Canadian obstetricians are growing concerned about the increasing number of parents who are choosing to have unassisted homebirths, also known as ‘freebirths’. While proponents argue that freebirths are more relaxed and enjoyable and that a mother’s intuition is more important than medical intervention, opponents argue that it is dangerous.
There has been a rise in information about how to give birth alone, with books like Primal Mothering in a Modern World and websites like Bornfree! advocating for freebirth. Laura Shanley, a five-time freebirther, runs the website Bornfree! and promotes the idea that if you want to do something right, you should do it yourself.
In the United States, homebirths are believed to be the most common among developed nations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has even distributed bumper stickers with the message “Home delivery is for pizza” and released a position paper opposing home births.
Dr. Guylaine Lefebvre, the incoming president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, acknowledges that freebirthers are a small but vocal group. While she has never heard of a mother or child being injured during an unassisted childbirth, she is still concerned about the safety of both the mothers and babies involved.
During a conference, Dr. Lefebvre expressed her concern about the concept of choosing to deliver unassisted, stating that it goes against the progress that has been made in ensuring safe deliveries in Canada.
She highlighted the significant difference in maternal mortality rates with her recent trip to Uganda, where 550 out of every 100,000 women die giving birth, compared to only six in Canada. Dr. Lefebvre emphasized that unexpected emergencies can occur in obstetrics, posing a risk to women who have no warning signs.
While unassisted birth is not illegal, questions have been raised about whether a baby injured during a botched freebirth could potentially sue their own mother.
Dr. Don Davis, the outgoing president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, expressed that the society has no issues with women who choose to give birth at home with the assistance of a midwife, as long as the emergency backup is available and the mother is aware of the risks involved.
Globally, approximately 500,000 women die in childbirth each year, which Dr. Davis believes reflects that freebirth may not be the safest option.
SOURCE: CANADA.COM
I’m a freebirther and I feel more comfortable giving birth at home.
I don’t have a problem with your lifestyle choices. Why do you have a problem with mine?
Jenny Hatch
Think you answered that question when you said…”This is not about you…it’s about your baby having every option available in case something goes awry.” Unfortunately, many women are getting the mother goddess complex these days.
many of those “things that go awry” are only due to the cascade of complications that results from the over medicalization of birth. The very inventor of the electronic fetal monitor has said most woman would be better off delievering at home. A woman’s body is designed to deliever babies with no help at all.