In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of free birth with birth photographer and doula Lacey Barratt. They discuss the conditioning that leads women to rely on medical professionals, the spiritual and logistical aspects of planning a free birth, and the radical responsibility involved. Lacey shares her own powerful birth stories from moving to Australia, having a home birth, a birth center birth, a free birth, and then going back to hiring midwives. Tune in to hear about family-centered births, the role of intuition, and the impact of systemic challenges in both U.S. and Australian healthcare on birthing choices. This episode is packed with insights on medical autonomy, intuitive birthing, and the layers of responsibility in choosing to free birth.

00:00 Introduction to Free Birth

01:46 Statistics and Definitions of Free Birth

04:37 Lacey Barratt's Birth Story

05:44 Challenges and Decisions in Free Birth

29:53 Radical Responsibility in Birth Choices

48:57 Understanding Anxiety vs. Intuition

49:32 The Impact of Gaslighting on Women

50:22 Feminine and Masculine Energy Dynamics

52:33 The Importance of Speaking Up

57:02 Challenges in the Healthcare System

01:06:48 Navigating Birth Choices and Trauma

01:23:37 Family-Centered Birth Experiences

01:27:04 Advice for Considering Free Birth

01:29:52 Conclusion and Resources

Guest Bio:

Lacey Barratt is a birth photographer and freebirth doula from Australia. She is also the Director of @birthphotogs. 

Connect with HeHe on IG 

Connect with HeHe on YouTube

Connect with Lacey on IG 

Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!

Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6642827/

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/04/planned-home-birth