Home Birth On Your Own Terms: A How To Guide For Birthing Unassisted

by Heather Baker

Are you looking for a natural pregnancy and birth book? If you are planning a home birth or need an unassisted birthing plan, this is the book for you. The 1st of its kind!! A full manual containing all the information you need to give birth at home. Get your body and mind prepared for a natural geared pregnancy and birth, where you make all the rules and decisions...This book covers: * how to do your own prenatal care* common discomforts in pregnancy* herbal and homeopathy uses* supplies you need for your birth* labor stages and how to manage them* birth affirmations* avoiding issues and complications * what to do for emergencies* postpartum care for mom and baby* how to register you baby with the state* unassisted birth storiesThis book is packed with photographs!! A MUST HAVE, especially in places that have little to no access to quality medical care/hospitals near the birthing mother.Reviews: "I find this book to be an invaluable resource manual for everything you need to know to have a healthy, safe, unassisted home birth! I love the sections on herbs and homeopathics, and that every needful topic was included and written in a clear and easy to understand manner. I'll definitely reference this book during my next freebirth. It's like having a midwife on your bookshelf!"A valuable resource to prepare for your freebirth""This book shows you how to freebirth. Giving you the information you need to control your birth and have peace with that decision.""This is the book every pregnant woman, whether she decides to birth unassisted or not, should have in her library. It is extremely informative, yet inspiring and empowering." Julia, Labor Assistant"Home Birth On Your Own Terms is a great first stop on your journey to having an unassisted birth. If only every birthing person could know this option, and assess for themselves if this is a safe, viable option for them. Home Birth On Your Own Terms provides confidence through first-hand accounts of births AND the appropriate precautions for people to make the best choices for their birth. For anyone considering their birth options, this is an eye opener to see beyond the systemically prescribed birthing process. This book gives another perspective on what is absolutely possible, empowering, safe and healthy births." Vera Kevic, Doula"A wealth of information in one place.""With the ever climbing epidemic of birth violence inflicted by medical professionals and the constraints birth attendants now have upon them, it's no surprise that parents are taking a stand and birthing the way they so desire."

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

390 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2019

Reviews

[Heather Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn as much as possible before birth, THIS IS your book! Don’t listen to the bad reviews. Those people were told to come make bad reviews by their Facebook group leader and want to bash the author on all platforms. But I truly really would not have been able to have my homebirth if it wasn’t for the authors help so thank you!

[Bree Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a doula and mother of five, three of which were planned freebirths, I find this book to be an invaluable resource manual for everything you need to know to have a healthy, safe, unassisted home birth!

I love the sections on herbs and homeopathics, and that every needful topic was included and written in a clear and easy to understand manner. I'll definitely reference this book during my next freebirth. It's like having a midwife on your bookshelf!

If you're planning an unassisted birth, or even just a homebirth, this book is an essential companion! Pair it with reading lots of powerful, positive birth stories and you'll be prepared to have an incredible and safe experience.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Baker's book gives an excellent overview of what home birth can be. Highly recommend no matter where you plan to birth. Understanding physiological birth is important for all birthing humans, regardless of where or how one chooses to birth.

[Regina Coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and Insightful Resource

Excellent resource for anyone looking for education on homebirths as well as encouraging stories from mothers who’ve birthed. You’ll feel equipped with a list of supplies, herbs, and homeopathic supplies. Also Heather gives a great list of other books to read

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This practical book was very helpful and full of information that I can see as being helpful for a number of situations! Even if a parent is not planning on unassisted birth, I think this information is important to be knowledgeable about. I purchased this ebook (and now later, the 2nd edition paperback) when I was planning my home birth, which was attended by a state licensed midwife. My previous birth had been precipitous (very fast) and this baby was due right as a hurricane was tearing through our town. I was aware of the possibility that my Midwife might not make it to the birth. I wanted to feel prepared, and empowered with knowledge and confidence. This book gave me that and more! This book offers practical information about the physiology of birth, situations that may arise, distinguishing which were in the range of normal, and which may be emergencies with info on what to do. There is a long list of resources which the author uses as source. In addition to this peace of mind, the sections on pregnancy were especially helpful to me as they referenced the brewers diet, which is evidence-based and very helpful at avoiding gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. As others have stated, I do not believe the author is a dietitian or nutritionist, but I don’t believe she was trying to come off as one. Her helpful information pointed me in the direction of looking up more info and resources on the brewers diet, which I plan to use for future pregnancies! I respect the authors status as a traditional midwife, meaning intentionally unlicensed. While I chose to use a licensed midwife for my births so far, I definitely recognize their limitations as they are beholden to the state. For example, in my state my Midwife would not have been able to attend if I had gone over 42 weeks, had a breech baby, or had twins - situation which are all within the range of normal, and do not necessarily need to be pathologized or over-medicalized. Situations like these, can be attended by traditional midwives or birth workers, or women can just do with their bodies are made to do, if that is their choice. Freedom of choice, especially when it comes to our bodily autonomy, it’s so important. I think this book is a resource that offers fair and factual information, referenced and sourced, with a sprinkle of clearly labeled opinion/wisdom from experience. It helps women make the decision to homebirth or free birth, a safe and thoughtful one.

