What You Need To Know About The Free Birth Movement

Bodily autonomy has been a hot-button topic for years now—but the debate has taken a somewhat surprising turn: straight into the delivery room. Across TikTok and Instagram, a growing number of expectant parents are ditching medical professionals altogether, embracing "freebirthing" as the ultimate act of autonomy.

For many, the pull toward freebirth isn’t purely ideological; it’s deeply personal. Some describe years of feeling dismissed, over-treated, or simply unheard by the healthcare system, and eventually deciding they've had enough. But as the movement grows more visible, the risks are becoming harder to ignore. A recent Guardian investigation linked freebirth communities to infant deaths, putting a stark spotlight on where personal freedom collides with real risk.

So what does this movement actually stand for, and why is it resonating with so many people right now? And for those who want more control over their birth experience but not at the expense of safety, what options are actually out there? From how freebirth works to which models of care actually put parents in control, here's what you need to know.

What is “freebirth”?

The term "freebirth" is pretty self-explanatory: it refers to intentionally giving birth without any medical professionals present. That means no OB, no midwife, and no clinical backup—just the people you've chosen to have by your side. And according to Kristin Revere, founder of Gold Coast Doulas in Michigan, that can mean anywhere: at home, out in nature, or in a rented space, but never in a hospital or birth center.

People choose freebirth for all kinds of reasons, and no two stories look the same. For some, it's a conscious pushback against a medical system they feel prioritizes control over care. As Revere points out, there's a core belief driving it: women have been birthing babies on their own since the very beginning.

For others, it has less to do with belief and more to do with access. The cost of care, lack of insurance, or simply not having a hospital or midwife nearby can leave families with limited options, especially in rural areas where distance becomes a real barrier.

Prenatal care varies just as widely. Some people skip it altogether, while others continue seeing providers without disclosing their plans. But the line is firm: the moment any outside professional is involved in the birth itself, whether paid or clinical, it no longer qualifies as a freebirth.

What is the Free Birth Society and why has it grown?

The freebirth movement didn’t gain traction on its own. In recent years, social media networks and a growing number of influencers have helped push it from a fringe belief to a visible trend, with the Free Birth Society at the center of that expansion.

Founded in 2017 by birth advocate Emilee Saldaya, the Free Birth Society began as a podcast and grew fast. It drew in people who felt dismissed, traumatized or failed by conventional maternity care, and then turned that audience into a full ecosystem. Today, it boasts a large Instagram following, tiered membership offerings, and a podcast with millions of downloads, all reinforcing the same core message: that birth does not always need medical intervention.

That message spreads easily because it is simple, emotional, and deeply empowering. But it is also where the risk begins. In November 2025, a year-long Guardian investigation identified 48 cases of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and serious harm linked to births connected with the group’s teachings and community. Those cases forced a movement that had largely grown online into a much more public (and uncomfortable) spotlight.

Dr. Michael Chichak, a general practitioner, says this kind of growth is not surprising. "These stories are compelling and affirming, but they can, and sometimes do, outweigh scientific evidence regarding safety and risk,"  he explains. "If an idea is tied to a strong belief, for instance, that birth is 'absolutely natural' and therefore 'always safe', the medical facts suggesting a risk will be ignored."

Even within the birth world, there are hard limits. “I only suggest home births with a licensed midwife in attendance,” says Revere.  Once a doula is involved, she notes, it means that the birth is no longer truly unassisted. And having a doula present without other support can place that doula in serious legal jeopardy.

Why freebirth draws people in

It often starts with trauma

For many people, the path to freebirth is rooted in trauma, says childbirth educator and former doula Margaux Knox. This happens in people who have given birth in a hospital and found the experience traumatizing.

And unfortunately, this is fairly common. Forty-six percent of women surveyed in a recent Canadian report by Neinstein LLP said childbirth and labour impacted their mental health, and 44 percent still feel anxious and emotionally affected by their experience. Thirty-four percent said they had a challenging or distressing labour, and 32 percent felt dismissed or ignored by medical professionals at times during their labour and childbirth.

