About this episode

This 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 intervi...

People in this episode

Hosts: Afif EL-Khuffash, Anne Doherty

Guest: Ellen Coyne

Topics covered

• freebirth
• birth choices
• parenting
• health risks
• empowerment
• Ireland

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Irish Times, midwives

More episodes of The Baby Tribe

• BTS: Is Private Maternity Care Really Safer? · July 6, 2026 · 17 min
• BTS: Paracetamol, Pregnancy and Autism: What Parents Need to Know · June 29, 2026 · 14 min
• BTS: Should Everyone Be Induced at 39 Weeks? · June 22, 2026 · 20 min
• 134: Baby Gadgets, Gimmicks and Red Flags · June 15, 2026 · 53 min
• 132: Bad Science in a Pretty Font - Caesareans, Risk and Birth Misinformation · June 1, 2026 · 35 min
• 131: Alcohol, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: No Shame, No Myths, Just Biology · May 25, 2026 · 37 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Baby Tribe podcast page.