What is Freebirth?

What is Freebirth? It is about reclaiming birth as an instinctual process. For most of human history, birth was an intuitive, sacred, and supported event. It wasn’t something to fear—it was a rite of passage, attended by family, wise women, and birth keepers who understood the process deeply. But today, many people are taught to see birth as inherently dangerous, something that must be managed, controlled, and medicalized.

This shift in perspective didn’t happen by accident. In the last 100 years, the rise of hospital birth has reshaped how we see birth—not as something our bodies are designed to do, but as a crisis waiting to happen. And yet, many birthing people are reclaiming their autonomy and choosing to birth on their own terms.

One way they’re doing this? Freebirth.

What Is Freebirth?

Freebirth, also known as unassisted birth, is when a birthing person chooses to labor and birth without medical providers like doctors or midwives present. But let’s be clear: freebirth is not about being reckless or uninformed. It’s about autonomy, deep trust, and the belief that birth is a physiological process—not a medical emergency.

For many, freebirth is a response to the over-medicalization of birth, where routine interventions often disrupt the natural flow of labor. Others choose freebirth because they’ve experienced trauma in medical settings, or because they want full control over their birthing environment.

We Are Not Born Fearing Birth—We Are Taught To Fear It

One of the biggest misconceptions about birth is that it’s inherently dangerous. But did you know that before the 1900s, almost all births happened at home? In fact, in many cultures around the world, home birth is still the norm.

The widespread fear of birth is a modern invention, shaped by a system that profits from medicalized birth. When birth moved into hospitals, it became subject to strict timelines, unnecessary interventions, and policies that often disrupt the body’s natural ability to birth. This has led many to believe that birth is something that must be managed, rather than trusted.

While medical care can be lifesaving when needed, for the vast majority of healthy pregnancies, birth works best when left undisturbed.

Does Freebirth Mean Birthing Alone?

Not necessarily! A common misconception is that freebirth means birthing in complete isolation. But in reality, many freebirthing families choose to have trusted support people present—partners, close friends, doulas, or birth workers who respect the birthing person’s autonomy.

What is freebirth then? The birthing person is in full control—making decisions based on their intuition, knowledge, and personal beliefs about birth.

Some common reasons people choose freebirth include:
✔️ Avoiding unnecessary interventions that disrupt labor
✔️ Feeling safer at home rather than in a medical setting
✔️ Healing from previous birth trauma in hospitals
✔️ Wanting full autonomy over their birth choices

Is Freebirth Legal?

In most places, freebirth is completely legal—a person has the right to give birth wherever and however they choose. However, the laws around birth attendants vary.

This is why education is so important. If you’re considering freebirth, it’s essential to do your research, understand your rights, and build a support system that aligns with your choices.

Freebirth Is Not for Everyone—But Every Birth Should Be Autonomous

Freebirth isn’t the right choice for everyone, and that’s okay. Some people feel safest with medical professionals present, while others feel most empowered birthing without them. The most important thing is that birth is a choice—not something dictated by fear. You deserve respect, support, and the right to make decisions about your body and baby.

Have you considered a Freebirth? Let’s talk!