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FREEBIRTH  

Unassisted Childbirth is the act of birthing your baby without a 'professional'. Learn more about it here. This article goes along with my pregnancy and homebirth series. Feel free to evaluate your birth options, arm yourself with knowledge.

How do you know when to push? What if something goes wrong? How do you cut the cord? The answers to these questions and more!

On September 24, 2007, Cedric Orin was born into his father's hands at home in our bed with his older brother watching. Here are the details of our amazing labor and birth experience!

On the surface it seems that the growing trend towards home births and unassisted birth is something to feel shocked about, but our foremothers might have begged a differ.

Freebirth is nothing new, but much ignorance surrounds this practice. The act of birthing without a medical professional is not only gaining in popularity but in media coverage.

By taking our cues from the natural world and trusting fully in a woman's ability to give birth, my husband and I birthed our first child unassisted at home on August 14th, 2006.

Our birth story has been met with surprise, fear, even delight by strangers. It has had positive effects on all of our loves and our relationship as a family, forever altering the perceptions of all involved.

One reason women choose to birth unassisted is to be in control. But it goes so much deeper than that...

You have always heard that when you have a baby at a hospital that you will have to fill out a lot paperwork, well what about if you have the baby at home or unassisted.

Yes, but there are 3 important things to consider if you're planning an unassisted birth.

Whatever your preconceived notions about those who chose this path are, the truth is here exposed. You decide if it's irresponsible--or empowering!

Giving birth at home is increasing in popularity, but how do you feel about delivering with no doctor, midwife, or other assistance? Learn about unassisted childbirth in this article.

If you have decided that UC is the best option for you, but are unsure of what to do next, allow me to point you in the right direction.

Sometimes a homebirth is out of the question, but that doesn't mean that you can't have a great hospital birth.

There is surmounting evidence that homebirth is safer for infants. At home he is protected from unnecessary intervention and painful practices.

All midwives, mothers, and people interested in birth should read these 4 blogs.

Giving birth at home should be encouraged rather than discouraged. We as mother or potential mother should consider the various effect of drugs that has on our babies.

This is the big question with homebirth in general. The simple answer is that the mother prepares herself to handle anything that may go wrong!

On Thursday, March 13th, 2008 I was blessed with a beautiful little bundle of joy. My birth was completely unassisted except for my husband who was there to take video and photographs.

The medical establishment has a vested interest in discouraging homebirth and doing their best to make anyone advocating alternatives to hospital birth seem crazy or even dangerous.

also known as free birth, unassisted births happen without midwives or doctors and often with the pregnant woman delivering the baby alone.

It has long been assumed that the hospital provides a safer environment for women to give birth.

The shockingly honest story of how I gave birth, including the details you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.

When I heard about all these mothers inducing labor early so they wouldn't have a 6/6/06 birth; frankly, I was a little shocked (and upset).

Women are getting abortions for all sorts of reasons. The pro-choice population feels that rape and birth defects are legitimate reasons to terminate a pregnancy. Knowing rape victims and being born with a severe birth defect gave me a new perspective.

The decision to have an alternative birth is a big one and the first of many. It is wise to interview each midwife in your area to determine who would be the best fit for your family.

There are options for giving birth and not all of them are well-known. I tell about my experiences giving birth to illustrate some of the different ways available.

Looking at the different places to birth.

Exploring between obstetrician vs midwife based care, and the different birthing options available. Includes personal experience and a "further reading" section.

If you want a water birth but are afraid you can't afford it, let me beg to differ. If you are wondering how you'll fill, empty, & heat your pool, I have answers about that as well!

Having a baby? At home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital? Delivered by a doctor or a midwife? What will your birth plan be? Will you have one? And how do you decide all these things anyway?!

Many women consider having their baby at home. Not because they can not afford the services of the hospital, but because they feel this is what's best for their family. Many people believe that hospital care is not as good as many think

This is a set of the best tips for going into the labor process and trying to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). This is mostly for hospital births, but I do touch on home births, which I do not recommend.

There are many things that women can do both before and during pregnancy that can help reduce the risk for a premature birth experience. Knowing the signs and symptoms of premature labor is also important for every pregnant woman to know.

Many of you may not be aware that many American women are now choosing to have their babies at home with a midwife rather than in a hospital. But why this increasing trend?

Any woman who wants a natural birth experience in American really has to fight for it. Here are several books that will educate you and encourage you on your journey towards natural birthing.

Three inexpensive, painless alternatives to sutures after giving birth.

My point of view as a previous homebirther

Many believe that technology, prenatal care, and hospital interventions are the reason why birth is now so safe (and thus that homebirth & freebirth are not safe)...but how true is this really?

What to expect in the days before labor and delivery. See my other articles on pregnancy and homebirth for more information.

What to expect, both physically and emotionally, during the first trimester of pregnancy. Briefly touches on the development of the embryo.

Having a Doula present during your baby’s birth may seem like a new trend but in reality doulas have been supporting mothers for many centuries. A Doula provides the mother-to-be with helpful information, physical and emotional support during labor and childbirth.

I have made mistakes and have regrets. Some of my actions would disappoint other attachment parents, shock mainstream parents. But I'm doing my best.

The frightening trend of free birthing and the repercussions that may come from it.

With the increasing popularity of home birth and unassisted birth, many women are asking the question "what should I do to keep busy while in labor?" A growing trend is the "labor project," also known as a "birth project."

It is also important that you make sure someone is there to watch and care for your child while you are giving birth.

Many people worry that something will go wrong during pregnancy, especially if they are going unassisted. Most complications are actually rare and can be managed at home by the mother.