But it’s not only those with negative hospital experiences who choose this path. Some are drawn to freebirth before ever entering a hospital. "Stress and complications can result simply from being in an unfamiliar environment, with unfamiliar people, and having to interact and make decisions while in labour," Knox explains. "For those who understand that, freebirth can feel like the safer option."

Systemic failures also play a major role

System‑wide failures in maternity care are another force pushing some parents toward freebirth, a pattern that trauma‑informed mental health clinician Shari B. Kaplan, founder of Cannectd Wellness in Boca Raton, Florida, describes as rooted in what she calls “systemic trauma.”

For many, especially people in marginalized communities, the medical system has been dismissive or outright unsafe, the kind of experience Kaplan says can leave people feeling chronically on guard. “When a person has experienced racial bias or birth trauma, their nervous system often goes into a fight, flight, or freeze response just walking into a hospital,” she says. “For them, freebirth isn’t risky. Staying in a system that doesn’t see their humanity feels like the bigger risk.”

Shame pushes people underground

Knox also notes that shame is a major force behind the freebirth movement, and when people are judged or even face legal consequences for their birth choices, they tend to go underground, sometimes avoiding care or turning to closed communities.

“This creates a need for closed communities, secrecy, or avoidance of care when it may be needed, which makes those people more vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation,” she explains. “I'd love to see the movement be grassroots, open, and safe. But because of the reflexive need many feel to replace one authority (doctors) with another—coaches, influencers, birthkeepers—it has become something that is, at times, dangerous.”

Why freebirth is controversial

Complications can escalate fast

Even in totally healthy, low-risk pregnancies, birth does not always go according to plan. Things can shift quickly, and serious complications like postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, or shoulder dystocia can come out of nowhere. According to board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Wes Davis, that unpredictability is exactly why being prepared matters.

“Some of these situations can turn life-threatening in a matter of minutes,” he explains. “In a hospital setting, we can act right away by giving medications, controlling bleeding, or moving into emergency surgery if needed. Outside of that environment, those options are not immediately available, and even short delays can have major consequences.”

Misinformation can spread fast

In some freebirth circles, misinformation can spread fast. Davis says it is often fueled by unqualified voices, with real risks downplayed and essential prenatal care framed as unnecessary. "Online communities can intensify this effect. When everyone shares the same perspective, consensus can start to feel like proof, even when it isn’t," he says.

Davis warns that the impact can be profound. “Incomplete or misleading information about birth safety can easily become normalized,” he explains. “When unqualified individuals are viewed as experts, serious complications may be overlooked, and that can have life-threatening consequences for both the parent and the baby."

Distrust can lead to bigger risks

Interest in freebirth is often shaped by real experiences of feeling overlooked or unsupported in medical spaces, and that context cannot be ignored. But Davis notes that opting out of medical care altogether can come with its own risks.

“A better approach is building a support system that aligns with your preferences while still giving you access to medical expertise if needed,” he says, pointing to evidence that doulas can serve as valuable advocates during birth.

Why informed decisions are key

Everyone deserves the right to make their own health decisions. But real autonomy depends on having honest, easy-to-understand information. When choices are shaped by confusing, incomplete, or misleading details, they may feel empowering, but they aren’t truly informed.

That’s why having a clear picture of both risks and benefits matters. “People deserve to make these choices with a full understanding of both risks and benefits,” Davis adds. "That understanding is what separates empowered decision-making from avoidable harm."

Safe birth options to know about

Safe birth doesn’t look the same for every family. It means having skilled support and a clear backup plan if things change, whether you give birth at home, in a birth centre, or in a hospital. Here are some options to consider as you think through what safe care looks like for you.

Medical and midwifery support options 

In Canada, medical and midwifery teams help ensure safe, personalized maternity care through options such as hospital births, midwife-run birth centres, and planned home births.

