In this episode, we call out the problems that have arisen as a result of adoption of and adherence to the Freebirth Society ideology while also holding space for a woman’s legal and moral right to choose to have a Freebirth.

Ultimately, this is about the need for leaders to act in integrity and for everyone to remember that rarely two truths exist in extremes.

All choices are valid, however in order for them to be authentically empowered, they must be made with true informed consent and an informed risk assessment which is unlikely to happen if a birthworker has solely received a virtual training rooted in biases, hyperbole, and a lack of evidence, just as much as it’s unlikely to happen with a fearful OB who is encouraging weekly routine ultrasounds and a 39 week induction.

We unpack the overused and misused phrase “variations of normal” in order to delineate a few examples of what would actually be abnormal and a reason to seek additional support.

Freebirth continues to be a valid choice, however women deserve to have the full scope of outcomes objectively presented to them in all fairness.

Risk is inherently everywhere, and there will always be a mysterious element to loss, however the key is to walk into your pregnancy with a true sense of confidence and options rather than a false sense of one.

Recommended resources:

• Free MOTR Questions Guide to Vet Your Birthkeeper/Attendant
• Reddit, so you can be the judge of what’s wrong with this organization
• Nathan Riley podcast episode featuring Kristine Lauria
• Dr. Sarah Wickham’s book “What’s Right For Me”
• “Whose Body Is It” podcast episode featuring midwife Mary Lou Singleton

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