Birthing Options

Wow. I just watched The Business of Being Born last night. . . and I would that pregnant women everywhere would have this information!

I felt the film gave an excellent summation of obstetrical and midwifery care in this century. Because Ricki Lake was involved in the film, I hesitated to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised to see many midwives, ob/gyns and hear the history of births in our country, as well as see statistics and trends. It wasn't quite what I expected, but in very good ways.

There are cartoons that had me laughing in the film, as well as birth scenes that had me quietly crying on our couch. (I am pregnant, but I probably would have cried, regardless!) Even having had four births (1 hospital, 1 at home with an Ob, 2 at home with midwives), I found myself excited and agitated and passionate about this "business of being born."

What miracle! What amazing, agonizing pain and splendid JOY. During the labor scenes I said to B, "It [homebirth] doesn't look so glamorous. I'm not sure I would want to do that." Of course, that was followed by delivery and bonding, which caused me to quickly add, "Okay! I can do THAT again!"

Oh, what an adventure.