Course Outline:
Designed for midwives, obstetricians, maternity professionals, Directors and Heads of Midwifery, birth workers and doulas. This course explores the legal and professional responsibilities when a birth takes place without a registered health professional present. It focuses on reducing risks to both families and practitioners, while reducing fear of supporting free choice and alternative birthing options.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the legal and ethical frameworks that apply when individuals choose to freebirth.
- Identify the boundaries of professional and non-professional responsibility.
- Apply capacity and best interests principles to practice.
- Recognise when and how accountability under the NMC, GMC and wider legal duties is engaged.
- Implement clear, factual documentation and communication to reduce legal challenge.
- Examine and communicate the strength of evidence across all areas of maternity care to support informed choice.
- Develop strategies to reduce professional fear of freebirth.
- Analyse case studies to understand how professionals can respond lawfully and respectfully.
Course Details:
- Duration and CPD: 1 day | 6 hours CPD
- In-house course format and fee: Virtual or face-to-face | Call for details
Please call 020 7549 2549 or email info@bondsolon.com to discuss or book an in-house course.
Benefits of Attending
- Autonomy, choice, and human rights protections.
- The limits of duty of care when professionals are not present.
- Capacity and best interests in the context of freebirth.
- Factual communication and documentation to minimise risk.
- Case studies that normalise freebirth as a lawful option, de-centre blame, and focus on lawful, respectful responses.
- Recognising that risk exists in all birth settings, including the NHS, and how supportive care reduces harm.
The course will explore:
- Gain confidence in supporting lawful freebirth choices.
- Clarify professional and legal boundaries.
- Improve factual, balanced communication of evidence.
- Reduce legal risk through clear documentation.
- Build confidence and reduce fear when supporting alternative birthing options.
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