No Longer in the Shadows…

This morning I was notified that the summary suspension against Evelyn Muhlhan has been amended and now includes Miranda’s case.

There is a bitter-sweetness to this inclusion.

For many months when stories have aired about E. Muhlhan I have cringed knowing that my daughter was at least one more “adverse outcome” she has had. Now with the amendment Miranda’s story is spelled out for all to read. Miranda’s case is complaint #6.

Reading the details was… interesting.

Muhlhan’s practice (Alternative Birth Choices) was subpoenaed for my records, yet turned they were submitted incompletely. I don’t understand why. All of my records for Miranda’s pregnancy were electronically filed and should be readily available. Muhlhan only turned over records of FOUR of my prenatal visits.

FOUR.

I was seen monthly through week 28, then every two weeks until the last month when I was seen weekly.

I have a copy of my prenatal care between March 7, 2011 and August 17, 2011 (the copy that was left with me at my 36 week home visit) that records EIGHT dates of prenatal visits.

Why did she not turn over my complete records?

Did she not submit the records of visits that were attended by her assistants, Lorrie Leigh, Dianne Sellers, and Lori Sarebo? Did she not provide those records because it would indicate these women providing medical advice and care when not licensed to do so in Maryland?

No records were included of labor, delivery or postpartum care.

It was noted that I had signed her practice’s Terms of Acceptance for Midwifery Care or Homebirth, which stated I would be seen by qualified medical personnel (never listing doulas as part of the list of providers):

that work in direct consultation with qualified physicians.

It also stated that:

I agree to submit to Evelyn Muhlhan the name of the back-up physician I plan to use in the event that consultation with and/or transfer to a physician becomes necessary.

The only name I was ever asked for was my regular physician and pediatrician for the baby, never for the name of someone who could assume obstetrical care.

One of the most alarming things I read in the report was the timeline from EMS. They received the call at 11:37PM. Miranda was born at 10:54PM. The arrived at 11:43PM to transport.

There were 43 minutes that passed from the moment of her birth to the moment the call was placed. It was far too long.

When Miranda arrived at Carroll Hospital Center her rectal temperature was 96 degrees, she was hypothermic. She was transported wrapped in a mylar blanket and was still hypothermic.

The damage caused by improper resuscitation was irreversible.

My daughter arrived at the “five minutes away” hospital too late to matter. What happened in the time before transport was made was catastrophic.

I would never choose homebirth again.