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EBB 410 - Evidence and Controversy Surrounding Freebirth
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About this episode
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire examine the available evidence on planned unassisted birth, also known as freebirth, defined as intentionally giving birth without a qualified midwife or physician present. They explore why some people choose a planned unassisted birth, including previous trauma, distrust of the medical system, barriers to preferred care, and a desire for greater autonomy. Dr. Dekker and Dr. Ailshire also explain how freebirth differs from midwife-attended home birth, what research shows about planned community birth, and the safeguards a trained birth attendant can provide during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the newborn period. Finally, they discuss…