Researching Planned Unassisted Childbirth (Freebirth)

A few days ago I provided information on preparing for a possible (surprise) unassisted birth.  I'm hesitant to provide information on how to prepare for a planned unassisted birth.  It's an extremely important personal decision, and I would never tell someone they should have an unassisted birth.  I provide this in an effort to help educate, without promoting or endorsing planned freebirth.  I understand that some expectant parents desire an unassisted birth, and if you or someone you know has made this choice it's important to educate yourself and be as informed as possible in your decision to birth without the support of a doctor or midwife.  I've chosen to provide resources rather than a guide or instruction manual, so that you may find information to prepare yourself.  This post is meant as a starting point for research and should not be relied upon for complete preparation.

In the United States it's completely legal to give birth anywhere, including at home.  In states where home birth midwives are illegal or difficult to find, some parents choose to plan for unassisted birth at home.  This can be a safe viable option when the parents are educated, informed, and prepared.

The first thing to do is educate yourself on the birth process itself.  Understand what happens and what you will likely experience as your body goes through this beautiful event and gives birth to a healthy baby.  If you've given birth before, then you probably have a pretty good idea of what will happen but you may want to do some research about doing it alone.  If this will be your first birth, or even your first vaginal birth, please read as much as you can and prepare yourself for this most important day.


Suggested reading:

• "Unassisted Birth" by Laura Kaplan Shanley
• "Unassisted Homebirth: An Act of Love" by Lynn Griesemer
• "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" by Ina May Gaskin
• "Spiritual Midwifery" by Ina May Gaskin
• "Emergency Childbirth: A Manual" by Gregory J. White
• "Childbirth Without Fear" by Grantly Dick-Read

Suggested websites:

• Unassisted Childbirth
• The Center for Unhindered Living
• Empowered Childbirth

What's the law?  Please remember to research the laws where you live.  For instance, in the United States each state has its own laws about birth certificates, and it's important to know what will be required of you to legally obtain one.  Often the birth certificate application also triggers the request for a Social Security Card.  Many states require witnesses to sign the birth certification application, and in some states a blood test or maternity test may be required under certain circumstances.

Get the supplies:  Although you can give birth with virtually nothing, it's good to be prepared and get the supplies you may need.  I prefer to be over-prepared rather than under-prepared.  Here are just a couple of places you can order birth kits online:

• In His Hands Birth Supply
• Cascade Health Care Products
• Bring Birth Home Custom Home Birth Baskets
• Home Birth Services

You can also join freebirth community websites such as: 

• Unassisted Birth/Freebirth on Facebook
• Unassisted Birth Forum on Mothering.com

Click here to read an amazing story of a surprise breech unassisted birth.

Please feel free to share any birth resources you would recommend in preparation for unassisted birth!

Midwifery Resources and Web Links

Midwives Alliance of North America - "In 1982, the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) was established as a professional organization for all midwives, recognizing the diversity of educational backgrounds and practice styles within the profession. Its goal is to unify and strengthen the profession of midwifery, thereby improving the quality of health care for women, babies, and communities."

Citizens for Midwifery - "Citizens for Midwifery is a non-profit, volunteer, grassroots organization. Founded by several mothers in 1996, it is the only national consumer-based group promoting the Midwives Model of Care."

Coalition for Improved Maternity Services - "The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) is a coalition of individuals and national organizations with concern for the care and well-being of mothers, babies, and families. Our mission is to promote a wellness model of maternity care that will improve birth outcomes and substantially reduce costs. This evidence-based mother-, baby-, and family-friendly model focuses on prevention and wellness as the alternatives to high-cost screening, diagnosis, and treatment programs."

Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery - "The Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery (FAM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to midwifery in North America through education, research and public policy. Consistent independent research shows that expanding the midwives model of care in North America improves maternal and infant health outcomes, reduces unnecessary and costly medical interventions, and increases patient satisfaction. FAM receives its support from foundations, midwives, and those individuals who embrace the midwives model of care."

Mothers Naturally - "Mothers Naturally is a public education program from the Midwives Alliance of North America. The goal of Mothers Naturally is to increase the number of safe and positive births by educating and informing the public about natural birth options and empowering women to make pregnancy and birth choices appropriate for their lives."

The North American Registry of Midwives - "The North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) is an international certification agency whose mission is to establish and administer certification for the credential "Certified Professional Midwife" (CPM). CPM certification validates entry-level knowledge, skills, and experience vital to responsible midwifery practice. This international certification process encompasses multiple educational routes of entry including apprenticeship, self-study, private midwifery schools, college- and university- based midwifery programs, and nurse-midwifery. Created in 1987 by the Midwives' Alliance of North America (MANA), NARM is committed to identifying standards and practices that reflect the excellence and diversity of the independent midwifery community in order to set the standard for North American midwifery."

More Midwifery Links