Science Weekly The Birth Keepers: I choose this, episode one
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Dec 13, 2025 
Nicole Garrison, a suburban New Jersey woman and former member of the Free Birth Society, shares her harrowing journey into free birthing. She reveals how the group’s radical ideology almost cost her life during a near-fatal postpartum hemorrhage. Nicole recounts her initial draw to the group's empowering messaging, but ultimately reflects on the dangers of following their teachings against medical advice. The stark contrast between her experience and hospital care highlights the chilling effects of isolation and disinformation within the FBS community.
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Power Of A Persuasive Online Birth Narrative
- Emily Saldaya built a social-media empire promoting radical free birth as empowerment.
- Her message reframes medical care as disempowering and idealises solitary birth without backup.
Hooked By A Podcast
- Nicole Garrison discovered FBS after finding Emily on podcast and felt instantly hooked.
- She consumed episodes obsessively and embraced the group's rhetoric as truth.
Free Birth Versus Home Birth
- Free birth differs from home birth by removing all professional support and prenatal checks.
- FBS promoted an extreme variant with no ultrasounds, tests, or contingency plans.