A young Brantford woman has been accused of defrauding and sexually assaulting doulas after numerous women said they were conned into helping her through a false birthing process.
According to a Brantford Police news release, Kaitlyn Braun, 24, faces 10 charges of criminal harassment, 12 charges of false pretenses, four counts of fraud, three counts of sexual assault and three counts of committing an indecent act.
The woman was arrested on Monday and remains in custody. Police said the investigation continues and are declining to release further information.
But the doula community – communicating through TikTok videos – has been posting details about how they were allegedly scammed by Braun, saying she sought their help to work through a stillbirth, playing on their emotions and, for some in personal visits, soliciting personal touching.
“I have not felt fear like that in my entire life,” one local doula said about her hours of supporting the woman by phone as Braun allegedly recounted her deteriorating health from bleeding to a hysterectomy and then ‘end-of-life’.
The woman said she and another doula, who was assisting with the case, said their goodbyes and listened to half an hour of monitors and hospital sounds before finally hanging up, assuming their client was dead.
Numerous doulas in videos said they felt traumatized by their ordeals. One woman described Braun as having a “birthing fetish”.
Some said they reported Braun to police and the College of Social Workers but alleged that it didn’t halt her behavior. The college could not be reached for comment prior to publication.
Another said Braun allegedly used a story of a stillbirth because many registered doulas will not charge for coaching a woman through a stillbirth whereas there’s a cost for the process of being coached to deliver a live child.
One doula posted photos of Braun, a heavy-set woman who could be mistaken for being pregnant.
“Based on my interaction with her,” said a doula in a video, “I could believe she wanted intimate connection and attention. Having heard stories from other people and how her actions have progressed, I believe she absolutely knows she’s not pregnant. She knows what she’s doing and it’s a fetish.”
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Police said the alleged offenses took place between June 19, 2022 and February 17, 2023 and involve doulas across Ontario.
They said they are making the name of the accused public because they believe there may be even more victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Kelsie Annaert at 519-756-7050, ext. 2262 or email [email protected] with any information.
Information and tips can also be made through Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477.
Anonymous tips can also be made through www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip
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