The Business of Being Born... My Opinion

I watched the movie the Business of Being Born tonight (remember how I mentioned a few days ago that I would update you on that), we aren’t having children right now but I thought it would be an educational experience for me as a health educator and as a future (far in the future) mother to watch the film. The movie was a lot different than I thought it would be. I do think that the film was very biased in favor of home births (obviously) and I do think that they may have pulled some statistics and quotations way out of context, but that being said, I think that the film presented an interesting point of view. I am pretty narrow minded when it comes to stuff like this (yes I can admit my flaws), There are several things you should know about me: I think that people should go to MDs for most medical problems, I have a really hard time believing the herbalist, chiropractor, acupuncturist or “tropical fruit” drink can really solve my medical problems, and finally I STRONGLY believe in vaccinations, preventative medicine and antibiotics. You should know that I have very strong opinions about all of the above mentioned items, you can try to argue your point of view but as Brian says my opinions aren’t based in rationality so arguing is futile, yes I am that stubborn.
Okay back to the film. This film has given me a new perspective on ASSISTED home births, I am a little bit more open and receptive to the idea now, I do think that ASSISTED home births have a place in the process and that they are great for some women. That being said, watching this movie helped cement my resolve to have ALL of my children delivered by an OB/GYN in a hospital. I just can’t think outside of the box (what if something were to go wrong, what if I did want the epidural), plus I am 100% sure that Brian couldn’t handle a home birth, he can barely make it through and entire episode of House so I am pretty sure that a home birth would be WAY too much for him. I do think the film did a great job of showing that there are alternatives to an epidural, planned C sections and inducing labor, it did a great job of emphasizing the importance of being informed before you make your way to the delivery room. More than anything I think the point of the film was to be informed about your birth options, well that is what I took from it. I think that the film is interesting enough to watch but if you are even the slightest bit squeamish I would avoid it at all costs, several women give birth in the film, there are several live C sections and while birth is presented as beautiful and natural it isn’t presented as even slightly nice and clean.

*another fun lyrics contest... what song is this from... hint what is this post about...

"Just walked down the street to the coffee shop, had to take a break, I'd been by her side for 18 hours straight, saw a flower growing in the middle of the side walk, pushing up through the concrete, like it was planted right there for me to see, the flashing lights, the honking horns all seemed to fade away in the shadow of that hospital at 5:08...