Amanda co-founded a Facebook group named Survivors of Origins, Birth and Wellness. “Kristen created a survivors group on Facebook that has reached over 40 women now that have all had traumatic births with Origins” (48:37).
Amanda confronted Caitlin, the owner, expressing her dissatisfaction and demanding better standards. Despite Caitlin’s attempts to offer superficial remedies like herbal baths, Amanda remained adamant, stating, “I will never step foot back in that hell house” (41:36). Her advocacy aims to prevent future women from enduring similar traumas.
Conclusion: Systemic Issues and Moving Forward
Amanda’s story highlights significant shortcomings in midwife-led birth centers, particularly concerning consistent medical care, adequate support during labor, and transparent communication. Her experience underscores the need for stricter regulations and oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of expectant mothers and their babies.
In her own words, Amanda encapsulates the essence of her journey: “There are so many people who have been hurt by these midwives who didn't get to meet their baby or who did meet their baby in terrible, terrible circumstances” (41:36). Through her courage and resilience, Amanda not only found healing but also became a pivotal voice advocating for safer childbirth practices.
Notable Quotes
- Amanda on Choosing the Birth Center: “I wanted everything to be unmedicated. That's why we chose the birth center route.” (17:44)
- Amanda on Inadequate Support: “They were very condescending to my husband. One of them said, 'Oh, does daddy need a snack and a nap?'” (30:48)
- Amanda on Transfer Delay: “I think we should have been transferred much sooner than we were.” (33:56)
- Amanda on Advocacy: “I will never step foot back in that hell house.” (41:36)
Final Thoughts
Amanda's narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of trust, consistency, and professionalism in maternal healthcare. "Something Was Wrong" not only chronicles her personal ordeal but also calls for systemic changes to protect and empower survivors of traumatic childbirth experiences.