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Hannah Dahlen

Hannah Dahlen

The Conversation

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What drives women to have a ‘freebirth’ without a midwife or doctor? Here’s what the research says

What drives women to have a ‘freebirth’ without a midwife or doctor? Here’s what the research says

Sometimes, women who want a freebirth are aware of the risks. But some feel this is their only option.

19.06.2026 10

The Conversation

Hannah Dahlen

Seeing the same midwife or doctor in pregnancy and labour reduces the risk of birth trauma

Most women give birth in public hospitals, seeing whichever midwife or doctor is rostered on. But research shows seeing the same person reduces a...

09.03.2026 40

The Conversation

Hannah Dahlen

What’s the difference between a home birth and a free birth?

They sound similar but come with very different potential risks.

21.11.2025 20

The Conversation

Hannah Dahlen

News of a ‘giant’ baby boy is all over TikTok. Here’s what women really need to know

Stories of big babies might make women all over the world cross their legs. But how common are big babies, and does their birth always lead to...

10.10.2025 20

The Conversation

Hannah Dahlen

Is childbirth really safer for women and babies in private hospitals?

While things sometimes go wrong during childbirth, the majority of women who give birth in Australia do so safely.

17.07.2025 30

The Conversation

Hannah Dahlen

Is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, right? Can dancing or twerking really bring on labour?

There’s little research on the benefits of dancing to induce labour or once labour has started. But it’s unlikely to do any harm.

19.06.2025 10

The Conversation

Hannah Dahlen