Are there any care givers that support freebirth?

Yes, there are quite a few. While some of them may not openly advocate or endose freebirth, they support the choice and may have had unassisted pregnancies or births themselves.

Some are willing to provide support, reassurance or be a back-up on call if necessary. Some provide prenatal care & support but do not attend the birth itself.

How do I handle medical professionals if I am freebirthing?

Tread carefully. The idea that a woman would dare attempt to give birth without a qualified, university trained professional in attendance, frankly rubs some people the wrong way.

What you disclose to them is ultimately up to you. You have nothing to hide, but if you are not going to benefit from disclosing your plans it is best to not share them.

What if you need to see someone or go to hospital for an unrelated illness?

See above. Be careful of what you choose to divulge to your care givers. You are simply there for them to treat your illness, not for them to get involved in your birth choices or pregnancy care.

They know & are giving me a hard time

Be firm. You are within your rights to choose what care you have, to accept or decline care as you see fit, to choose where you give birth and who is present at your birth.

Make sure you are polite and calm. It is difficult to argue with someone who remains calm and refuses to discuss it. It is also to your benefit to remain calm if they start in on the fearmongering and scare tactics used to force women to comply.

After your experience, it is a good idea to have a debrief with supportive people as experiences like this can be very stressful.

If transferring to hospital from an unassisted childbirth

Be aware of your desires and plans. Check out our hospital backup plans page. Try and have one good support person with you at all times.