Let’s talk about a term that might sound a bit unconventional—freebirth. You’ve probably heard of home births or births assisted by midwives, but freebirth takes things a step further. Simply put, freebirth is when you choose to have your baby without any help from a healthcare provider, whether that’s a doctor or midwife.
Why would someone choose freebirth?
For many, it comes down to control. Pregnancy and birth can feel like a whirlwind of decisions, protocols, and medical opinions, and some women feel like their voice gets lost in the shuffle. Most people who opt for freebirth do so because they want to be in full control of their birthing experience without medical intervention unless absolutely necessary. It’s about trusting their bodies to do what birthing bodies have been doing for thousands of years.
Of course, freebirth isn’t for everyone, and it’s not without controversy. Complications can arise unexpectedly during labor, and not having trained professionals on hand to look for the warning signs can increase the risk for both the mother and baby. But for those who choose freebirth, the decision is often rooted in a belief that natural birth, when uninterrupted or messed with, most often goes smoothly. Freebirthers often have a desire to avoid what they see as unnecessary medicalization and interference in the progression of their birth.
From an emotional standpoint, freebirth is very personal.
Some women describe it as deeply empowering; an experience where they feel fully connected to their bodies and their babies. Others feel that birthing in a hospital with access to modern medicine adds a level of safety and peace of mind that outweighs their desire for autonomy.
Is freebirth right for you?
At the end of the day, choosing where and how you birth is a decision that requires careful thought, preparation, and knowing what feels right for you. Whether you’re someone who prefers a hospital delivery with a team of professionals, someone who wants a select few birth professionals to join you in your home, or someone who wants to embrace the freebirth philosophy and brave it all on your own, the choice is yours.
