29. Is Homebirth or Freebirth “Trendy”?
Is homebirth or freebirth “trendy”? Is it “just” the “cool thing to do” right now? These questions have sparked heated debates in the birth community, and today, we're diving into this topic head-on. As a birthworker dedicated to supporting homebirth and freebirth mamas, I have some thoughts to share, and yes, I’m feeling a bit salty about the misconceptions out there.
Recently, I came across a social media post about maternal mortality rates in the United States, comparing them to other countries. The post suggested that in some places with higher mortality rates, the lack of prenatal care or labor support is a significant factor. The implication was that this “trend” of freebirth or unassisted birth might not be the wisest choice.
And you know what? I agree… to an extent.
The Reality: No Zero-Risk Birth Option
Let’s be clear: homebirth is not for everyone. Hospital birth is not for everyone. Freebirth is not for everyone. Unassisted birth is not for everyone. No birth option comes with zero risk—there isn’t a single choice out there that’s entirely risk-free.
But is homebirth or freebirth truly “trendy”? Maybe in the sense that more people are talking about it. But here’s the real deal, from someone who’s in the trenches with homebirth and freebirth mamas:
Radical Responsibility & Extreme Ownership
Choosing to birth outside of a hospital setting—whether at home or unassisted—demands a level of commitment that goes far beyond following a trend. It requires radical responsibility and extreme ownership of your decision.
Ask yourself these key questions:
- Are you desiring a homebirth because others are doing it?
- What does having a homebirth mean for you personally?
- What does it mean for your family?
- What’s drawing you to homebirth?
- What’s your WHY?
- Are you truly COMMITTED to this decision?
- How will you prepare and educate yourself?
Homebirth isn’t a passing fad. It’s a deeply intentional path, one that has existed for centuries. In fact, hospital birth is the new trend. The truth is, all the technology and gadgets in modern hospitals are not necessarily improving infant or maternal mortality rates in the United States. The evidence often shows quite the opposite.
Reclaiming Power & Responsibility
Women choosing to birth at home must be willing to take full responsibility for their preparation and education. This means letting go of the need for external validation and deciding not to let others dictate your choices.
It also means severing the subconscious belief that the medical system is inherently safer or more responsible than birthing at home. Homebirth requires an entire paradigm shift—one that embraces personal responsibility and ownership of the birth process.
We’ve got to stop giving away our power.
Homebirth demands a full surrender and unwavering commitment. You can’t have one foot in and one foot out. It simply doesn’t work that way.
The Biggest Reason for Hospital Transfers
Want to know the biggest reason for hospital transfers during homebirth? Pain management. And when you dig deeper, it often boils down to a lack of preparedness, a lack of education on physiological birth, and a failure to reclaim autonomy.
Here’s what I see as a birthworker: The women who choose to birth outside the system and do so joyfully and empowered have made a deep commitment to:
1. Educating Themselves Passionately: Whether through books, podcasts, like-minded communities, or holistic childbirth education courses, these women immerse themselves in learning.
2. Taking Full Responsibility: These women aren’t looking for someone else to call the shots or tell them what to do. They trust their intuition and take ownership of their birth journey.
3. Getting Quiet with Our Creator: Choosing a radical birth path requires getting quiet with God and allowing Him to guide the way. Trust in His design for the birth process and seek His discernment.
4. Gathering Community: Homebirth and freebirth don’t have to mean isolation. In fact, these paths give us the space to carefully choose our birth team, the voices we allow into our headspace, and the energy we invite into our birth space.
Redefining Prenatal Care & Support
Choosing freebirth or unassisted birth does NOT mean neglecting prenatal care and support. It means taking control of what that care looks like and finding the community and resources that align with your needs.
It’s time to reframe the narrative. Freebirth can be a deeply empowering journey, supported by comprehensive prenatal care and a community of like-minded individuals. It’s about reclaiming autonomy and embracing the profound responsibility of birthing on your own terms.
So, let’s stop labeling homebirth and freebirth as mere trends. Let’s recognize them for what they truly are: intentional, informed, and empowering choices that require deep commitment and radical responsibility. It’s not about what’s “cool” or “trendy”—it’s about reclaiming the power of birth and trusting in the wisdom that lies within you.
Stay Wild & Free,
-Brandy
Join me over in Fearless Birth Sanctuary!
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Rooted in Christ, Fearless Birth Sanctuary embodies a holistic approach that champions autonomous, physiological birth, creating a secure and sacred space for you to flourish with confidence and joy. This sanctuary invites you to embark on a journey where you can learn, prepare, and fully embrace the profound depths of your own strength and resilience. Here, you are empowered to experience birth as a divine design, rooted in joy, autonomy, and the unwavering support of your faith.
