Dr Nick Coatsworth has told Today that choosing to give birth without hospital care — a practice commonly referred to as freebirthing — carries significant risks for both mother and baby.
Freebirth is generally understood to mean intentionally planning and undergoing childbirth without the presence of a trained health professional or access to a hospital setting. Medical experts say that while some births proceed without complications, the unpredictable nature of labour means complications can arise suddenly and require immediate skilled intervention. Without health professionals on hand, those complications may lead to delays in critical treatment for conditions such as heavy bleeding after delivery, obstructed labour that may require operative delivery, infection, and newborn problems that demand prompt resuscitation or intensive care.
Emergency obstetric interventions, including blood transfusion, surgical delivery, and advanced neonatal support, are typically available in hospital settings. The absence of such resources during a birth increases the potential for outcomes that could have been prevented or mitigated with timely medical care. Health practitioners also point to the importance of antenatal assessment in identifying risk factors — such as pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy complications, or foetal concerns — that might make hospital-based delivery the safer option.
Dr Coatsworth raised these concerns in his appearance on Today, underscoring the hazards associated with births planned outside hospital care. His comments align with longstanding clinical guidance that emphasises the value of supervised birth environments for managing complications and safeguarding maternal and neonatal health. Where individuals are considering alternatives to hospital delivery, clinicians recommend clear planning that prioritises access to emergency care and discusses contingency arrangements should transfer to a hospital become necessary.
The conversation about freebirths has prompted calls from health providers for accessible information and support for expectant parents, including honest discussion of potential risks alongside respect for personal choices around childbirth. Those planning non-hospital births are generally advised to engage with maternity care providers during pregnancy to assess suitability, identify warning signs, and develop an emergency plan.
Dr Coatsworth’s remarks on Today contribute to ongoing public discussion about childbirth choices and safety. Health services and clinicians continue to encourage expectant parents to seek professional advice during pregnancy and to ensure that birth plans include provisions for immediate medical care if complications emerge.