A Brantford woman who faked multiple pregnancies and stillbirths in order to receive the assistance of registered doulas has been sentenced to two years of house arrest and three years probation.
Kaitlyn Braun pleaded guilty to 21 charges, including false pretenses, fraud and committing indecent acts on December 7, 2023.
The offences happened between June 19, 2022 and Feb. 17, 2023 and involved the services of several registered doulas across Ontario, Alberta and Florida.
At least 17 doulas were left traumatized and unpaid by Braun.
“I’ve been in and out of crisis centres and mental health hospitals because I have CPTSD now from spending so much time with her and the ongoing abuse.” said Maighen Stanley, one of the victims.
“If he could have done more I think he would have…it was very clear that he didn’t think highly of her.” added another victim, Amy Silva.
A doula is described as a non-medical professional who provides a woman with guidance and support while they go through a significant health-related experience such as childbirth, miscarriage, induced abortion or stillbirth.
Police arrested and charged Braun in March 2023.
During the sentencing on Wednesday, Justice Robert S. Gee expressed his displeasure, saying he did not agree with the joint submission.
“I appreciate many victims will find this distasteful as I do,” Justice Gee said.
A joint submission is when both the Crown and the offender’s lawyer agree on the sentence they are asking the judge to give.
Justice Gee said judges are told to go along with joint submissions, even if they disagree because they are essential to the functioning of the legal system.
The conditional sentence will see Braun report to a supervisor and live at an approved place of residence for two years.
She will remain there at all times except for a few hours one day a week when she is allowed to get necessities of life like food supplies.
Braun will be required to attend and complete all treatment and counseling programs as laid out by her supervisor.
She will also face restrictions when it comes to using computers or devices with internet access.
