Saturday, April 09, 2011

1547 - The Business of Being Born

The topic childbirth is a touchy one.  It's a very personal thing and like any lifestyle choice it's something that people get extremely passionate about - or not at all.  Like someone mentions in this documentary - the average person puts more thought and research into buying a phone or car than they do when it comes to major choices like their options for childbirth.  People tend to gravitate towards what is "normal" where, ironically, normal has been dictated and molded from what it used to be.  There is no normal - there's only personal choice.
My wife and I went with natural childbirth through a midwife for our son, so this documentary is preaching to the choir, but we enjoyed it anyway.  I'm sure those against this ideology could see this piece as pure propaganda, focusing mostly on the positive - although what happens at the film's end is really quite perfect in making it a bit more balanced. 
Even though this was the perfect choice for us - and we'll do any subsequent children we have the same way - the one thing I've learned since being a parent is that you don't judge others for what they want to chose.  Its hard enough as it is.  That being said - read up on your options and figure out what's best for you - whatever it is - don't just do what's "normal".  And if you're curious, give this a whirl for sure - it talks about the American system, but let's be honest - besides who pays for the hospital bill - we're doing a lot of similar things.
As an educational piece this film is easily recommended.   
The Business of Being Born  The Business of Being Born

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