What is Free Birthing?

Free Birthing is a home birth free of all assistance. Free birth differs from a home birth because a home birth is attended by a midwife and under their medical care and expertise. A free birth is not attended by a midwife, or any other medical care provider. Free births are completely unassisted.

What are my feelings on free birthing? I think that if mom is fully aware and educated of all of the risks involved, she should be able to make that decision for herself. I understand there are circumstances in which mom may decide that is her best option. It would not be my personal choice, but I’m of the thought that if mom TRULY understands the risk-benefit analysis, it is still her choice to make.

HOWEVER. And this is a big HOWEVER. I DO NOT ATTEND FREE BIRTHS. Why?

Well, I’m certified and insured as a DOULA. And I am very clear on my role as a doula - birth support for the family: physical, emotional, educational, social, and advocacy. I am not a midwife and I am not a doctor. But a free birth as a doula is grey, both morally/ethically and professionally. Why? Because I’m the most trained and knowledgeable person in the room when it comes to birth. And because I have that training, this is not really a true, unassisted free birth. This is a doula practicing outside of their scope and a malpractice lawsuit waiting to happen.