UK concern over 'Freebirth'

Following on from my earlier blog....Freebirth seems to be reaching epidemic concern - this article "Pregnant women are opting for risky 'freebirths' in the UK Telegraph states that

Advocates of the freebirth approach claim that it is "more natural" than giving birth surrounded by midwives and doctors. It would usually take place at home.

Freebirth involves giving birth without medical assistance, which has led to concerns that women could find themselves in dangerous situations if something goes wrong.
The Royal College of Midwives suggest that

Mothers-to-be are making the radical choice because ministers have failed to deliver their pledge to let them have their babies where they want.
Some women aren't certain about homebirths and others want them but the service can't provide..... "The worry is that women will do it themselves. If you're not offering women choice then that is the danger."

I have noticed over the last 6 months that the topic of Freebirth has become more topical and anecdoteally there have been a number of women choosing this option.

Freebirthing is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in America. It is not known how many freebirths take place in Britain or Australia, however it is becoming of concern. Off course America's Medical Association (AMA)adopted a resolution at its annual meeting last weekend (June 08) to introduce legislation outlawing home birth -

"It's unclear what penalties the AMA will seek to impose on women who choose to give birth at home, either for religious, cultural or financial reasons-or just because they didn't make it to the hospital in time," said Susan Jenkins, Legal Counsel for The Big Push for Midwives 2008 campaign. "What we do know, however, is that any state that enacts such a law will immediately find itself in court, since a law dictating where a woman must give birth would be a clear violation of fundamental rights to privacy and other freedoms currently protected by the U.S. Constitution."
This is an interesting concept happening in America, apparently this motion is a swipe at Ricki Lakes documentary The Business of being Born on homebirth - The Big Push for Midwives are an organisation of midwives fighting for the rights of midwives and women. "Our goals are to fully integrate the Midwives Model of Care into the health care systems of our states, to highlight the importance of family health care choices and to defend the ability of CPMs to provide legal and safe prenatal, birth and postpartum care to families in every state".

It does seem to be a worldwide trend that midwives and women are constantly fighting for the right to choose the model of care and birth they want. Why is this so difficult? This is the 21st century, we as women have the right to autonomy, the right to choose whatever model of care we desire.
It is interesting to note that America is pro-fetus, Britain pro-woman, Australia & New Zealand have not had many test cases, but tends to follow the UK, however can be swayed by the USA.
I am so pleased I do not live in America.

If you know any freebirth stories please share them.

Is our Maternity system failing? A Freebirth gone wrong.

In NSW a newborn baby dies, after the mother birthed at home with her husband and no health professional, a freebirth. The woman attended a hospital three days prior to the birth and was told the baby was fine however that she was at high risk of complications, including the rupture of a scar from previous caesarean. They wanted to induce her labour immediately. The woman refused and return to her home in the Blue Mountains where she gave birth to a stillborn baby several days later.

Two doulas, who are not medically trained but provide emotional support for women before and during childbirth, and a qualified independent midwife were called but arrived too late.

The baby's father told The Sun-Herald the doulas had told him the baby was stillborn due to an infection contracted inside the womb.

This tragedy confirms the fears of maternity experts who are alarmed at the growing trend of women evading the health system in favour of unsupervised home births.
This begs the questions, what information did the hospital doctors give this woman to scare her away and make the decision she did? Why do women make these choices? Was this woman suspicious that she may be coerced into something she did not want, and made a hasty decision? did she feel she had "no choice"
The Australian College of Midwives supports homebirth for low risk women. Midwives are trained in the 'normal' and can recognise the 'abnormal' therefore refer when necessary to an obstetrician. However the College does not support "freebirthing" its too risky.

Associate professor Dahlen said in this case the woman had been traumatised by a previous hospital experience and fears she might be forced into induction or a caesarean. Against medical advice, she made a last-minute decision to leave the hospital and go home and soon after the baby died in the womb.

If we fix the system we won't have women resorting to a last-minute panicked decision like this......... The increase in women freebirthing is a symptom of a system that does not give women choice. We're seeing more and more of these concerning incidents in the last two years. It has to be addressed, and urgently.

The NSW Health Department spokesman said;

Patients have the right to decline medical intervention or treatment, as as the freedom to choose where, when and from whom they will receive medical advice and assistance

It is suspected that this baby died of Group B streptococcus, not as a result of the homebirth. This case is currently with the coroner, so watch this space........

As a midwife I have to say, that there are enormous risks associated with 'freebirthing' and it is not advisable. I am an advocate for homebirth in low risk women, that is with no risk factors. However it is important to talk about your concerns and collaboration is the key. I urge any woman considering the option of Freebirth to seek advice, from your doctor, midwife, someone who can give you appropriate advice.

Look at all your options carefully, be fully informed in the risks associated with your condition and your babies condition before you make a decision. Write the risk and benefits down so that the facts are clear and there can be no mistakes, get a health professional to read your list so you have a balanced view and you have not left something out, then make a decision.

Remember to act on the FACTS not the EMOTION, after all it is your life, dreams and aspirations that your are considering. Take the time to make that decision, there are always consequences to actions.

Ref: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/09/13/1220857899000.html?feed=fairfaxdigitalxml