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Kusch performed internal exams, checking for dilation and informing Watier that her cervix was swollen and the baby’s head was crooked. Watier said Kusch reached into her birth canal and attempted to turn the baby.

In her victim impact statement, Watier described feeling “violated” and unable to speak out.

After advising Watier to take a herbal tincture and use a birthing stool, with still no improvement, Kusch suggested she go to a hospital on the third day of her labour. Watier had a C-section and started to hemorrhage.

As a Jehovah’s Witness, Watier refused to have a blood transfusion and had to depend on a blood salvage procedure. She indicated in her statement that there was a likelihood she or her baby could have died due to the blood loss and her inability to accept a transfusion because of her faith.

Rock said there was no evidence presented that linked the medical procedure to what happened during the woman’s labour.

“(Watier) was in labour for three days under the care of (Kusch) and fully dilated, trying to see if she could give birth at home when she needed a hospital transfer at some point prior to when she went,” Rock said outside court.

The mother filed a complaint with the College of Midwives four months after giving birth in November 2014; the Attorney General did not approve the charge until 2016.

Watson said Kusch, a trained doula for 13 years and longtime operator of a care home for women with mental health issues, has only had one complaint. In support letters filed with the court, people said she is caring, skilled and reliable, he noted.