Summary of "The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby" | Episode 4: "Down the Rabbit Hole"

Overview "The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby" is a gripping six-part true crime series produced by CBC and the BBC World Service. Season 2 explores the intricate deceit of Kaitlyn Braun, a young woman accused of manipulating dozens of doulas by fabricating pregnancies and stillbirths. Episode 4, titled "Down the Rabbit Hole," delves into the harrowing experiences of those who tried to support Kaitlyn and the unraveling of her elaborate con.

Introduction to Kaitlyn Braun's Fraud The episode opens with the arrest of Kaitlyn Braun in March 2023. At 24 years old, Kaitlyn is charged with 52 counts, including fraud, harassment, and sexual assault. Her actions involved deceitfully using doula services by pretending to be pregnant and alleging stillbirths to receive support and treatment.

Sarah Trelevin [01:04]: “Kaitlyn Braun’s lies have violated the very nature of the job and have forced many doulas to leave the profession altogether.”

Personal Testimony: Azia's Friendship with Kaitlyn Azia, Kaitlyn's childhood friend, provides an intimate look into Kaitlyn's manipulative behavior. Their friendship, though cyclical, revealed red flags early on. Azia recalls Kaitlyn's anxiety and neediness from a young age.

Jamie Poisson [03:13]: “We would be super close and then we weren't, and then we would be close again and then we weren't.”

Azia describes Kaitlyn as deeply affectionate but also introverted and anxious, traits that later facilitated her ability to manipulate those around her.

Escalation of Kaitlyn's Deception As adults, Kaitlyn's fabrications intensified. She began telling Azia a series of increasingly tragic stories, including false claims of cancer diagnoses and sexual assaults. Kaitlyn's manipulations became more elaborate, culminating in the faked stillbirths.

Jamie Poisson [10:37]: “She had said that she had cancer and that the doctors had missed it. I was scared.”

Azia recounts how Kaitlyn's stories were designed to elicit sympathy and support, leading to deeper emotional entanglement.

The Breaking Point: Realization and Betrayal Azia reached a critical point when Kaitlyn's claims became too frequent and unverifiable. Kaitlyn demanded proof of stillbirths, which she never provided. Instead, she used photos of other women's lost babies, exacerbating feelings of betrayal among her victims.

Jamie Poisson [22:11]: “That was, like, heartbreaking. That even for me felt like a huge betrayal.”

This revelation was pivotal in Azia's decision to distance herself from Kaitlyn, marking the end of their friendship and highlighting the extensive impact of Kaitlyn's deceit.

Impact on Doulas and the Community Kaitlyn's actions had a profound effect on the doula community. Many doulas felt exploited and emotionally drained, leading some to leave the profession entirely. The case raised significant concerns about trust and vulnerability within caregiving professions.

Sarah Trelevin [01:04]: “She’s always been the same person, but I didn't know the extent of her deception.”

Emotional and Ethical Implications The episode explores the complex emotional and ethical dimensions of Kaitlyn's actions. It questions how someone can manipulate trust to such an extent and the challenges faced by victims in navigating their responses.

Jamie Poisson [23:30]: “I genuinely think she just wanted someone to take care of her.”

Conclusion: Searching for the Truth "Down the Rabbit Hole" leaves listeners pondering the deeper motivations behind Kaitlyn's actions and the broader implications for those in supportive roles. The episode underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for systems to protect vulnerable professionals from such deceit.

Sarah Trelevin [24:42]: “With everything we now know about Kaitlyn, what else don’t we know and what is she truly capable of?”

Notable Quotes

• Jamie Poisson [03:13]: “We would be super close and then we weren't, and then we would be close again and then we weren't.”
• Azia [04:33]: “She just kind of always knew what to say when you were down or was upset.”
• Jamie Poisson [10:37]: “She had said that she had cancer and that the doctors had missed it. I was scared.”
• Azia [22:11]: “That was, like, heartbreaking. That even for me felt like a huge betrayal.”
• Jamie Poisson [23:30]: “I genuinely think she just wanted someone to take care of her.”
• Sarah Trelevin [24:42]: “With everything we now know about Kaitlyn, what else don’t we know and what is she truly capable of?”

Final Thoughts Episode 4 of "The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby" masterfully unpacks the layers of Kaitlyn Braun's deceit, highlighting the emotional toll on those she manipulated and raising critical questions about trust and mental health. Through personal accounts and investigative journalism, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of a con that transcends typical scams, delving into the psychological intricacies of Kaitlyn's actions.