The Business of Being Born is a film produced by Ricki Lake and directed by Abby Epstein. It is a documentary of the process around birth in the western world (filmed in the US it is quite closely aligned to the Australian experience).
The film follows the journey of one midwife on her rounds around New York, and the different experiences she encounters. I found this midwife down to earth, passionate and inspiring, just the midwife you would like around when you're labouring :)
The film also follows a woman's experience of pregnancy and birth, and her feelings about how things went for her.
Ricki Lake interviews mothers, expectant mothers, midwives, obstetricians, gynecologists and other birth experts. Her style is very natural and I found the film very engaging because its raw, unpretentious style allows you to feel part of things.
Some information that's presented is not new (ie the medicalisation of birth, elective Caesarean because of fear around giving birth etc) and is a bit depressing to watch, but definitely necessary to include in any balanced birth documentary.
Personally, I really feel this is a well made, realistic and necessary film for our time. It clearly demonstrates available birth choices and leaves the watcher to draw their own conclusions.
Talk Soon, Cynthia x
