Unassisted Childbirth

Unassisted childbirth is effectively considered by many to be illegal in the UK, since it is illegal to deliver a baby if you are not medically qualified to do so.  Obviously many babies are safely delivered by their own mum, dad or even a taxi driver, when the baby comes before the midwife arrives, or before the woman gets to a hospital.

The law was originally set up to protect women, but politicians refused to change the wording to limit its extent to those setting themselves up as medical professionals etc. No women have yet been prosecuted for this, but the legal situation remains unclear, and women have been threatened with legal action because of this.

Since it is in no-ones best interest to lock up women merely for giving birth, then it is usually accepted that women whose babies come "too quickly" should not be prosecuted.  This provides a fairly safe loophole for women who choose to give birth without medical supervision, by merely claiming that they "didn't have time" to phone the midwife.

I believe that it is a woman's fundamental right to give birth unassisted and to choose who "catches" her new baby as it arrives.  While most women will not want to do this, I feel it is important that those who are considering this option are able to openly discuss their feelings and needs about this, in just the same way as any other Birth Plan.

Doula support for unassisted births

I will offer full ante-natal and post-natal support for intended unassisted births, but unfortunately I can't provide you with birth support.  I would love to offer you the kind of experienced lay birth support that I normally provide, and that I believe you should have access to, but for legal reasons I just can't put myself in that position.

If you change your mind during the labour, then I will do my best to offer whatever support is appropriate, but can only do so if you also contact your midwife, doctor or hospital. I can't attend your birth instead of a midwife for the legal reasons mentioned above.

My second child was an intentional unassisted birth, and what I found most difficult was the secrecy, and the fear that one of my friends might feel that it was "in my best interests" to tell my midwife.  What I needed was to be able to openly discuss and plan my birth and to feel supported in doing so.  This is what I want to offer to other women considering an unassisted birth.

Page last updated : 18th January 2008

CradleCare
Claremont North 58 Burnley Rd
Todmorden
West Yorkshire
OL14 5LH

01706 815490