Laura Shanley-Unassisted Childbirth

[kittenfetus666]

You are so awesome and eloquent and I really enjoyed everything you had to say.

[SCLARK2112]

This lady is exactly right! We had our son at home with no assistance, just me & his mother. He was born feet first & came out just fine. Today he's a happy, healthy, home schooled 7 year old. While we love all of our children, our home birthed son will always be special. The vast majority of people seem to believe we need to spend thousands of dollars on doctors just to come into this world and it's simply not true. Unfortunately, we've turned birth, death & life into a money making business.

[lissistar1]

thank you laura, you are very concise and easy to understand, and you make a lot of sense, i will be using this interview and your website a lot as i talk with my opposed-at-the-moment husband about this. i have birthed 2 babies, 1 hospital-induced 3rd degree tear 8lb 9oz, 1 homebirth with midwives-10lb 3oz in 2 and a half hours despite an ob saying there was no way i could birth a big baby without tearing really badly! i didnt tear at all btw. if i can do that, i can do anything!!

[klarissa1985]

I love this interview and your homepage, Laura! I am expecting my first baby and I asked myself (before I read anything about "unassisted childbirth"), why the woman has to feel so good and enjoy her pregnancy and then when it comes to birth, she has to suffer...it just did not make any sense to me. Thank God, I have found the answers :-) Thank you!

[KaelaCarver]

I disagree with bringing in the design aspect of our bodies. I am atheist and believe that evolution is how we came to be, but I think we are entirely capable of having babies without interventions (and should)

[atijebooth]

well done! I've been following you for years. Even before my children were conceived.

[Ilovechristmas001]

What was up with that female reporter? Laura had just explained that wealthy women were often corseted and thus had pelvic deformities, and then the female reporter comes back with 'but wealthy women have had problems in labor'...I mean, would it be that hard to listen to what's already been said before speaking??? [sigh] I feel like so often people don't listen when it comes to these issues - and that's the real problem.

[moughtie]

holy cow! your partner lactated?I wonder if that is actually a mind over matter thing or if he was just 1 in a billion men who could do that.Were hoping to have a water birth at home.we've got atleast 3 different midwives that we cant count on one being over a hr away,one having eye surgery and the other we just cant understand.Ive been wtching tonnes of births to get prepared but I dont know whats gonna happen till we get there

[laurashanley]

We had read that men could lactate and were curious to see if David could do it simply through suggestion. Google "Milkmen: Fathers who Breastfeed" to read my article about it. Good luck with the birth!!

[fifthdaughter]

Thanks for getting this information out there! I think a lot of women don't realize that there are alternatives to giving birth in a hospital with 20 people in the room. Thanks again!

[Alaya7]

i'm so sad we can't watch laura giving birth on her knees in the bed anymore, it was the first birth video i saw, and the most beautiful one, it touched me so deeply i decided to take a doula course and it's so unfortunate the inspirig video can't be watched anymore.

congratulations

[laurashanley]

That actually was my friend Beatrice, but yes, it was a lovely birth. Unfortunately, youtube decided it violated their obscenity policy. So silly, as it wasn't nearly as graphic as some that are on here. Sigh.

[polapolanski]

wow! awesome! thank you so much! laura you opened my eyes! mind over matter - absolutely!!! you're truly a great woman. there is nothing that i cherish more than the ability and courage to think independently!

[laurashanley]

Thanks, Polapolanski! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[NextLevelMentor]

As an Advocate of Barefoot Ultra Marathon Running I can totally relate to her perspective on free birth vs medical births. My wife and I have had 1 in the hospital and 2 at home and can totally confirm what she describes. Barefoot Running is in the same light! Shoes are like the corsets she mentions. Deforming and damaging feet and keeping them from feeling what then need to feel to teach us how walk and run according to their designers intent. We live in "Fallen World!" Love Myth Busting!

[esxavier]

WOW!! You're very brave and we share the same believe that we are capable for bring our babies naturally on our own, without medical intervention. Mother nature, God is great and He wouldn't give us this task without preparing us for it. I just found out yesterday that my baby is Breech positioned, at 37 weeks. Can you suggest anything to help her move? I really want a vaginal delivery, but I'm afraid that my Dr. won't do it if she doesn't change position. Thanks in advance! : )

[laurashanley]

I'm not so sure I believe in turning babies as sometimes there's a reason they're breech, and turning them head down can cause problems. My breech baby was my easiest birth - but I didn't have anyone telling me what to do, and because it was an unassisted birth I didn't have to worry about what the doctor or midwife thought. But if you want to try turning the baby, some people recommend a site called spinning babies. Good luck!

[smmeegal]

It's so good to hear Laura speak on this matter. I had 2 unnassisted births after a hospital birth.The births flowed as they should, I had more faith in the birth process & self. The vibe around me was not one of fear, judgement, control or domination, all things I felt very much in hospital and at home beforehand with the midwife. Just not having someone telling me what to do/what not to do with my body was very empowering and positive. It was great to not have 2 suffer the mainstream mindset..

[laurashanley]

Thanks for your comments! Congratulations on your births!

[smmeegal]

I had 2 unnassisted births, great time, what I found, after my 1st hospital but naturalish birth, was I was not under someone else's authority, no-one to dictate what I should, should not be doing with my body. The births flowed as they should unhindered by pushy medics looking at their watches, I felt greater confidence in the birth process & self as the vibe around me wasn't one of fear, impatience, control and domination, things I experienced with medstaff the whole time. Great vid thanx.

[LandonsBaby]

This is a great interview. I'm going to share it!!

[lineerlay]

may the great mother of earth blesses you!

