Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Business of Being Born

Been thinking a lot about this ever since I watched it. Kind of aligns with the less than enthusiastic reactions when I asked about midwife delivery at both my PCP office and the hospital.

4 comments:

  1. Well you know I am not a fan of pain, but I did like that midwives did both our births, there was no rush (except on our side). The doctor was there mainly just to stitch me up after. I'd love to hear what you have discovered about US births when we visit.

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    1. I think the rushing is the biggest problem in this country. When the Dr. perceives that it's "taking too long" they start administering drugs that "speed things along" which often in turn leads to c-sections. Of course there are situations when this is absolutely necessary but most probably just needs a little (or a lot) more time for baby and mom to work things out.

      Also can't wait to see you guys!

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  2. i loooooooved that movie. saw it a few years ago before we were trying, then rewatched last month after knowing we were pregnant and then this weekend i'll watch with my mom (who is visiting) because she is very weary of my plan to homebirth with a midwife and i think this will help her. i don't know what insurance you have, but i've heard kaiser does midwife births in the hospital. we're opting out completely though and doing homebirth, which i think i've mentioned. sadly it seemed like the only way to get what we wanted as not many other places would compromise. handy tip: if you're trying to go drug-free in a hospital, i've heard people put up signs on the door and on the bed that say, "this is a natural birth. please do not offer pain medication. we are aware it is available and will request if needed," as to not have the doctors or nurses wear down the mom's resolve with constant offers of an epidural.

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    1. i am intrigued by home births and I even said aloud, "that's what I want" during one of the birth scenes. Such a gorgeous, quiet, perfect moment. But honestly I'm apprehensive to not be steps away from medical facilities and I need to be sure that my insurance will cover everything. If I lived on the westside, I would definitely be at UCLA where they have an entire midwifery birthing program! Unfortunately it seems like the hospitals in my area are still "old school" -- which is mind blowing to me when natural birth is the most old school of all and really the most normal! I had no idea how nearly every mother in this country received some sort of intervention - whether pitocin or pain meds! It is an eye-opening film for sure.

      I think your mom will appreciate the film and having her meet your midwife will probably help immensely. Also, great tip about the sign! I had not even thought of that!

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