A report from Save the Children claims one in three women around the world give birth without a midwife present, and two million deliver their babies completely alone.
Researchers found that 48 million pregnant women give birth at home without a midwife and often with only a dirty blade to cut the the baby's umbilical cord, resulting in 1,000 mums and 2,000 babies dying every day - deaths which Save the Children say could be easily prevented.
The 'Missing Midwives' report says women in the poorest countries are least likely to have a skilled attendant present when they give birth, and are most likely to die during childbirth, or lose their newborn shortly after delivery.
The report also highlights how some traditional birth attendants use methods that can be dangerous to both mother and baby during delivery, such as sitting on the mum's stomach to force the baby out, or using butter as a lubricant when attempting to turn a baby who is in the wrong position for birth.
In the UK, only 1.
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Some mums choose to give birth alone - free birthing - would you ever consider that an option for yourself?
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