Obstetrician issues warning amid concerns ‘dangerous’ birth practice is gaining popularity

Doctors are warning against a dangerous birth practice which anecdotal reports suggest is increasing in popularity in Victoria.

It comes after reports a baby was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being delivered during a “freebirth” — an unassisted birth without any medical professionals in attendance — in Ocean Grove last week.

Senior obstetrician Alex Polyakov, told 3AW’s Heidi Murphy “things can go … wrong very, very quickly” during birth, and mortality rates for both mothers and babies are much higher when freebirthing than when giving birth with medical assistance.

Press PLAY below to hear why he thinks freebirthing is gaining popularity + how risky it is

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