Academic Publications

In the light of insights provided by interviewees during The Freebirth Study, this editorial explores the importance of health carers endeavouring to really listen to women during consultations. As highlighted by interviewees, this is particularly important when people make atypical health decisions. The editorial explores the medical paradigm in which health carers often view decision making and the tension this may create when people make decisions based on much broader aspects of their lives. The article appears in a subscription only journal, but a PDF copy can be accessed in the tab below.

This article comes from a study conducted by Dr. Mari Greenfield and which included written contributions from myself and Dr. Sophie Payne-Gifford. Dr. Greenfield carried out a large survey exploring the ways in which people’s birthing plans had altered as maternity provision changed during the outbreak of the pandemic. Of the 1,700 responses, 72 people mentioned they were considering freebirth. This was a surprising number, and the article explores people’s experiences and motivations whilst also providing insight into the demographics of people who considered making this atypical birthing decision.

This is a letter that I had published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. It was in response to a disturbing opinion piece which advocated offering induction of labour to all women once they reach 40 weeks of pregnancy. In the letter I argue that for too long obstetrics has focussed on numbers, mortality rates and cost-utility benefits at the expense of women’s voices and experiences. As a result, to advocate routine induction in this way is dangerous and problematic. What is both interesting and telling about this debate is that the journal has chosen to publish the article promoting induction of labour as open access, whilst publishing critiquing responses behind a paywall. Nevertheless, for those without a subscription, a PDF copy of my letter can be found here.

This was a poster presentation given for a conference run by the Institute of Medical Ethics and held in Edinburgh, Scotland. I submitted the poster before officially beginning The Freebirth Study. At the time, I was trying to engage with the freebirthing community and was undertaking preparatory work before attempting to secure funding. I asked women in an online forum what their motivations for freebirthing had been and some kindly gave me their thoughts. These are presented in the poster alongside some academic areas that I was considering exploring. Notably, many of the quotes reflect the type of narratives that I would later collect during The Freebirth Study.