What is freebirth?
Freebirth (also known as Unassisted Birth) is when someone is planning to give birth without a medical provider there. (Click here to learn more about support roles) It is birthing outside the system, it’s freeing, aka FREE!!!!
Why do people freebirth?
There are many reasons why someone may choose to freebirth. Some feel so in tune with themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually they have confidence that their intuition and learned & inherited knowledge will carry them through childbirth naturally. Many have been deeply hurt by medical institutions and want something more like empowerment, autonomy, and freedom to birth on their own terms. Some feel they have no choice in the matter, for instance those who can’t afford the expense of a midwife or insurance won’t cover, or possibly their state regulations prohibit a midwife from attending their home birth (such as vbac, breech, or multiples).
And right now, some are choosing freebirth because they are strongly against recent CV policies. Many facilities are requiring mandatory CV tests for you and your support people, masks to be worn during labor and birth, limited support people, separation from baby if tested positive or refuse to test, and more. To some people these harsh policies are reason enough to give birth at home.
Is freebirth legal?
Yes. Freebirth is 100% legal. You have the right to give birth however, wherever, and with whomever you please (so long as you’re not breaking other laws).
Can I still get a birth certificate?
You can still obtain a birth certificate! It just may not be as easy as if you were birthing in a facility. Each state has different requirements to obtain one but for an example I will explain New Jerseys. In NJ you will need:
-Proof of pregnancy. Any official documentation showing that you are pregnant. This may be from a prenatal appointment, possibly test results, ultrasounds, notices from your insurance, etc.
-Proof that a Pediatrician has seen your baby. A print-out of the first visit summary will do. You should try to have baby seen within the first week.
-Fill out the appropriate forms from your local Vital Statistics Office.
Once everything is sent in it may take a few weeks to be approved. Once it does you will be able to pick up the certificate at the Vital Statistics Office. This part may cost $10-20. After that you can follow your states instruction to obtain a social security number.
Is freebirth safe?
Freebirth is safe when a person is intuitive, educated, prepared, and also able to identify possible problems and willing to seek assistance when necessary. There are many studies showing home birth to be perfectly safe. Some would argue that home birth is more safe than hospital births where interventions are heavily used. Intuition is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to freebirth and its safety. Freebirth needs to be mother-led. Meaning the birthing mother listens to her body and baby first and foremost, and chooses her path based on her needs.
What if something is wrong?
If something is truly wrong then you transfer to a hospital. There is no shame in seeking medical assistance when a problem presents itself. With intuition, proper education, and preparation, you and your support people should be able to identify warning signs well before it becomes an emergency. This goes the same for those who hire a midwife to attend their home birth. A mother knows when something is truly wrong. She will feel an overwhelming sense of doom and her support people should know how to respect and follow that.
How do I learn to freebirth?
Some say freebirth comes naturally. You simply follow your intuition and let birth be. Others want to learn every possible aspect and outcome to become fully prepared. There are many books you can read about unassisted birth, freebirth, and birth in general and there are plenty of groups online to find education and support. My favorite resource for freebirth currently is HERBAL’s Free Birth Course. This course will teach you just about everything you’ll need. Seeking out and hiring a birthkeeper or doula who is familiar with freebirth is a wonderful option for someone looking for local resources, guidance, and support.
If I have a birthkeeper/doula with me, is that still a freebirth?
Yes and no, it depends on who you ask and their own perception of the word! What myself and my client aim for is a home birth, outside of the system. So no medical providers will be present. However, with an attendant such as myself present, You wouldn’t be alone, but certainly not with a medical provider. But that’s the point, isn’t it? Totally confusing. So it’s up for your own interpretation. Is it freeing to you to give birth with a trusted, loving, skilled, and experienced birth companion? Is it freeing to give birth without scare tactics, restrictions, interventions, policy, and liability jargon? We don’t get birth trophies. So if you want to give birth at home alone or surrounded by loving support, if you want to call that a freebirth – do it proudly!
Who should not freebirth?
It’s really not up to me to decide who can or cannot freebirth, but typically those who have truly high-risk pregnancies, those who have serious underlying health conditions, or those who’s unborn baby has known medical issues which may need assistance or treatment once born should consider giving birth in a facility capable of managing those situations. Someone who is extremely fearful, someone who is incapable of unlearning medical conditioning, hypochondriacs, or people unwilling to address their traumas may have a difficult time achieving a freebirth.