The Audio Long Read The Birth Keepers: I choose this – episode one
Dec 13, 2025
Nicole Garrison, a New Jersey mother, shares her harrowing experience with the Free Birth Society, an organization promoting a no-care childbirth ideology. She recounts her journey of isolation, the allure of FBS’s radical teachings, and how they led her to nearly lose her life due to severe complications after birth. The discussion highlights the dangerous mindset of self-blame and the suppression of medical discourse within the community. Garrison's story challenges the promise of empowerment offered by FBS and reveals the dire consequences of such beliefs.
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Radical Message Behind Free Birth Society
- Free Birth Society sold a radical narrative that exiting medical care restores power to women during birth.
- Their message combined distrust of medicine with certainty that preparation and mindset guarantee safe births.
Choose Birth Based On Facts
- Base birth choices on accurate information and real facts, not ideology or influencers.
- Seek balanced evidence before rejecting prenatal care or clinical support.
Nicole's Rapid Radicalization
- Nicole Garrison discovered FBS via podcasts and felt immediately drawn to Emily Saldaya's brash confidence.
- She rapidly consumed content and started preparing to free birth, believing it would restore control after past traumas.