Navigating the Cult of Free Birth and Childbirth Education

Munch on some ice chips and PUSHHHHH (sorry) play on this week's episode, in which we dare to apply our culty analysis to the ever-polarizing "free birther" community. Free birthing is a controversial catch-all term in and of itself, generally describing a style of medically unassisted birth that has turned into not just a movement but possibly a cult—why? Because this is America, and if something has the potential to turn culty, then it probably will! Doula (and loyal listener of the pod) Hehe Stewart joins for a discussion of power dynamics, misinformation, and why so-called free birthers have been pitted against the traditional medical establishment in a way that puts everyoneeee in danger. Trying our best to bring both cheekiness and empathy to this very casual and low-stakes discussion (joke). Love you culties!!!

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Further reading:

• Listen to the Whispers before They Become Screams: Addressing Black Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States
• Racism During Pregnancy and Birthing: Experiences from Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Latina, and Middle Eastern Women
• When Giving Birth, Opting to Go It Alone
• Insights into the U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison
• Born Free: Unassisted Childbirth in North America
• Just ‘birth’: the phenomenon of birth without a healthcare professional
• She Wanted a ‘Freebirth’ at Home. When the Baby Died, the Attacks Began

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