Unassisted Childbirth

Welcome to Unassisted Childbirth. This site is based on the belief that childbirth is inherently safe and relatively painless provided we don’t live in poverty, and do not interfere either physically or psychologically.

Drugs, machinery, and medical personnel are not only unnecessary in most cases, they are also no match for a woman’s own intellect and intuition. Birth is sexual and spiritual, magical and miraculous – but not when it’s managed, controlled, and manipulated by the medical establishment, or hindered by the mother’s own mind.

In the articles and stories on this site I hope to present a new way of looking at birth, and ultimately, at life. Childbirth is a gift to be enjoyed not a curse to be endured. The time has come for us to cast off our doubts and fears, and learn to believe in our own abilities. What better place to start than with the birth of a baby?

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Laura Shanley

Birth consultant, Author, Speaker

I am a freelance writer, birth consultant, speaker, and author of the book Unassisted Childbirth. I am also the mother of four children, all of whom were born at home without the help of doctors or midwives. My ex-husband, David, caught the first one and I caught the other three. Neither of us had been trained in midwifery, but we both understood that the problems in birth can be traced to three main causes: poverty, medical intervention and fear.

Since we did not live in poverty, did not choose to invite medical professionals to our births, and had worked with ourselves to eliminate fear and other potentially destructive emotions, we knew that unassisted childbirth was the safest way for us to give birth.

Writing and speaking about birth is one of my passions, but I am also fascinated by how the mind affects the body, what we can learn from our dreams, impulses and intuition, and how consciousness evolves on both personal and cultural levels. I have been heavily influenced by the writings of Jane Roberts and psychological historian, Gerald Heard.

Birth Stories

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by Laura Shanley
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by Laura Joy Francis
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by Kenny Loggins
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by Kathy
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by Liana Weed
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by Beatrice Jasper

Inspiration

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From my Blog

Your sensual self

I loved being pregnant! I felt sexy and sensual, busty and beautiful. And every time I gazed upon my expanding belly I was reminded of that glorious act of love that had led to my baby's conception.

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Video Gallery

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My Interview with Bob Berkowitz

In this interview I speak with Bob Berkowitz and Donna Barnes about unassisted childbirth.

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Clio’s Unassisted Birth of Lucien

Clio’s Unassisted Birth of Lucien