A Birth Story
Tonight I went with my friend Heidi to a screening of the documentary The Business of Being Born. You may know it as the film that shows Ricki Lake giving birth to her second child, but it is so much more than that.
It was… awesome! Moving, informative, inspiring and empowering. Although I am a self-professed “crunchy” mama, and have done lots of research on birth, homebirth and unnecessary interventions, the facts and opinions presented in the film were still more shocking than I expected. For goodness sake, the hospital where I gave birth to Emma had a c-section rate of more than 37% last year!
The disgraceful situation of birth in the United States must be resolved, and I am so glad to have seen this film, surrounded by other concerned or curious women, men, mothers, fathers, activists, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants and students. I hope it inspires others to spread the word and educate about birth options and the concept of “normal” birth, which does not take place in a hospital.
I understand that before too long, it will be available for purchase through Netflix – I highly recommend that you see it, no matter who you are.
And let me just say, moms, you are awesome! You rock and your bodies rock and your babies rock. It is amazing what we, as women, can do!