A major investigation into the Free Birth Society has uncovered significant safety concerns within the growing movement advocating for childbirth without medical assistance. The findings reveal a community where women are actively discouraged from seeking professional medical care during pregnancy and labour.
What the Investigation Uncovered
The investigation, conducted through extensive monitoring of the group's online activities and interviews with former members, identified five critical areas of concern. The Free Birth Society promotes unassisted childbirth through social media platforms and private groups, reaching thousands of women across the UK.
One of the most alarming findings shows how the group handles emergency situations. Members are advised against calling emergency services even when serious complications arise during labour. Instead, they're encouraged to "trust the process" and wait for nature to take its course, potentially putting both mother and baby at significant risk.
Medical Community Responses
Healthcare professionals have expressed grave concerns about the practices promoted by the Free Birth Society. Midwives and obstetricians warn that delaying medical intervention during complications can lead to preventable tragedies, including stillbirths and severe maternal injuries.
Royal College of Midwives representatives emphasised that while women should have choices in childbirth, complete avoidance of professional care removes essential safety nets. Modern maternity care has dramatically reduced maternal and infant mortality rates, and abandoning these advances represents a dangerous step backward.
The Reality for Participants
Former members shared disturbing accounts of their experiences with the group. Several women described being shamed for considering medical care or expressing normal anxieties about childbirth. The community often frames healthcare professionals as "fear-mongers" trying to medicalise a natural process.
The investigation also found that the Free Birth Society frequently shares misinformation about routine pregnancy procedures, including ultrasound scans and blood tests. Members are told these interventions are unnecessary and potentially harmful, despite overwhelming medical evidence supporting their safety and importance.
One particularly concerning aspect involves how the group addresses previous caesarean sections. Women with this history are reportedly encouraged to attempt vaginal births without medical supervision, despite the known risks of uterine rupture that require immediate emergency response capabilities.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
The findings have sparked calls for better regulation of online communities promoting unassisted childbirth. Patient safety advocates argue that while women have the right to make informed choices about their care, they also deserve protection from potentially dangerous misinformation.
NHS trusts are increasingly aware of the phenomenon and are working to improve communication with women who express interest in free birthing. The goal is to provide balanced information while maintaining supportive relationships that might encourage women to access appropriate medical care when needed.
The investigation concludes that while the desire for natural, intervention-free childbirth is understandable, the complete rejection of medical oversight represents a significant public health concern that requires urgent attention from healthcare providers and policymakers alike.
