Freebirthing is more popular than ever – but is it dangerous?

Is giving birth outside the confines of a hospital the right thing for you and your baby? Practising midwife Lizzie Romain explains the ups and down of the controversial birthing practice

If I had one altruistic wish in the world, it would be that every woman managed to experience their dream delivery – whatever that may look like (Shutterstock)

Anna is in the ebbs and flows of active labour. She arrived at hospital already well-established just under an hour ago, and she’s been moving with her body.

Her hips sway back and forth slowly to the sound of “Sunrise” by Norah Jones. She stops talking to us verbally and begins to make the transition. It’s all about body language now. Contractions begin to sound more guttural, and I suggest perhaps it’s time to get into the water if she’d like to deliver her baby in the pool. She nods and gracefully climbs in.

A mere 45 minutes later, amid the soothing reassurance of her partner and myself, she bears down for a final time and her baby is floating free in the water. Instinctively, she lifts her baby gently to the surface.