What are Freebirth and Birthkeeping?
Freebirth, a term coined by visionary midwife Jeannine Parvati Baker, is an autonomous, physiological birth that proceeds spontaneously via a unique, biologically designed hormonal blueprint. It takes place at home or another intimate location, and is free of disturbances that hinder the natural unfolding of birth, such as gratuitous medical management. Most importantly, freebirth centers the mother as the authority of her experience and views mother and baby as one intricately connected being, lovingly known as the motherbaby dyad.
Birthkeeping is a way of being. It is an answer to a call to protect birth, and to show others the way toward sovereign, powerful home birth experiences. As a birthkeeper, I have promised to protect natural, physiologic birth because I believe it is the safest and most profound way to give birth and evolve into a mother.
My way of birthkeeping is founded in truthtelling and deep reverence for the natural world. As a highly sensitive woman, I tune into the surrounding environment and protect your primal space. I also help to educate women about the natural process of birth as it stands when left undisturbed, and I provide resources that will inform women of the ways they can most effectively care for themselves before, during, and after birth.
What You’ll Receive
Prenatal Support
Three prenatal sessions, which typically take place at your home or out in nature, so that we can grow closer to one another and answer any questions you may have about sovereign birth and mothering. These can be structured in a variety of ways, for example: dinners, picnics, hikes, and beach or park days.
On-call availability during the weeks that you expect your baby to be born
Birth Support
In-person or nearby (virtual/phone) support during your birthing time
In-person support includes an intentional holding of the sacred birthing space; extra hands to gather what’s needed and necessary according to you, the mother; general comfort measure provisions as requested; feedback, as requested; and an abundance of good energy
Nearby support includes communication via video call, phone call, or text, as well as spiritual support from afar. This option is ideal for families who desire a solitary birth experience but want a knowledgeable birthkeeper available for Q&A during the birthing time.
Postpartum Support
Immediate postpartum nourishment, tidying, and organization
Support with cord-care
Guided placenta exploration and preservation (processing/freezing)
One in-person postpartum visit within the first two weeks after birth
Disclaimer: My birthkeeping services are not medical care of any kind, nor is birthkeeping a form of professional mental or physical health care as defined by the medical-industrial complex. My way of birthkeeping does not constitute medical diagnoses or medical advice in any capacity. If you feel called to receive medical support for your mental or physical well-being, I suggest that you reach out to a trusted healthcare provider at your discretion.
“Power Pilgrimage” from the Birth Undisturbed Photography Series by Annie Lennard
Gratitude Exchange
$2,200 — $4,400 sliding scale
Payment arrangements are available.
Birthkeeping is an intimate art of service. Before committing, let’s connect and speak about your desires, fears, and intuitive inklings surrounding your birth.
Due to being pregnant with my own baby, I am not currently available for on-call in-person support. However, I am available for virtual support. Please connect if you’d like to learn more about how this works.