The Business of Being Born

Well, I finally saw this today. It was good. In most ways it was really just a repetition of things I already know. I have read so many books since I foumd out I was pregnant, plus between my midwife and Frances feel that if I was cut open at any point I'd bleed natural birth information instead of blood.

For the people whom I've heard call this film propaganda, I have to disagree. They plainly presented surgery as necessary in certain situations. Even the lady helping film ended up with a caesarean.

The point of the film was a little vague, as if it couldn't decide to be an exposé on hospital procedure/conspiracy of insurance companies or encouraging women to not be afraid to allow the natural birth process to just work. I preferred the latter idea myself.

Having had a natural birth, I know I will never choose to do it any other way barring legitimate cause (and it will take that to get this woman anywhere near a hospital). It isn't unbearable. It requires no superhuman strength. It is about just working with your body and your baby, and anyone can do it. Not just the veggie-eating, recycling, bra-burning hippies like me.

In short, I think the impact was lost on me really. Were I completely unacquainted with midwifwery, it might be different, but I grew up where a hospital was not the preferred option. It's only been in the last couple years that I have done my homework to know why it's best, but from my childhood the only way I envisioned birth for me was at home. It isn't an alien concept like it is for most people.

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