Freebirth--Self-Directed Pregnancy and Birth by Sarah Schmid

Author:Sarah Schmid
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783902943873
Publisher: Edition Riedenburg E.U.

I have however also read about birth plans being ignored completely – even in the most sympathetic hospitals. So consider the possibility that you may have lots of reassurance in the run up to labour but may be met with resistance and need to fight for what you want once you turn up in labour.

It is also advisable to mention in the birth preferences who will be your advocate when you are unable to (fully) decide for yourself when you are in labour. Your partner or a friend will be able to take the role or advocate and discuss matters with hospital staff so you don’t have to concentrate on that when you are busy birthing your baby.

If you decide on a hospital birth it may be helpful to find a midwife who is willing and able to do a domino birth for you (conduct your antenatal care at home and accompany you to hospital for the birth) so you know who will attend the birth and don’t have to worry about shift changes (although some mums find a change of midwife positive). An independent midwife can offer similar service.

Midwives offering this service however still have certain protocols, limitations, days off sick and holidays, so an unhindered birth in hospital is rare, but not impossible.

In the USA a woman named Lia Joy Rundle went into hospital to have her 4th baby after 3 freebirths. After a turbulent pregnancy during which one twin died, she felt that it was the sensible thing to do. She birthed her baby in the bath tub despite waterbirth not officially being allowed in this particular hospital. She did have a midwife with her who was happy to respect her wishes and did not adhere to hospital protocol. By the way, her birth was completely uncomplicated despite fears to the contrary and can be viewed on YouTube (‘The self-directed hospital birth of Zena Joy’).

Water can be a great tool to achieve relaxation and privacy in a strange environment. Vaginal examinations and other interventions are less likely when you are in the water, simply because it makes it more uncomfortable for birth attendants to perform them.

Many hospitals have a birth pool women are at least allowed to labour in. Just before birth, women are coaxed out onto dry land, though some hospitals offer water birth as well. In reality though, many midwives still try to get women to get back on the bed just before birth. Some women just ignore this and stay in the pool anyway until the baby is born.

A means to escape continuous CTG monitoring is the toilet. If necessary, you simply need the toilet very frequently and stay as long as possible, shielded from view and able to stay upright and mobile. Lock the door if you want.

And of course, the ‘classic’ tip: Whatever you do, don’t go to the hospital too soon. Labour often slows dramatically or stops altogether with a change of scenery and in a strange environment. Only when labour

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