Two years on from the NSW Select Committee on Birth Trauma, there are growing concerns among doulas about the freebirth movement’s influence on women who feel apprehensive about the traditional medical system. While both doulas and midwives advocate for women’s autonomy in choosing their birthing experiences, they argue that the current maternity system falls short in adequately supporting these choices.
Recent statistics highlight a troubling reality: approximately one-third of women in Australia experience some form of birth trauma. In certain cases involving freebirths, these events—including births and fatalities—are not officially documented.
Becca Whitehead recently engaged with prominent figures in the field, including a leading doula and the Chief Midwife at the Australian College of Midwives, to explore this complex issue.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Birth Perceptions
The COVID-19 pandemic is frequently cited as a turning point that heightened awareness around the trauma associated with childbirth—an often-ignored topic. Angela Gallo, also known as Angel Phoenix, an experienced doula and former online instructor for doula training, expressed her concern over the growing freebirth movement. She discontinued her course due to the lack of control over the doulas she had trained.
Earlier this year, two women were charged with manslaughter related to a tragic incident at a home birth on the New South Wales Mid North Coast in 2022. Allegations suggest that one was a former midwife not registered at the time, while the other had no medical qualifications.
“The reason I’m voicing my concerns is that the situation is spiraling out of control, and without intervention, it will only worsen,” Gallo stated. She seeks to clarify that her goal is not to undermine anyone’s choices but to highlight what she describes as a “cult-like” atmosphere within some freebirth circles.
Deciphering the Freebirth Movement
Many women engaging with freebirth communities report a sense of belonging that can be lost when they seek professional medical assistance. Gallo empathizes with their fear, recognizing that many women have faced traumatic experiences in traditional healthcare settings. “They react like wounded animals,” she said, emphasizing that this reaction stems from genuine fear rather than ill-informed choices. “It’s akin to punishing someone for fleeing an abusive situation,” she added.
She continues to contribute insights on this topic to media outlets like ABC, arguing for a systemic change rather than punitive measures against freebirth. “What I envision is a total reformation of the reproductive health system that adopts a trauma-informed approach,” Gallo expressed.
Midwives Call for System Overhaul
Alison Weatherstone, Chief Midwife at the Australian College of Midwives (ACM), underscores the significance of addressing issues like freebirth. “The ACM supports home births but not freebirth,” she clarifies, explaining that professional oversight during home births is essential for maternal and infant safety.
The organization’s recent webinars have featured testimonials from both consumers and advocates to better understand the motivations behind freebirth choices. Weatherstone remarked, “Women who decide on a freebirth are often well-informed and highly committed to their decisions.”
Despite acknowledging that birth is generally safe in Australia, Weatherstone points out that unexpected outcomes do occur in both home and hospital environments. “Every day in hospitals, poor outcomes happen without making the headlines,” she said, adding that a home birth led by a qualified midwife can provide immediate options for escalating care if necessary.
Economic and Systemic Barriers
Weatherstone emphasizes that access to skilled midwives is increasingly limited across Australia, making it challenging for women to choose their preferred birth model. The cost of hiring a private midwife for home births typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 and is not universally subsidized by government healthcare systems. The ACM advocates for making publicly funded home births freely accessible and supports calls for Medicare provisions for home deliveries.
“In Australian hospitals, medical equipment and professionals are readily available in case of emergencies. In contrast, freebirths lack this immediate support, which can lead to delayed responses during critical moments,” she stated.
Final Thoughts
The complex interplay between women’s experiences with the traditional maternity system and the emerging trends in freebirth underscores an urgent need for reform. Both Gallo and Weatherstone advocate for a medical environment that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and respect for women’s choices in childbirth.
Should you or someone you know be seeking help regarding pregnancy or childbirth, resources are available:
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby for maternal child health advice at 1800 882 436
- Sands for support during miscarriage, stillbirth, and newborn death at 1300 072 637
- PANDA for perinatal anxiety and depression resources at 1300 726 306
- Bears of Hope for infant loss support at 1300 114 673
- Lifeline at 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636
