Free Birth versus Unassisted Birth.

[MythicMMM]

I've gleaned from everything I have read about these two that there is a slight difference between the both of them, who uses them, and what they generally mean.

When ever I see "unassisted birth" or "free birth" it usually refers to a birth not being attended to by a trained "professional". Although with "free birth", most people who use this verbiage also forgo prenatal care as well, in an attempt to try for the most natural and free from intervention birth (and pregnancy) as possible. Kinda like "clothing free" or "au natural". Where as "unassisted birth" generally the unassisted part is relegated only to the birthing it's self and the woman generally has some type of prenatal care from a OB or a midwife.

That was all. Just wanted to share my thoughts on that distinction.

[ethans_momma06]

Sep. 27, 2009 at 10:40 AM

Hmmm, thats actually very intresting. I have never heard of anything refered to as a 'free birth' and I wonder why some women opt out of prenatal care... If any one wants to educate me on that please do...

[caitxrawks]

Sep. 27, 2009 at 11:00 AM

Maybe for religious reasons? I dunno. There's a certain home birth journal on the pop list that has me up in arms, though. I had a perfectly perfect hospital birth and I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Blah!

[MythicMMM]

Sep. 27, 2009 at 11:06 AM

I've seen a million different reasons from wanting it to be the most natural process ever, having complete trust and faith in one's body to take care of it's self through the pregnancy to being afraid of the people who Carry out prenatal care. Those are just a few examples of what I have seen, I'd be here all day if I listed them all.

Cait, I have noticed with the term "home birth" it generally implies that there will be a midwife present.

(Original Poster)

[logansmomma2007]

Sep. 27, 2009 at 6:02 PM

Thanks for the distinction!  I didn't really understand why someone would want to go without prenatal care until Nathalie explained it. 

Nowadays, there are so many excessive (and often unnecessary) tests that can cause parents to experience a roller coaster of emotions.  Not having to go through that helps some women remain more stable and confident in their abilities. 

Personally, I am opting out of some prenatal care with this baby.  I don't see a need to test for down syndrome, or other defects as I would not terminate the pregnancy anyway.  Other than that, my prenatal care now is about the same as when I was pregnant with Logan.