The “Business of Being Born” Review

Posted by mamas

Posted: May 13, 2008 - 8:32 am

Before I saw the documentary called “the Business of Being Born” I had already witnessed the stir it was causing in the childbirth world. I read articles, watched reports, and heard opinions from those who were either outraged or impacted by it.

Last night the film was shown at our local Bear Tooth Theater. Reactions were mixed. Some angry individuals walk out during the movie, obviously disagreeing with the content. However, the mass majority of the sold-out crowd, not only viewed the movie, but stayed for the discussion afterwards.

This thought-provoking film mostly centered on the topic of home-birth being considered safe and normal. The interviews were varied and included midwives and obstetricians, both in the U.S. and in other countries. The startling statistics displayed in bold print on the screen, created an ugly awareness of truths often overlooked.

Though criticisms of the movie have been widespread and state that this is a one-sided look at child-birth, it continues to be a catalyst for change. There has been a receptiveness to the message embedded within the “Business of Being Born” as women begin to seek out what is known as a “normal birth” whether at home or in a hospital.

A few of the facts highlighted in the movie uncovered some real issues. Such as the insurance company’s role in our current medicalized situation, the unnecessary cesarean sections that are prevalent, and the fact that the death toll in the U.S. is rising. The movie also touched on American history of childbirth, the move from midwifery to hospital births, and the graphic way that hospital interventions such as “twilight sleep” changed the way our nation birthed children.

The film focused much of its attention on midwives and homebirths. With present media and reality shows mosty focusing on hospital births that include interventions and complications, there is a need in society to see what a normal birth is like. Many pregnant women are not shown positive homebirth scenarios and do not even realize that this is an option for childbirth.

However, more and more, individuals are deciding to educate themselves prior to birthing their babies. Women are breaking out of a fear driven culture, to seek more information. Gradually, they are deciding to take charge of their childbirth choices, to recognize that having a baby is not a medical condition, and to facilitate and plan for a normal birth. They are not denying that complications have the potential to arise, but simply stating that our current trend of high intervention birthing is not normal or healthy.

As an advocate for parents educating themselves prior to childbirth, I would recommend that moms and dads watch “the Business of Being Born” just to create dialog and discuss opinions. Even if the home birth option is not something that you want to consider, there are many benefits to seeing positive birth stories. Regardless of whether you love this movie or hate it, it may stir you to search out your thoughts on the matter of birth.

Consumerism and complacency have long been present in our health care trends. I am a firm believer in a woman’s right to experience a normal birth whether in a hospital, birth center, or at home. There are doctors and midwives who will help to facilitate and support her preferences and there are those who will simply tell her what to do. A woman has to want to make choices on her own behalf and not just be satisfied with the end result of a “healthy baby”.

Research has shown that women will always remember how they were made to feel during the birth process and that they will retain memory of birthing experiences into old age. This monumental event of bringing a baby from womb, into world, is an unrepeatable experience that will live on in you. To trivialize it, is to undermine women and their contribution of giving life. I would encourage both men and women to take an active role in your birthing decisions and find out what you believe about the business of being born.

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