As OB‑GYN Dr. Jennifer Lincoln notes, hospitals “offer the full spectrum of medical intervention” and are best suited for higher‑risk pregnancies or those who want access to options like epidurals or blood transfusions. She explains that birth centres provide a lower‑intervention, home‑like environment with midwifery care and established transfer protocols. In contrast, home births attended by licensed midwives are typically reserved for low‑risk pregnancies and rely on careful screening and proximity to hospital care if needed.

Lincoln points out that across all settings, trained professionals and clear emergency procedures help ensure safety, while unsupported births without trained attendants are widely considered unsafe, a view shared by major medical organizations, given the higher risks associated with unassisted childbirth.

Why medical monitoring matters

Medical monitoring during pregnancy and labour is essential because serious complications such as preeclampsia, infection, or fetal distress can develop with few or no warning signs and are often first detected by trained professionals.

As Lincoln explains, “some degree of fetal monitoring, the ability to manage hemorrhage, newborn resuscitation equipment, and a clear transfer or escalation plan should be present in all birth settings,” emphasizing that even in low‑risk pregnancies, these tools and protocols allow providers to catch problems early and intervene promptly.

A low‑intervention birth and a safe plan can absolutely coexist

A low‑intervention birth and safety can absolutely go hand in hand when you treat interventions as options, not obstacles. As Lincoln suggests, the goal isn’t “no interventions ever,” but using the right ones at the right time when they actually help you and your baby, whether that’s a cesarean, an epidural, or extra monitoring.

You can support a low‑intervention plan by choosing a provider who respects your preferences, making a birth plan, asking questions during prenatal visits, and looping in extra support like a doula. At the same time, Lincoln recommends building in some flexibility, preparing for curveballs and making sure you have access to skilled care, to keep safety front and center.

How to advocate for yourself within the medical system 

For people who have experienced medical or personal trauma, it is possible to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system and have your needs truly heard. Here’s how to start doing that in ways that feel safer and more in your control.

Ask for midwife-led care if available

Arija Israel, a therapist who works with women navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood, notes that some parents feel more in control of their birth experience when they’re able to opt for midwife-led care, where it’s available.

“Parents can request midwife-led care if it’s an option in their hospital or practice,” she says. “Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) often work in hospital settings and can provide collaborative care alongside OBs. But depending on the practice and its policies, a midwife may not be able to step in unless there’s already a provider–patient relationship in place, so this is an important question to ask during an early prenatal visit.”

Communicate your preferences early

Another way to take charge of your birth experience is to share your preferences early on. According to Israel, the basics of your birth plan should be on your OB’s radar by that first prenatal visit.

“Some OBs do not support vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), and it is important to know this immediately so there is still time to find another provider if needed,” she explains. “Once the full birth plan has been drafted, it should be reviewed with your provider, ideally in the second trimester, to allow time for education and informed decision-making. The final version should be shared with your OB and the hospital care team so everyone is on the same page about your wishes.”

Bring a doula for support

Doulas can be an incredibly valuable resource throughout your entire birth journey, not just during labour. Israel notes that doulas offer mental, emotional, and physical support during labour, as well as guidance throughout pregnancy and into some aspects of postpartum recovery.

"Doulas provide evidence-based education on prenatal care, pregnancy concerns, community resources, childbirth, breastfeeding, nutrition, and more," she says. "They also help clients with self-advocacy and empowerment every step of the way."

Request trauma-informed care

You should also ask for trauma-informed care if needed. According to Israel, "Trauma-informed care prioritizes safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. It also takes cultural biases and stereotypes into consideration to ensure adequate, individualized care is provided."

To start the conversation, Israel recommends asking the provider if they are trauma-informed or if they practice from a trauma-informed lens. "Their response to the question will tell you more than you need to know, particularly if you need to find a new provider," she adds.

Ask questions about every intervention

It is also a good idea to ask questions about every intervention you are offered. Israel recommends that parents understand the potential benefits, the possible risks, and what other options might be available so they can make informed decisions about their care.

“Parents should also pay attention to their gut feeling or intuition,” she adds. “Sometimes it is appropriate to pause, do nothing in the moment, and take time to think through next steps or get a second opinion.”

