As doulas, we are increasingly being asked if we will support families who choose to free birth.
I do not believe that this is because families are following a ‘trend’ or that they are being ‘irresponsible’. In fact, I believe the opposite to be true. I believe that they are bucking the current trend of medicalising birth and taking back responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their babies.
I believe that they are all too aware of the harm that can be created by unnecessary interventions and that they are choosing to avoid this.
This is not a route for all or indeed many mothers and it is not the right work for all doulas. As doulas, we have a responsibility to consider our own position with respect to these requests.
This is not work to step into lightly. People deserve support that aligns with their values and doulas need to work with the people that they align with. It needs to be the right fit.
I am writing this page for potential clients to read and for fellow professionals to read, be they doulas, midwives or obstetricians.
We all know that the physiology of birth is incredible and that it also cannot be perfect. Most of the time, when a woman is truly supported on her own terms in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe, birth works beautifully. And sometimes it doesn’t.
I have witnessed very necessary medical interventions both at home and hospital births and I have always held huge gratitude and respect when HCPs have intervened in ways that I cannot.
If I am approached by a family who has decided to free birth, I ask these crucial questions
- What is your ‘Bottom Line’? At what point do you decide that staying at home is no longer a safe option?
- At what point do you decide that medical intervention will be beneficial?
- Are there any specific considerations that you have been made aware of and how do you plan to monitor and manage these (These may have been described as ‘risks’ by your doctor or midwife)
- Have you thought about emergencies?
- Who will call emergency services if they are needed?
- Who will drive if you choose to transfer to hospital by car?
- Who will be making decisions about safety on the day?
- Are your healthcare providers aware of your choice to birth unassisted?
If a family is unwilling to discuss these issues, I’m not the right doula for them.
If a family wants to refuse medical help at all costs, I’m not the right doula for them.
These are of course their decisions to make, but I also get to decide what I’m willing to be a part of.
This doesn’t mean that I think something bad will happen. In fact, most likely everything will be completely fine.
But I am not a “stay home at all costs” doula.
I believe in informed choice, and that includes having a plan for when things don’t go according to plan.
I believe that most people are willing to accept medical care when it’s truly needed.
I believe that the person who cares most about a baby’s wellbeing is the baby’s mother – the person who has carried them and taken full responsibility for them for 9-10 months!
If you would like to talk to me about free birth, please contact me. I am always ready to ask questions and to listen intently to your replies.
