133: The Freebirth Movement: Choice, Risk and Accountability

About this episode

The episode discusses the rise of freebirth in Ireland and the associated risks and empowerment narratives.

In this episode of The Baby Tribe, Afif speaks with Irish Times journalist Ellen Coyne about her reporting on the rise of freebirth in Ireland: giving birth without a midwife, doctor or trained medical professional present. Ellen discusses what led her to investigate the movement, the concerns raised by senior midwives, the lack of clear data around unassisted births, and how online communities can frame freebirth as empowering while failing to fully engage with the risks. After the interview, Afif and Anne debrief the issue from neonatal and obstetric perspectives. They explore why some women may feel drawn away from maternity services, including previous trauma, poor communication, lack of continuity of care and fear of intervention. They also examine the role of social media, doulas, birthkeepers and unregulated advice in shaping decisions during one of the most vulnerable times in a woman’s life. This is not a conversation about shaming women. It is about safety, autonomy, trust and accountability. Birth trauma is real. Consent matters. But real empowerment is not being left alone with risk. It is having accurate information, respectful care and skilled support available when…

People in this episode

Hosts: Afif EL-Khuffash, Anne Doherty

Guest: Ellen Coyne

Topics covered

• freebirth
• maternity services
• birth trauma
• autonomy
• safety
• social media

Keywords

• freebirth
• Ireland
• maternity services
• birth trauma
• autonomy
• social media
• doulas
• unassisted births

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Irish Times

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