For many women the use of birth control pills are not an option in preventing pregnancy due to side effects or simply forgetting to take a pill once daily. With the new birth control ring, NuvaRing, birth control is thought of once per month.

"Gentle Birth Choices" is an amazing book that explains the origins, purpose, and efficacy of modern birth practices. It helps one wade through options, be informed, and plan a birth experience that one wants, instead of sadly having a regrettable experience happen TO them.

When planning a c-section, your doctor and hospital have made most of the decisions for you. However, there are still many choices you can make, to create the birth experience you desire.

A few years ago, I developed a pulmonary embolism (blood clot between my heart and lung) as a result of taking birth control pills. I was 22 years old, an active dancer, and a non-smoker. The pills can be more dangerous than you think.

Having your older children present for the birth of their new baby brother or baby sister can be an amazing family experience. Here are some tips and techniques to prepare your child to attend the birth of their new sibling.

Usually the cord is cut immediately after birth, but some people never cut the cord. Find out why.

Find out the truth about those delivering at a young or old age, birthing a first time baby, or having lucky #7.

Is pregnancy and childbirth a beautiful and euphoric experience? The simple answer is usually 'yes'. The real answer is 'sometimes'. Here are a few things you may have heard about from friends or even your doctor on the subject.

No one knows the exact date when the virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ. However, every year Christians from around the world celebrate the coming of the Lord on December 25th.

Thousands of people are put up for adoption each month and every day hundreds of people give up on trying to find the birth parents they have never met. With dedication you will find your birth parents, and you do not have to go broke in the process!

Aside from actually deciding on a homebirth in and of itself, picking your midwife is probably the most important choice. Here are some ideas to make sure you make the right choice.

After the incredible gift our son's birth mother bestowed on us this year, how in the world do we find a gift that will give justice to the sacrifice she made in order for us to become a family. This guide hopes to accomplish just that.

What causes premature births is unknown.
There are many factors that may play a role in the cause

On March 19,2006 I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Emily Jane at home.

There are many women who just hate the idea of giving birth in a hospital room.

Giving birth is an experience like no other.

Being a good parent starts from birth. This article gives a few more tips on the importance of being a good parent.

There are several excellent books that will help you feel informed and prepared for during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

Women can experience a wide range of emotions after the birth of their new baby.

It is possible to have a natural, beautiful, empowering birth experience, even in a hospital setting. I did it!

Examine the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy has on the actual labor and birth experience itself.

This article is a response to Chewable Birth Control Pills?, by Jon Grilz. If a woman forgets to take her birth control pill now, she's also going to forget if her contraceptive becomes chewable. This is hardly a revelation.

These items are both esentials that make your labor and childbirth experience more comfortable and memorable.

A woman in London is making history by giving birth to twins and a singleton at once.

Getting the correct answer to the "Am I Pregnant?" question is made simpler when you know how home pregnancy tests work.

Couples who engage in sexual activity must realize that doing so can bring about a pregnancy. There are natural alternatives to hormonal or barrier methods. Three natural methods are: The Billings Ovulation, The Symptothermal and the Rhythm Method.

(I write my birth daughter a birthday letter annually):

Emma was born while her grandfather waited for her. When her grandfather was dying, Emma waited with him. Grandmother/wife stuggled to make sense of the events.

Thousands of birth parents, adult adoptees or foster children decide to search for their children, birth parents and siblings each year; here are tips to make your journey easier.

This article is meant to provide basic facts to expectant parents when preparing for the birth of their child. This is not meant to be a source for medical reference but merely to explain and present facts in a common sense way to increase understanding.

Welcoming a new addition to the family provides a fun and exciting nine months and beyond. Sometime after the birth, however, you will need to think about bringing some romance and passion back into your relationship.

A biological and adoptive-mom-to-be reacts in appreciation to Terri Rimmer's birth mom story...

A son questions his birth mother who gave him up at birth. He reflects on his feelings when searching for her. Finally found; how it went and how it ended.

A look at Psycho and how it spawned countless imitators and gave birth to the slasher genre.

After an amazing unassisted homebirth, my placenta did not emerge, and so six hours later, we went to the hospital to have it removed.

Homebirth can be an empowering experience for a woman, gentle on the child, and bring a family closer together, but it isn't always possible.

This article is about the benefits and risks of home birthing.

It's not easy to plan a good birth in today's culture of technology-worship. Know what you want and how to get it, and you can make your birth a great experience.

Although this idea doesn't appeal to all women, a significant number of children are born in home water births every year. If you are curious about this practice or if you have chosen it, here are a few tips on how to prepare.

Are you expecting a new arrival? Here is what to expect when preparing for a water birth at home.

Here, I help you decide how to choose the place of your baby's birth.

A respectful relationship between a women and her mid-wife

A midwife by definition is a person who assists women in childbirth.

How to maintain health as a women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Part 1 in a series of articles to help you. Why Kegels are important and how to do them correctly.

Birth trauma doesn't only occur in infants but in mothers who have traumatic childbirth expressions. It can affect them for the rest of their lives.

Advice and an example of how to write a birth plan for the woman that desires to have a natural, medication-free childbirth.

Find out if weight, diabetes, an abnormal uterus, anemia, mental problems, asthma, and other uncommon conditions require hospital attention.

A list of common reasons for labor induction. Please see my other pregnancy and labor induction articles for more information. Don't be afraid to check out my articles on homebirth as well!

After months of consideration, I finally decided to give birth at home, without medication. I do not regret this decision and would like to share with the world my wonderful experience. Perhaps others will choose my path.

Pregnancy. It's what most young girls dream about their whole lives. Then once we get married we're primed for it. I'm ready, bring on those glorious 9 months. Then it happens; you're pregnant! But wait, what's this awful taste in my mouth?