The Business of Being Born

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Starring: Ricki Lake
Rated: Unrated
Type: DVD
Directed By: Abby Epstein
Studio: New Line Home Video
Release Date: 2008-05-06
Studio: New Line Home Video Release Date: 05/06/2008 Rating: Nr

Very informative
As a student nurse I would have to say that my observations support this film and their positive view of midwife deliveries. Even a couple of maternal nurse instructors told me that they would use a midwife if the hospital equipment was near by. I have to say that I'm disappointed that my nursing school did not cover midwife delivery in lecture. How can future nurses advise patients (aka CLIENTS in our nursing books) of all the options available to them when we don't discuss alternative delivery options ourselves? Women are now having c-sections so that their child can enroll in school more quickly. The world is in such a rush we're rushing babies out of their womb before they're ready. The happiest baby on the block is another good dvd to watch. I think the reason for the state mandated PKU test of neonates or newborns should be looked at because I think it has to do with the effects of splenda. Don't believe me? Just google PKU and splenda and then google PKU and newborn and test. I tried to bring this observation up with my instructor but it went in one ear and out the other and I was told that I don't critically think.

finally the truth comes out
just watched this documentary and was very moved by it...to tears and anger. i have had 5 home births and plan my 6th in a couple of weeks. i have witnessed a birth in the hospital and it was exactly how it was portrayed in the film. we went in completely wanting a natural birth and gradually the machines and complete strangers took over the birth. eventually, the mother was told a c-section would be done if she didn't get on with it which gave her incentive to do all she could (even though she couldn't feel anything 'cos of all the meds they gave her). i left the experience shaking with anger and wracked with sobs that they had deprived my friend of the wonderful experience birth is supposed to be. i'm a wimp when it comes to everything but i will not be denied my right to give birth how i want to the way GOD created me to. i hate that women have this taken away from them and that babies are put through torture with all the meds and interventions. and that the doctors dare to tell all the women they mess with that it was for their own good, and how the doctors 'saved' their lives and that of their newborns...absolute lies in most cases.
please, consider home birth. look into it in depth don't just 'go with the flow.' before doctors took over women gave birth with their friends and family around them at home for centuries. yes it hurts, but the rewards are forever. i've never met anyone who regretted their homebirth and yet have countless friends have terrible hospital experiences.
a friend of mine who is a doctor said that there is no such thing as a 'natural' birth in a hospital...as soon as you walk in it is 'unnatural' and i totally agree.
blessings on those of you who have chosen and will choose homebirth...may that wonderful practice never be squashed by anyone!!
i know this has turned into more of a 'rant' than a 'review.' i was very glad that someone in the public eye finally woke up and saw the truth and was able to shout it.

Must See!!!
Every human needs to see this movie to learn the truth about childbirth in America.

Perspective from an OBGYN's son who does like natural child birth.
My wife and I have briefly talked about midwives vrs OBGYN's. My wife was delivered by a midwife at home. We are open to the idea of delivering at home and learning about the different options as well as the risks.

We are awaiting our 2nd child.


What I saw that I liked:

I enjoyed the openmindedness of the movie presenting a positive viewpoint of home births. Pointing out that women having a different perspective than a lot of OBGYN's.

Being raised by an OBGYN I have had difficulties understanding the "hospital is best" perspective. I learned that an OBGYN was taught specific procedures, and tests that should be given to produce specific results. Med students are great at knowing different parts of the body, diagnosing illnesses, and working with urgent situations. They aren't trained adequately in the different ways the bodies healing systems work together. They don't view child birth as a natural process, but rather as a condition that needs to be treated. Due to this it can be hard for OBGYN's to believe in and understand alternative child birthing methods.

I agree that hospitals birthing is limiting. Because of this some OB's can not be as personal as they could be. They are given standards that they follow irregardless of what the women may want.

You can't blame OBGYN's. You can't blame hospitals. The whole system is full of quirks. But we can't live without them.

Things I didn't like,

The movie talked about OBGYN's only being trained in doing surgeries all day long. It stated that they don't have the proper training to do OB Care with the patients. They don't always provide the emotional care that the mother needs during the birthing process. Midwifes can fulfill this need more easily. The movie did not list any benefits about hospital births and is therefore very biased.

I didn't appreciate seeing a lady compeletly nude in the bathtub. I understand that it is part of the birthing process but they didn't need to show it in that way in the movie.

It stated that OBGYN's don't offer as personalized care as mid wive's can. I think that depends on the individual mid wife and OB. In the movie the lady talked about having a midwife and and OB and her never thinking about going back to the OB. What I got out of this is that she had an impersonal OB and a personal midwife.

Must see for any pregnant woman
If you are pregnant this is a must see. It gives a lot of great perspective on what really goes on in the hospitals in the US.