After listening to the Guardian podcast series the Birth Keepers, I feel compelled to share my own story. I believe that it is important to share examples of a middle way somewhere between free birthing and obstetrical violence. On the day of the birth of my child, guided by our friend, I stayed in conscious movement the whole day throughout the contractions. Our midwife arrived late in the day, a couple of hours before the actual birth. Olympia BowmanDie, FranceIt is absolute nonsense to say the risks of giving birth without medical assistance “are not well understood” (Editorial, 15 December).

Source: The Guardian December 28, 2025 20:55 UTC