What is Freebirth, and Is It Safe?

In recent years, the trend of freebirth, which involves delivering a baby without any medical assistance, has gained traction among certain groups of women, especially on social media platforms. Advocates of this practice believe in the body’s natural ability to give birth, often expressing a deep-seated distrust of the medical community. However, medical professionals are raising red flags regarding the serious risks that freebirth poses to both mothers and their babies.

Freebirth is distinctly different from home births, which typically involve the presence of a certified midwife and take place in a private residence. Research shows a notable increase in home births, tripling from 2004 to 2024, yet freebirth remains more ambiguous as there are no comprehensive statistics detailing how many women are opting for it. This shift in preference might be linked to personal experiences with healthcare, as many women in online forums share stories of mistreatment during pregnancies. A report from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that one in five women reported such experiences, leading to a growing distrust of medical professionals.

Dr. Dawnette Lewis, the Director of Northwell Health’s Centre for Maternal Health, explains the inherent dangers of freebirth. In cases where complications arise, a lack of immediate medical support could significantly jeopardise the health of both the mother and the newborn. “If a baby is born needing assistance and there’s no one there to provide it, the consequences can be dire,” she warns. Historically, before the advent of modern medicine, many women faced fatal outcomes during childbirth due to complications they were unable to manage alone.

The phenomenon of freebirth has fuelled discussions around wild pregnancies, a more extreme choice involving the complete abandonment of medical care throughout the entire pregnancy. Individuals who choose this route forgo traditional prenatal appointments, screenings, and various medical tests that are crucial for identifying potential health issues. Dr. Lewis points out that many complications may present asymptomatically, and standard prenatal care is essential for detecting these issues early.

Ultrasounds, for instance, play a vital role in checking for irregular growth or structural abnormalities, while other tests can identify problems such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. These assessments can significantly improve the likelihood of positive outcomes during delivery. “Even the healthiest pregnancy can develop unforeseen complications during birth,” Dr. Lewis adds. Various scenarios, such as retained placenta or uterine bleeding, can threaten the lives of both mother and child, emphasising the need for trained professionals at the scene.

Despite acknowledging the natural strength of the female body, Dr. Lewis insists on the critical role that medical expertise plays during childbirth. She highlights that while it is important to facilitate a woman’s desired birthing experience, safety must always be the priority. “Our role is to enable a safe delivery while also being prepared to adapt if difficulties arise,” she explains.

The healthcare community is becoming increasingly aware of the need to rebuild trust with expectant mothers. Dr. Lewis emphasises the importance of open communication between medical teams and patients to ensure that women’s preferences are respected. However, the ultimate objective remains the health and safety of both mother and baby.

With rising concerns over safe childbirth practices, it is crucial for women to weigh the potential risks associated with freebirth and wild pregnancies. Engaging in thorough discussions with healthcare providers may provide a clearer understanding of the complexities involved in childbirth and help mitigate potential dangers. It is paramount that women feel empowered to make informed choices while also prioritising their wellbeing and that of their infants.