[Lindsay]

Very informative and empowering

I'm not sure what's up those people's butts about this book, but I think they're trying to keep women from freebirthing, even though for thousands of years women have freebirthed. Yes we have medicine and hospitals now, which is great! But we don't need them to birth our babies. Hospitals should be for sick people or emergencies. Not all birth is an emergency. Anyway, this book helped me decide to freebirth after having a very traumatic experience with my first birth. I realized women are still birthing unassisted with no issues! Birth is beautiful and shouldn't be so clinical unless something is wrong with baby (or mom) and doing it at home is so much less stressful! I bled less at home, my labor was shorter, baby wasn't full of drugs (that didn't even work on me!), I was able to eat and drink as I needed, my husband was able to "catch" his son, I didn't have to work about my oldest being away from home/us for the first time, etc etc. I could go on. I understand some births do end up in an emergency, or mom needs some help, but we really should support women more in their choice to birth. Our bodies know what to do. Sometimes they do fail, sometimes baby comes early, THAT is what hospitals are for. I could go on and on, but I'll stop here for now.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!!! Regardless of whether you decide to do a home birth, this book holds tons of information on birth and your rights and how to advocate for yourself!! (Did you know one of the leading causes of death in this country is medical mistakes?!!) so thankful for this information while I was researching home birth!!

[Alyssa Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful into pregnancy and Childbirth. Written in an easy way to understand and it has everything you need to know. The author is so knowledgeable!

[LD · Rating 5 out of 5]

The information in this author's books is put together in a simple and easily digestible way... So much valuable information in one place! Thank you, Heather!

[Jessica Jakas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing short of Brilliant. Any pregnant woman should read this to help them understand how they can stand in their power and trust in their own intuition. Listen to your body and your baby!

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Irresponsible misinformation in this book can lead women and their babies to serious health risk and unnecessary complications. I would not recommend this to any expecting mother - there are better and safer resources available elsewhere.

[Kass Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a first time mom planning a freebirth, this book has been so helpful answering questions i had, and its easy to take notes from for quick references. its also helped me become more confident and comfortable in my decision to freebirth.
i highly recommend this book, and i will forever suggest this book to anyone, especially planning a homebirth, assisted or unassisted.

[Jordan Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heaven Sent!

This book brought me thru a journey I didn’t know I had the courage to experience! I feel so empowered, educated, reassured and excited to meet my baby girl in a few weeks, all thanks to this book! I can’t thank you enough Heather!

[Stephanie Scurry-phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasantly Presented

An informative perspective on home birth, I highly suggest this book for any pregnant woman whether or not she is considering free birthing.

[Stephanie L Talbot · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should be illegal. It is an uneducated person attempting to give medically unsound advice to vulnerable pregnant women about birthing at home. This is reckless advice and the author should be liable for any maternal fetal demise that occurs because of people taking this poor advice from a woman who has absolutely zero medical experience. This is absolutely terrifying.

[Alex Lee]

This is horrifying. The last thing you need to do is give women the idea that having a CHILD of all things should be something you do yourself without any help. Dont be selfish. Please have an assisted home birth, be responsible and take all precautions.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well planned out and detailed information on how to home birth and when you need to seek assistance. Great for all women to read, no matter where you birth. Very thorough.

[Gabrielle Cimon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book best on the subject

It’s amazing to be able to find books that empower woman and the birth process. I’m so grateful also for the Facebook group. The knowledge here is so valuable especially for a first time mom who can only be guided by people around that has had hospital birth and have not questioned anything.

[Chrissy Elton]

Disgusting miss information that could cost a mother and baby their lives!! Always seek medical attention people

[Samantha Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simultaneously fascinating and terrifying, this book was full of an incredible amount of information about unassisted childbirth. While unassisted birth is not my goal, it was helpful to learn all about it. I had to skip the chapter about placenta consumption, but absolutely loved the section on positive birth stories.

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book a few days ago, at just under 35 weeks pregnant with my 3rd. I begun searching for alternative birthing options after experiencing unethical behaviour, coercion & bullying by an OBGYN halfway through this pregnancy. Through talking about my experience within my local area, it led to me discovering the huge world of manipulation, coercion & bullying by medical professionals within the birthing community as a whole (pregnancy, labour & postpartum), when I’d only previously known of birth trauma during the latter two.

