I am writing to formally express my profound disappointment and serious concern regarding the care, or lack thereof, provided by Ashly at Serenity Birthing Center during my sister's recent labor and delivery experience. As both a direct witness and an advocate for my sister, I am deeply disturbed by the events that transpired under Ashly's supervision, which demonstrated not only a lack of professional judgment but also an alarming disregard for patient safety and emotional wellbeing.
On Wednesday, October 8th at approximately 6:00 PM, my sister's water broke. When contacted, Ashly assured us that this was normal and advised her to labor at home for up to 12 hours. Given that this was my sister's first pregnancy, we remained cautious and went into the birthing center the following day to confirm that everything was progressing safely. At that visit, Ashly evaluated her, claimed everything was fine, and sent her home with instructions to take two Tylenol, two Benadryl, and "off the record," a glass of red wine to help her rest. Advice that was unprofessional at best, and at worst, medically inappropriate.
The next morning, my sister was in active labor, following all instructions Ashly had provided, including tracking contractions and walking as much as possible. Once she reached the 4-1-1 pattern that Ashly had advised as the appropriate time to come in, we immediately contacted her. Throughout this process, we remained in constant communication via phone and the patient portal.
While in route to the birthing center, Ashly called to say she had multiple patients in labor and implied that it would not matter whether my sister continued laboring at home or at the center. Despite the fact that her water had been broken for over 36 hours at this point and her contractions were both intense and close together. My sister was clearly in need of immediate professional support and a safe environment in which to deliver her baby.
Upon arrival, we discovered that the gate was locked. We attempted to reach Ashly multiple times via call and text. When she finally responded, she said she would arrive in about an hour and advised us to walk in a nearby park. At that time, my sister was in excruciating pain and barely able to stand...let alone walk. Despite this, we waited as instructed, walking up and down the roadside in the HEAT while my sister suffered visibly. After 90 minutes, with still no sign of Ashly, I called again. She claimed there had been a miscommunication. She then stated she had no idea we were there or that she was in labor...and said she would now arrive in another 40 minutes.
This level of neglect is unconscionable. At this point, it was clear that Ashly was not taking the situation seriously, nor was she acting with any urgency or compassion. We had no choice but to transport my sister to the nearest hospital for immediate care, as the baby was coming... Despite Ashly including Baylor Scott & White in the birth plan, she directed us instead to a hospital in Mansfield, 30 min. away...an inexplicable and dangerous detour, especially considering the state my sister was in. We chose to proceed to the closer Baylor Scott & White facility.
Upon arrival, the hospital team acted quickly to stabilize both my sister and her baby. When they reached out to Ashly for medical records, she failed to respond. We continued to attempt contact via text and phone calls, and she ignored every attempt. This behavior is not only unethical but also potentially life-threatening. My sister had been in active labor with ruptured membranes for well over 36 hours and had been left completely unsupported. As a result of this negligence, both she and her newborn developed infections and fevers, among other complications I will not detail here out of respect for their privacy.
The medical team at the hospital was shocked and appalled that a licensed midwife would allow a patient to go unmonitored for so long under such high-risk conditions. Their prompt and professional care is the only reason my sister and her baby are now expected to make a full recovery.
Ashly's behavior was inexcusable. She failed to uphold even the most basic standards of care and showed an alarming lack of empathy, responsibility, and professionalism. Her actions. Particularly her refusal to provide timely support, communicate effectively, or share medical records. This could have led to a tragedy. She must be held accountable for the trauma and suffering she caused, and she unquestionably owes my sister a direct and sincere apology.
Families entrust midwives and birthing centers with their lives during one of the most vulnerable moments they will ever experience. Ashly violated that trust. I sincerely hope that Serenity Birthing Center takes this matter seriously and takes appropriate action to ensure this never happens again. read more