[Happyone4]

The interviewer keeps saying "they can do this or that in a hospital", she mentions how they can stitch you up IF you were to get torn (which is actually very rare.) Well a midwife if need be is educated on how to properly stitch women up "down there" as well, not just an OB...but again this is very rarely needed. You're body will expand and if you use oils on your private while preggers to prepare it for the birth process that too can greatly help it expand on the big day of actual delivery.

[laurashanley]

I don't even think oil or perineal massage is necessary. If a woman is relaxed she generally won't tear, or if she does the tear will most likely heal on its own. Superglue is also an alternative to stitches.

[Happyone4]

True. But I just meant there are options...I think many people wrongly assume the only time you get choices is in the hospital with traditional meds. ,when obviously it's actually when you are out of the hospital that more choices are there for the woman/family. =) I love this interview, can't wait to share it with others! =)

[laurashanley]

Thank you!

[ladyelms]

bravo, bravo, bravo!

[Pridefulpain]

I had my son in July of 08, my only child and he was a planned UC. Thank you so much for all that you have done for women like me. Because of the endless research you have done, you have made it so much easier for us to find it all!! You are a blessing, I sincerely mean that. Thank you again - a thousand times!

[laurashanley]

You're welcome! Thanks so much for your nice comment and congratulations on your birth!

[amintamarie]

I just wanted to also let you know that you inspired me to have my UC in December! I found loads of great information on your web page...and on the Bornfree forum! Thanks so much...the birth was awsome. My son was 9lbs 6oz and 22in long! I am so glad I had him at home! :)

[laurashanley]

Congratulations!!

[amintamarie]

Awsome interview!!! I am so proud you are out there educating people! Way to go! I agree 100%!:)

[laurashanley]

Thanks!!  This interview was so nice because for once they actually let me speak! Usually the host dominates the conversation.

[36hesperia36]

Thank you Laura!

I think people need to remember that unassisted childbirth isn't for everyone, but we need to challenge our ideas of 'normal' care. To me it is all risk vs benefits, and when you actually do your research and learn the risks of going the hospital...you'd have to be MORE brave to birth there in my opinion.

[abigailmarie72]

Eloquently stated! The intelligent consciousness that designed the body; linking this to birthing, who else is talking about this? Laura, you are leading an awakening process for women to get back in touch with their instincts, and trust the intellingence of our bodies. Thank you! Your book changed my life, it is such a resource, not just for birthing, and not just for unassissted birth, but for every woman and man. Abbie

[laurashanley]

You're welcome, Abbie! I'm so glad you found my book helpful. Thanks for your nice comment!

[dinnae79]

Awesome interview Laura. People think I'm off my head when I tell them that giving birth in a hospital with your feet in stirrups was NOT the way it was meant to be... I wish everyone could see it as the beautifully designed process that it is. Good on you!

[laurashanley]

Thanks, Dinnae!

[mibebe81]

Hi Laura, I read your book. I pray for my next birth, I will be able to have an unassited-birth with my baby. Thank you very much for being an inspiration. I hope I will find my own strength from within. :)

[laurashanley]

You're welcome! Have a wonderful birth!

[EmmasMummy11]

Well said! I agreed with you 100%. Way to go!

[morsanmorsan]

How wonderful!! Laura, you rock! Your book inspired me to go into labor with my last child in total confidence and we had a beautiful unassisted birth. I spent the entire labor alone while my husband cooked and brother slept and experienced such a force of strength coming from my own body that in previous labor was almost entirely absent due to "normal" birth intervention.

[laurashanley]

I'm so glad you found my book helpful! Congratulations on your birth!

[lam2403]

I feel very upset that so many people are listening to this. I have been a midwife for 11 years and strongly advocate normality in childbirth. I exist for a REASON NOT FOR NOTHING!!!!!

[laurashanley]

Unassisted childbirth IS normal. It is the way all animals, including humans, have given birth throughout eternity. Midwives are a recent "invention." I'm not anti-midwife, but I chose not to have one, as I completely trust my body to give birth safely on its own. I know my body better than any midwife ever could. For those who feel they want/need help, I think it's great that there are midwives who can help them. But I would never want someone as angry as you at my birth.

[sarahjeanne3]

Wow, your attitude scares me. If you feel the NEED to be at every birth and are offended at women taking birth into their own hands- you have no business being in the birth business. To me- midwives are not NEEDED, they are WANTED. You seem to have the same god-like complex that put all of us women in the position to have to reclaim our births in the first place.

[36hesperia36]

I'm glad midwives are around for women who want your type of care, or who feel they need it. That is a very positive experience. Not one type of care is right for everyone.

I can understand you feeling defensive though, since if we empowered every woman to have an unassisted birth, you wouldn't have a job left. We have to think about why there are so many fear cycles in our society...money perhaps?

Also, I wish more midwives understood free birth and could provide prenatal care only. one day

[CarolHagan]

Wonderful interview. :)

[swamper45]

Laura this video is so right on. Clearly, you are onto just the thing this World needs. Let's have a spiritual and emotional bailout. It is time to clear the fear for every man woman and child. Awesome job!

[LadyDivane]

Great job Laura! Sometimes it's hard to explain to others why its easier nowadays to give birth unassisted as opposed to 100 yrs ago. People need to get back to their roots and learn from tribal communities. Birth is natural and beautiful. Thank you for inspiring us women to get back in touch with that side and helping us to have a better mindset.

[hannahworthington]

an excellent interview, apart from the clearly uneducated blonde in the corner :) you talk so confidently! i wish i had someone like you to chat to here! thanks for all you are doing to promote unhindered, safe, natural birth!

[ROCKDOG5732]

Great interveiw Laura.

[hebrewbaby]

This is wonderful Laura and very true. Also, thank you for the book...I read it towards the ending of my last pregnancy and I must say the experience I had was quite peaceful, unlike even what I'd experienced giving birth at a birth center. It was just plain, simple, and natural to be alone with your family.