The Business of Being Born
Charlotte and I just finished watching The Business of Being Born on Netflix. I would highly recommend it to anyone having a baby in this country. The high rate of cesarean sections in the US compared to the rest of the western world (despite the dangers), the sharp decline of midwifery (and the reasons behind it), the mortality rate statistics… it’s an eye-opener.
I was actually at Cassi and Riche’s baby shower sunday night, and was astonished to find out that she and Rich wont watch anything about giving birth unless it was a required part of birthing class. She is due on April 8, and is scared to see what can happen. I think it is an important part of having a child to be prepared for any option, and if you understand what is happening, then most likely it will be less of a shock if it has to happen. But to each their own. I think it is great that you guys are ready and willing to look into giving birth more intensely than just taking what the teachers tell you for granted. Kudo’s to you both!
We’ve seen a few neat things in our travels: this documentary, National Geographic’s In the Womb, Lennart Nilsson’s Life. I’ll cut short my mini-rant, but I think the film is good at providing mothers-to-be with some pertinent information.