The Business of Being Born

The Business of Being Born is a captivating 2008 documentary feature offering an appreciative exploration of midwifery, home birth, and the criticism and issues surrounding routine hospital births in the United States. Executive produced by presenter and actress Ricki Lake, and directed by award-winning filmmaker Abby Epstein, this thought-provoking, emotionally stirring film centers around an articulate, passionate group of women advocating alternative approaches to childbirth.

Through featuring professionals such as Mary Helen Ayres, Julia Barnett, and Sylvie Blaustein, this seminal work unfolds an enlightening journey into an often under-recognized aspect of women's health and infant care. The narrative primarily follows the steps of childbirth, inviting viewers into stories of various ordinary women as they traverse the realms of pregnancy and childbirth.

The Business of Being Born thoughtfully tackles the controversial debate over medical practices in the birthing industry, highlighting inconsistencies in the conventional system, presenting eye-opening facts related to maternity care in America. Mary Helen Ayres, an experienced midwife, offers knowledgeable insight into the midwifery model of care and dispels many misconceptions about home births all along.

Julia Barnett uses her inspiring story as a pregnant woman navigating the clash between conventional obstetrics and the option of a more holistic, personalized approach to childbirth. Her testimony offers a firsthand account of the potential benefits and challenges of home birthing, striking an engaging, emotional chord that resonates with audiences.

Dr. Sylvie Blaustein, an obstetrician/gynecologist appearing in the film, provides a balanced perspective that contributes to the ongoing discourse about birthing options. Her experience in traditional medicine serves as a necessary contrast to the midwifery approach, questioning societal norms and encouraging viewers to think critically about what's best for them and their baby.

While interviewing several midwives, expectant mothers, and medical professionals, the documentary also delves into the history of childbirth and midwifery in the United States. It uses archival footage from earlier eras to evoke the dramatic transformation in the birthing industry over the years, attributing it to the intersection of medicine and business.

This compelling film is an exploration of how a system that should prioritize the act of giving life has, in many ways, come to view childbirth as a medical emergency rather than a natural process. Through stories of empowerment, teamwork, and undaunted courage, it conveys a potent message on the importance of personalized care and respecting a woman's autonomy over her body and baby.

While the movie explicitly advocates for home births and midwifery, it does not vilify hospital births or obstetricians. Instead, it aims to provoke thought and provide women and their families with adequate information about their options, to empower them to make informed decisions right for their individual circumstances.

The Business of Being Born is not just a movie; it's a passionate call to action, an enlightening examination of the status quo, and an invaluable tool for change. It casts an engaging, intimate look into the emotional, physical, and mental aspects of birthing and serves as a plea for reconsidering the norms. It is a wonderful mix of personal narrative, expert commentary, and historical overview. It is indeed a must-watch for any expectant mother, providing a different take on a familiar subject matter.

Through evocative storytelling, personal accounts, and expert commentary, the film challenges viewers to rethink what they know about childbirth, and perhaps more importantly, what they believe a birth can be. Through unwavering commitment, vibrancy, and unwavering commitment to its message, The Business of Being Born goes far more than the extra mile in unfolding a rarely told tale of the beauty, the struggle, and the business of being born.