Books that inspire confidence for “freebirth,” or giving birth without a doctor or midwife

by Lynn M. Griesemer
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7 books
If you’re educated on the birth process and make decisions that you are comfortable with, then your birth can be the beautiful experience it was meant to be. Unassisted Homebirth, or Freebirth, is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage and planning. Some women choose self-prenatal care, and others prepare for an upcoming birth in various ways. The following books provide how-to information, birth stories, encouragement, important suggestions for pregnancy and birth at home, and all things related to childbirth.
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Take Back Your Birth: Inspiration for Expectant Moms

Lynn M. Griesemer, 2018
“Is this procedure absolutely medically necessary?” and “What do I want for my childbirth experience?” are two questions to ask while preparing for birth. “Take Back Your Birth” ignites the heart, the mind, and the emotions. Will you make decisions and take actions based on your inner yearnings? Do you have a vision for your birth experience? Do you want complete freedom for your birth or do you prefer a system that helps shape it? “Take Back Your Birth” emphasizes inner preparation and goal setting for your birth, something which is sorely lacking in our culture.

Birth and the Dialogue of Love

Lynn M. Griesemer, 2019
This classic and groundbreaking book is an exploration of the “interpersonal aspect of childbirth for husband and wife and its effect on their growth and development in two-in-oneness," says author Marilyn A. Moran, the first advocate for husband-and-wife unassisted homebirth. “Childbirth is a dialogue, not a monologue…It is imperative that couples abandon the doctors’ quasi-pathological approach to birth…When an obstetrician steps in between the lovers at the moment of birth to catch the baby, the cyclic giving and receiving of significant genital gifts is shattered.” Women are the main connoisseurs of childbirth books, but when my husband opened this book, he devoured it within three days and was completely convinced of planning a husband-and-wife homebirth. The book made so much sense to us. After four hospital births, we went on to have two unassisted homebirths, and “Birth and the Dialogue of Love” was pivotal.

Home Birth On Your Own Terms

A How To Guide For Birthing Unassisted
Heather Baker, 2021
This book is comprehensive: it describes self-prenatal care, what to do if you encounter complications during labor and birth, and discusses postpartum care. Photos and birth stories can put a couple at ease as they plan for their upcoming birth. This was my daughter’s favorite book as she prepared for the birth of her first baby.

Husband-Coached Childbirth (Fifth Edition)

The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth
Robert A. Bradley, MD, 2008
The public tends to put more credibility when they see a doctor approves childbirth information. The Bradley Method is a proven and universal method that encourages and teaches natural childbirth – AND, includes the father of the baby. While I believe that giving birth should be initiated and orchestrated by the baby, the mother and father are primary participants in the event. The Bradley Method helps couples prepare for a drug-free childbirth, discusses natural solutions for challenges during pregnancy, and focuses on bonding between mother, baby and father. This book is one of the most respectful books for couples planning to give birth.

Unassisted Childbirth

Laura Kaplan Shanley, 2012
“Unassisted Childbirth” shows how birth can be straightforward and relatively painless if we remove technological and psychological interference. Laura is considered the pioneer of “UC,” Unassisted Childbirth, also known as Freebirth. She states that fear is a main culprit and the body’s reaction is commonly fight or flight, sending women into long, difficult labors and deliveries. My husband and I appreciate Laura’s work in the unassisted birth area because it is inspiring and logical. She has encouraged thousands of couples for over 35 years in the pursuit of an unhindered, natural birth.

Emergency Childbirth

A Manual for the Medically Untrained
Gregory J. White, 2002
When my husband and I were preparing for our unassisted homebirth, we had two books by our nightstand: “Birth and the Dialogue of Love,” and “Emergency Childbirth.” Emergency Childbirth was originally published by the Police Training Foundation and was used by emergency medical technicians for unexpected childbirth situations. One part of the book explained what to do if a baby is coming quickly and stated that any normal eight year-old could handle it.

Unassisted Homebirth

An Act of Love
Lynn M. Griesemer, 1998
This book is a presentation of unassisted homebirth (childbirth without an obstetrician or midwife) as it relates to psychological growth and development of the couple, the woman, and the man. It addresses why people choose to give birth unassisted, why couples should consider unassisted homebirth and why so many are against unassisted homebirth. It shows how planned unassisted birth is safer than in the hospital and almost always joyful. The book provides a comparison of traditional hospital birth to unassisted homebirth, how couples are brought closer together because of unassisted birth and the profound impact this type of birthing has on fathers. Unassisted Homebirth: An Act of Love combines research, theory and personal experience. It has several unassisted birth stories.