When Lorren Holliday became pregnant in 2018, she found solace and guidance in the Free Birth Society podcasts after joining Emilee Saldaya's Facebook group. This decision led to a tragic outcome, as detailed in episode three of The Birth Keepers, a year-long investigation by Guardian journalists Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne.
The Allure of Free Birth
Holliday, like many expectant mothers, was drawn to the promise of a natural, unmedicated birth free from medical intervention. The Free Birth Society, a community promoting unassisted childbirth, offered a sense of empowerment and autonomy. However, the podcasts also discouraged seeking medical help, which proved fatal.
A Tragic Outcome
Holliday's free birth resulted in complications that could have been managed with medical assistance. The investigation reveals that she died shortly after giving birth, leaving behind a newborn. This case highlights the dangers of rejecting professional medical care in favor of unregulated advice from online communities.
The Investigation
The Birth Keepers series explores the rise of free birth movements and the consequences for families. According to the Guardian investigation, Holliday's story is not isolated; multiple women have suffered similar fates after following the same podcasts. The series calls for greater awareness and regulation of such online influences.
For more details, the full investigation was originally published on 10 December 2025. Photograph: The Guardian.
