The Business of Being Born

[butterbobbin]

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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Comments

[beckkia.livejournal.com]

In general, I think people are overly dramatic about birthing. Having had 5 natural births, I agree with you that it isn't such a big deal. The episodes of 'tv' births and home spun scare stories portray labor as this traumatic and chaotic experience that is bound to go wrong. I wonder if the anxiety of going through this 'horrible' ordeal makes the delivery prone to more problems. Because I know that the key to an easier birth was just relaxing and knowing what to expect. My husband jokes that as the last baby was born, I looked up from the newspaper casually and said "Oh, is he here."

[butterbobbin.livejournal.com]

I think you're right - we're conditioned via TV and other things to expect it to be terrible... and I'm sure there are times when it is, but that's rare.

I have a feeling I'll be MORE nervous having my second one. Plunging into the unknown is always less terrifying for me.