Social worker, 24, charged with sexual assault after hiring doulas to help with false pregnancies
A woman who committed multiple pregnancies has been charged with sexual assault, fraud and criminal harassment involving at least six doulas.
Social worker Kaitlyn Braun, 24, lied to the birth partners she hired that she was in labor or carrying a stillborn baby.
She visited the doulas – professionals who provide support during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period – and told them that she had become pregnant after a sexual assault.
Police in Brantford, Ontario, have charged her with 32 counts, including criminal harassment, false pretenses, fraud, assault and indecent acts.
It’s not clear exactly what the allegations of indecent behavior or assault relate to, but doulas provide professional physical support in a variety of ways, including massage or moving their client into different positions.
Social worker Kaitlyn Braun, 24, lied to emotional support partners that she was in labor or carrying a stillborn baby
Canadian Braun faces 10 criminal harassment charges, 12 false pretense charges, four fraud charges, three assault charges and three charges of committing an indecent act.
One victim, Amy Perry, says she was traumatized by her experience with Braun after she spent eight days trying to support the pregnancy faker.
Perry told CTV News that she offered her experiences to Braun virtually and for free, adding, “The moans, the noises she made were really realistic, even during the final stages of labor — going through menopause — she even went so far as to she vomited. , which is normal.
“We really felt like there was a person who was alone in the world going through something really awful and we were just willing to put aside the scope of our practice and help her.”
Braun even showed Perry and another doula images of a stillborn baby and told them that nurses at the hospital took it for her.
During the ordeal, Braun convinced the women she had a bleeding disorder and kept them on the phone while pretending to undergo medical procedures and then said she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Another victim posted her experience on TikTok, claiming that Braun made “very realistic” sounds during her birth.
Shauna Hayes, who also worked pro bono, claims Braun told her she had been sexually assaulted outside a hospital, so she initially refused to go.
Abigail Dienesch, a fourth victim, said she felt ‘violated’ after supporting Braun 24/7 on social media
The doula then took her to the hospital, where she continued to feign her contractions after several hours.
Braun then claims she had an appointment with a nurse specialist the next day, before returning to the hospital.
During her appointment, nurses managed to find the baby’s heartbeat — it’s unclear why — but when they did an ultrasound, they told Braun she wasn’t pregnant.
She then tells her doula ‘I’m so confused’, and refused any psychiatric help from the hospital, despite scans in Hamilton three weeks ago showing she was not pregnant.
Hayes said, “I just want her to stop, I’m not about punishment.” It’s just about protecting other doulas and preventing them from going through what I went through.”
Another victim, who declined to be identified, said, “It’s bizarre and very sad for doulas to have to check or question their clients, I want to be able to take people’s word for it.”
She sought out the doulas – professionals who provide support during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period – and told them that she had become pregnant after a sexual assault or went through a stillbirth
Abigail Dienesch, a fourth victim, said she felt “violated” after supporting Braun 24/7 on social media.
She believes she is Braun’s latest victim and was with her when she received a call from the police about the earlier cases.
Dienesch, who had $800 out of pocket for her services, added, “I would never think anyone would go so far as to fake that.”
A fifth woman also came forward and posted her story on social media, saying she had also been conned by Braun.
Police said the alleged scam occurred between June 19, 2022 and February 17, 2023 and involved multiple doulas across Ontario.
Canadian Braun faces 10 criminal harassment charges, 12 false pretense charges, four fraud charges, three assault charges and three charges of committing an indecent act
During the ordeal, Braun convinced two doulas that she had a bleeding disorder and kept them on the phone while pretending to undergo medical procedures and then said she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The Association of Ontario Doulas board released a statement saying they hope Braun is held accountable.
Shauna Hayes, who also worked pro bono, claims Braun told her she was sexually assaulted outside a hospital, so she initially refused to go
A fifth woman also came forward and posted her story on social media, saying she had also been conned by Braun
In a statement, they said: ‘As an organization, we recognize the trauma … caused to the victims, our affected members and the wider community.
“These events have caused immeasurable pain and impacted the functioning of doulas and their businesses, not just in Brantford, but across Ontario and across Canada and the US.”
The association hopes to explore a way to provide guidance and support to those affected.
Police confirmed that they have spoken to several women who have been lied to by Braun and urge others to contact them.
Anyone with information is requested to contact Det. Kelsie Annaert at 519-756-7050, extension no. 2262 or email kannaert@police.brantford.on.ca with all information.
Information and tips can also be obtained through Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip