FAQ about Unassisted Birth

**REMINDER. This is not medical advice and should be taken as a guide only. While we make every effort to make sure the information in this website is accurate and informative, the information does not take the place of professional or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consider if this is right for you before acting on any information**

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What is unassisted birth and how do I have one?
Unassisted birth is also known as "freebirth". The simplest way of putting it is to take control of your birth yourself, stay home, and listen to your body. Women have been birthing for many years without outside direction - it is as natural as breathing. 

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/how-to-have-an-unassisted-birth 

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What do I need?

Mostly, you just need yourself, a warm safe dry place, something to wrap the baby in and something to absorb blood and fluids. Everything else is definitely helpful, but not *necessary*

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/what-you-need-to-birth-at-home 

What can I do for the pain?
You have many different options at home to help you relax. You don't have to, but waterbirth is one popular option. You can also utilize affirmations.

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/natural-birth-pain-relief

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What about cutting the cord?
You can tie the cord, and then cut the cord with kitchen scissors after it is white. Or you can avoid cutting it altogether (lotus birth). It's not a complicated procedure at all.

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/umbilical-cord-cutting-and-care

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What if the cord is around the baby's neck?

Calmly unwrap it https://midwifethinking.com/2015/05/13/nuchal-cords/

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What about bleeding too much?

Some bleeding is normal after birth. You can take certain herbal tinctures to help prevent or treat excessive bleeding (haemorrhage).

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/postpartumhemorrhage

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How do I birth the placenta?

Wait for it to be ready to come out in its own time with the afterbirth contractions - then squat and push it out into a bowl. 

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/your-placenta

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What if the baby gets stuck?

There are manoeuvres you can perform in the case of shoulder dystocia. You can research how to perform it yourself or have your birth partner assist you. You can also call an ambulance or ring a virtual midwife if you need more advice at the time.

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/shoulder-dystocia

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What if baby is breech?
"Hands Off the Breech" is the time honoured advice. Birth as normal, preferably upright, and if baby does get stuck, calmly apply the relevant manoeuvre. 

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/breechbirth 

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What if there is meconium in my waters?

Meconium is not always a sign for concern. Assess the whole situation, including other signs of possible distress, and make an informed decision about whether you will need medical assistance

https://midwifethinking.com/2015/01/14/the-curse-of-meconium-stained-liquor/

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What if the baby is born not breathing?

Calmly stimulate the baby by rubbing its back and talking to it. You can gently suction baby's mouth with yours to remove excessive fluid. Then, to inflate the lungs and promote breathing, give gentle breaths. For more information on the correct way, and further measures that may be needed, you can research neonatal resuscitation ( infant CPR is not the same).
Karen Strange has some free videos on Youtube. Start with this one.

https://karenstrange.com/ 

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Jessica, a midwife, has also put together a neonatal basics video and accompanying PDF.

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https://midwifethinking.com/2016/04/13/the-placenta-essential-resuscitation-equipment/

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How will I know if I'm 10cm dilated and ready to push?
You don't really need to know dilation. Your body instinctively knows when to push if you listen to it, move as you feel the need, and wait. You can also read up on the Fetal Ejection reflex (FER). Your uterus will push for you.
You can check your own dilation though if you want to.

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/pushing

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What if I've had a previous C-Section and am trying for a VBAC? Or If I'm  first time mother? Or am having twins?
There are very few things that preclude anyone from a home birth and generally a previous C-section, twins, or first pregnancy is not one!

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/unassisted-vbac 

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What if I tear?
You are much less likely to tear at home in an unhindered, and uncoached pushing stage.

However, for a 1st or mild 2nd degree tear, you may choose to heal it yourself with manuka honey, and hold the edges together with superglue, or seaweed, in addition to other practices of keeping legs together, keeping the tear clean, and having herbal sitz baths. If you discover a 3rd or 4th degree tear, or you are worried, you should transfer to have it stitched professionally.

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/tearing

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Who should I have at the birth?

Only have people who will be supportive and helpful. They should be familiar or on board with natural birth, and help you to relax, rather than adding extra stress. Your birth, YOUR way.
https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/fathers-supporting-her-birth 

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How will I know if I need to transfer?

During your research, you will learn to recognise normal physiological birth. You will also listen to your body and intuition to feel if something is not right. If you need to transfer, that's okay! A well timed transfer is a homebirth gone right. You are in charge of making the best decision for you and your baby.

Here's some suggestions on things to take with you if you do transfer
https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/hospital-bag-checklist

How do I get the Birth Certificate?
Here in Australia you need to contact your local BDM office to register the birth and get the certificate.
For other countries, such as the USA or the UK, you will need to follow other specific requirements.

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/registering-your-baby-s-birth 

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I want to know more - where can I start?

We have some more topics covered in the dropdown menu of this site.
There are books, podcasts, and Facebook support groups dedicated to unassisted birth/freebirth. 

Sarah Buckley's books and websites cover natural physiology and hormones of birth in general. Rachel Reed's book Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage is an incredible look at history, physiology and women's needs, rights, and rites in birth. 

Books like Home Birth On Your Own Terms by Heather Baker cover the "how" and books like Unassisted Childbirth by Laura Shanley cover the "why" of unassisted birth, so seek out which suits you best.

https://aucontemplativelife.wixsite.com/unassistedhomebirtha/exterior-resources

(More information and FAQ being adding constantly - stay tuned)
Page last updated Dec 2023

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