Navigating the Free Birth Movement

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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