And from there, I discovered freebirthing. After further research into this community, I asked about sources of wisdom & useful advice & was recommended this book. I was blown away within minutes of reading. Heather’s words held & reassured me in such a profound way that I cried. I felt so validated and understood. My fears melted away & I grew such a profound confidence in myself, knowing that I truly am strong & capable of birthing without assistance, it is so freeing. It felt as though I’d discovered my true self.

I absolutely adore & love this book. It’s incredibly informative, reassuring & practical, I consider it a must have for any person considering freebirth. The book is easy to navigate & is void of any biased opinions. The beautiful & affirming collection of birth stories within not only solidified my choice to pursue freebirthing this baby, but led me to discover other works by Heather. I highly recommend this incredible book.

[B KD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just from the introduction of the book alone, I found it odd that the author advocates freebirths based on cost and because she “craved the rush” of the power from delivering without help, comparing it to an orgasm. She prefers and markets towards those with access to healthcare to free birth without prenatal care.

The author is a "Traditional Midwife", which means she does NOT have a license to practice, nor is she held to regulatory licensing standards of continuing education. She does run a social media group and gives out "medical" advice for birth, which she claims is a "non-medical" natural process. Neonatal death and complications are unfortunately also a natural process. While I believe the author does mean well, there have been poor outcomes related to a group she runs where it is forbidden to encourage seeking medical advice. While I believe homebirth can be a safe option under the right circumstances, relying solely on the advice from this book and author can be dangerous. Please read this book with caution.

[Megan Meisberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, thorough guide for unassisted birth. This is definitely one to own if you're researching the topic. I appreciated her very specific suggestions for a wide range of pregnancy discomforts and labor issues and complications. She also gives very helpful instructions on what items to gather and how to set up a birthing pool.

[Samantha Rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have guide for all mothers to be. Informative & honest and raw. Whether assisted or not, this book details the birthing process wonderfully and is a wonderful guide for a birther's autonomy.

[Rachel Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter which way you choose to birth, this book is so informative and I’d recommend it to all the mamas! Helps you know what to look for and feel more confident in your labor and birth!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm shocked at how many fake reviews are here clearly because they are against the subject of birthing at home. You realize the existence of man is because they were born at home w out medical help right? Trolls should be banished here.

The book is well thought out with what to plan for, how to care for oneself in pregnancy, what to watch for and when to get seek additional help. It is excellent! Whether you plan to birth with help or alone, this really prepares you. Thank you for this reference!

[Jenna Vander Ploeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredible resource to have during pregnancy and postpartum! I read it cover to cover and highly recommend it, especially if you're planning a natural birth and especially homebirth!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This practical book was very helpful and full of information that I can see as being helpful for a number of situations! Even if a parent is not planning on unassisted birth, I think this information is important to be knowledgeable about. I purchased this ebook (and now later, the 2nd edition paperback) when I was planning my home birth, which was attended by a state licensed midwife. My previous birth had been precipitous (very fast) and this baby was due right as a hurricane was tearing through our town. I was aware of the possibility that my Midwife might not make it to the birth. I wanted to feel prepared, and empowered with knowledge and confidence. This book gave me that and more! This book offers practical information about the physiology of birth, situations that may arise, distinguishing which were in the range of normal, and which may be emergencies with info on what to do. There is a long list of resources which the author uses as source. In addition to this peace of mind, the sections on pregnancy were especially helpful to me as they referenced the brewers diet, which is evidence-based and very helpful at avoiding gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. As others have stated, I do not believe the author is a dietitian or nutritionist, but I don’t believe she was trying to come off as one. Her helpful information pointed me in the direction of looking up more info and resources on the brewers diet, which I plan to use for future pregnancies! I respect the authors status as a traditional midwife, meaning intentionally unlicensed. While I chose to use a licensed midwife for my births so far, I definitely recognize their limitations as they are beholden to the state. For example, in my state my Midwife would not have been able to attend if I had gone over 42 weeks, had a breech baby, or had twins - situation which are all within the range of normal, and do not necessarily need to be pathologized or over-medicalized. Situations like these, can be attended by traditional midwives or birth workers, or women can just do with their bodies are made to do, if that is their choice. Freedom of choice, especially when it comes to our bodily autonomy, it’s so important. I think this book is a resource that offers fair and factual information, referenced and sourced, with a sprinkle of clearly labeled opinion/wisdom from experience. It helps women make the decision to homebirth or free birth, a safe and thoughtful one.

[S K · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dangerous and misleading information all around. Promoting unsafe practices, unsound child and mother care. Please don’t waste your time with this, get actual information from people who know what they’re writing about - that would be doctors, licensed midwives etc.

[Brittney Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is THEE resource for birthing unassisted. Anything you would need to know, you can find in this book and it’s laid out so simply !
We had a planned free birth this year and I was so happy to have this book, not only for the invaluable information for my Husband and I but for our family … to help ease their minds in any worries they might have had about our decision.