Within months of the death of Lorren’s baby, Journey Moon, and the subsequent public backlash against the Free Birth Society (FBS), founder Emilee Saldaya took the FBS membership private, transforming the business into a global multimillion-dollar empire. This revelation comes in episode four of a year-long investigation by Guardian journalists Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne, titled The Birth Keepers, originally published on 10 December 2025.
The Tragedy That Sparked Change
The death of Journey Moon, Lorren's baby, triggered intense scrutiny of the Free Birth Society, an organization that promotes unassisted home births. The public backlash threatened the group's viability. However, instead of folding, Saldaya pivoted the business model, moving the membership platform behind a paywall. This strategic shift allowed FBS to generate substantial revenue while maintaining a core community of followers.
According to the investigation, the move to a private membership model enabled FBS to expand globally, attracting members from multiple countries. The exact financial figures remain undisclosed, but sources indicate the business now operates on a multimillion-dollar scale, with revenue streams from membership fees, online courses, and merchandise.
Building a Global Empire
Saldaya's leadership turned FBS from a controversial support network into a profitable enterprise. The investigation details how the organization leveraged social media and word-of-mouth to grow its base, despite ongoing criticism from medical professionals and former members. The private membership model created an exclusive community, fostering loyalty and reducing public scrutiny.
“The transformation was rapid,” said a source close to the organization. “Within months of the tragedy, Emilee had restructured everything. The business became more secretive but also more lucrative.” The investigation notes that FBS now operates in at least a dozen countries, with paid memberships ranging from monthly subscriptions to annual plans.
Ongoing Controversy and Impact
The Free Birth Society continues to face criticism for promoting unassisted childbirth, which critics argue increases risks for mothers and babies. However, supporters praise the group for providing alternatives to traditional medical systems. The investigation highlights that the empire's growth has not silenced detractors; instead, it has intensified debates about birth autonomy and safety.
As The Birth Keepers series continues, it sheds light on the complex dynamics of a movement that has both empowered and endangered its followers. The fourth episode underscores how tragedy can catalyze organizational change, for better or worse.
