Ontario woman who faked pregnancies, scammed doulas sentenced to 2 years of house arrest

• RCI

Doulas spoke earlier of trauma they’ve suffered due to actions of Kaitlyn Braun of Brantford

WARNING: This article contains details of sexual assault and suicidal ideation, and may affect those who have experienced​ them or know someone affected by them.

A Brantford woman who faked pregnancies, harassed and fraudulently sought the services of numerous doulas across Ontario was sentenced Wednesday to two years of house arrest and three years of probation.

Kaitlyn Braun, 25, pleaded guilty (new window) in December to 21 charges — including fraud, indecent acts, false pretences and mischief — of the 52 she faced for seeking the help of doulas in what ended up being false pregnancies and stillbirths from June 2022 to February 2023.

In custody since her arrest in March, Braun’s sentence was handed down by Justice Robert Gee in Brantford’s Court of Justice. She must also wear a GPS ankle bracelet, not contact victims, undergo mandatory counselling, and not use the internet or social media for two years.

Last month, during the first part of the sentencing hearing, the court heard from more than a dozen doulas who shared how their lives have suffered immensely due to Braun’s actions, including coercing victims into giving her massages while she was naked with the intent to insult or offend them.

Braun also addressed her victims in court, taking accountability for the hurt and pain her actions caused. Many doulas said they felt her apology was insincere.

Woman who defrauded doulas with fake pregnancies awaits sentence

More than a dozen doulas who were defrauded by a registered social worker who faked pregnancies to receive services had their day in court to read victim impact statements.

The court also heard Braun had a long history of mental health challenges, including memories of childhood sexual assault, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar and borderline tendencies.

After hearing victim impact statements, Gee deferred Braun’s sentencing, saying he needed more time to reflect on the joint submission of the Crown and defence asking that Braun receive a two-year conditional sentence.

Doulas change practices following Braun ordeal

A doula (new window) is a trained professional who supports clients before, during and shortly after childbirth. They also help with grief and trauma around pregnancy loss, but they’re not health-care professionals who deliver babies and they don’t have access to medical records or equipment.  While doulas have certifications with different organizations, they are not registered with a regulating or governing body.

Several doulas told the sentencing court last month that the ordeal has left them feeling violated. Some of them said their families have also been impacted, as they’ve had to spend time away from young children to work with Braun.

As well, many doulas said they’ve changed the way they take on new clients and how they advertise their businesses — including adding false pretence clauses in their contracts and no longer offering virtual support and free services.

The identities of five of the 17 victims are protected under a publication ban.

Since my time with Ms. Braun, I’m fearful of new clients, London doula Seanna Hayes said in court. “I’m now less trusting of those seeking out doula support. This is unacceptable to me as someone who wants to give the best support to people.

Kaitlyn Braun has made me afraid of doing the work I’m so passionate about. I’m afraid of gaining new clients and being triggered at birth. This crime has ruined me.

Another London doula, Amy Silva, told the hearing that she lost about $6,000 by working with Braun and as a result of therapy costs.

The safety measures I’ve had to implement reflect a genuine fear instilled in me by your actions, Kaitlyn, Silva said while looking directly at Braun.

Isha Bhargava (new window) · CBC News ·