What to do if you’re drawn to freebirth content 

Being curious about freebirth content is completely understandable. Maybe you’ve saved a few of those videos or joined a private group, wondering if that kind of birth might finally feel different. At the same time, it helps to be clear on the risks and to know what safer, well-supported alternatives and resources are out there.

Take the time to research what freebirth means to you

If you are drawn to freebirth content, Israel says it is worth really digging in to understand what it actually involves and what the risks are. “Freebirth content can look peaceful and empowering, but you also need to understand what can go wrong,” she explains. “If it is still something you and your partner feel pulled toward, make sure you have a clear backup plan, including transportation, in case you need medical care. The goal is to make a choice with your eyes wide open.”

Lean into evidence-based, compassionate information and community

Lincoln notes that there are genuinely good evidence-based resources and community options out there, though finding a community midwife is not always a given.

"This is where tapping into your network can really help. Asking friends who have had babies or checking in with your primary care doctor are great starting points," she says. "For reliable information online that prioritizes evidence and compassion, I love Evidence Based Birth. I also wrote my book, The Birth Book: An OB/GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labour and Delivery, to be a resource that is evidence-based but also centers autonomy and the importance of feeling heard and empowered."

Seek out trustworthy alternatives to freebirth spaces: 

If you're drawn to freebirth, some options honour what you want without going it alone.

• Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) or Certified Midwives (CMs): These are trained, licensed providers who can support a low-intervention, respectful birth while still being equipped to step in with medical guidance if needed. "This can be a great alternative to an unsupervised freebirth," Lincoln says.
• Accredited birth centers: Lincoln describes these as a home-like setting with the peace of mind that comes from having transfer protocols in place if you need one.
• Doulas: "Continuous labour support is one of the most evidence-backed interventions we have," Lincoln says. "A skilled doula can advocate with you inside the system."
• A trauma-informed perinatal therapist: If your pull toward freebirth stems from a previous traumatic birth or a deep distrust of the medical system, therapy isn't a workaround — it is the intervention. "Finding someone who specializes in perinatal mental health and isn't dismissive of their concerns matters enormously," Lincoln adds.
• Birth trauma clinics: Lincoln suggests that these programs, offered at some medical centers, can help you find OBGYNs and midwives who are specifically experienced in caring for patients with birth trauma histories.

The bottom line

The longing for a peaceful, self-directed birth is completely valid, and for many, it comes from real wounds left by past care. For a lot of parents, the pull toward freebirth is less about rejecting medicine and more about stepping away from a system that has made them feel unseen, rushed or dismissed. That history deserves to be taken seriously.

But real autonomy is only possible with real information. When birth decisions are shaped more by emotionally compelling content than by honest conversations about risk, the freedom can feel empowering while quietly removing the safety net that could save a life. As the Guardian’s investigation into the Free Birth Society made clear, the stakes are not abstract.

The good news is that a safe birth and an empowered birth are not opposites. Parents can ask for midwife-led care, build a detailed birth plan, bring a doula into the room, and seek trauma-informed providers who actually listen. If past trauma is part of the picture, working with a perinatal mental health therapist can be one of the most powerful steps someone takes before ever stepping into a delivery room.

And if giving birth outside a hospital still feels right, the difference between a registered midwife and no medical support at all is huge. It is the difference between a low-intervention birth and a birth with no safety net. Nobody has to choose between being treated like a human being and keeping themselves and their baby safe. The goal is care that offers both, and the resources and people to help make that happen are out there.

Experts

• Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS is the founder of Gold Coast Doulas.
• Margaux Knox is a childbirth educator and former doula.
• Dr. Michael Chichak is a general practitioner in Ohio.
• Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW is founder of Cannectd Wellness in Boca Raton, Florida.
• Dr. Wes Davis is a board-certified OB-GYN and vice President of Clinical Operations for the Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG).
• Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is an OB‑GYN, online educator and author.
• Arija Israel, M.S., M.Ed., LPC-Candidate, CBS, PMH-C, a therapist who works with women navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood.