The KInd Life Community Forum

So I don't have any kids, and might not ever have any since I've only got about 10 years left!, but I had to watch this documentary because I love learning about all things relating to women, our rights, and especially our health.

Has anyone seen this? It is simply amazing and a must-see. I had actually considered becoming a midwife for a while because I think so much has been taken away from us when it comes to our bodies. If this film doesn't move you and make you question, then nothing will. While I was familiar with some info, like rising c-sections and things like that, other information, especially the evolution of birthing in the U.S. in the past century, was completely new to me. Even my boyfriend was glued to the screen for this one.

The possible long-term ramifications, for mother/child and society as a whole, of having what I would call 'removed' births are astounding.

Anyone seen it? Comments to share??

I saw part of this movie before heading off to work for the day, then found it online to watch the rest. DEF a movie anyone considering children should see! VERY informative! I was shocked at the methods people have used to avoid the pain of childbirth! I have always considered the midwife my 1st choice, but I've never been more sure after seeing this movie...

Yes, I've watched this film too and thought it just brilliant. I'm from Northern Ireland but was living in the States when I watched it - at the time we thought we'd be staying longer and therefore our children would be born here so I was very interested. I was horrified at the mainstream attitudes towards Midwives. It is the norm to have a Midwife assigned to you in the UK - for all its faults the NHS has some good aspects to it. The fact that these women had to go out of their way to find a Midwife etc. is just ludicrous. In fact, I watched a programme about teenage births in England and one of the teenage mothers wanted to have a homebirth (it was a waterbirth too) and it was no big deal. I have to say I'm glad that I'll be giving birth in a system which supports the Mothers and aren't just out to make a quick buck.

I saw this movie and thought it was great! I think Ricki Lake really makes some great points. I had a hospital birth, and I know it was an uphill battle for me on certain things (no episiotomy, no drugs, no induction). I had actually wanted a hospital birth (I had a fibroid that had to be monitored throughout the pregnancy), but in a birthing center with a more natural home-like setting, where I could choose birthing positions, etc. But there was nothing like that near me. After seeing this movie, I feel like I am very lucky with how my hospital birth turned out. It's almost like there's a big conspiracy to limit our choices and make it as expensive as possible. It's really not unlike veganism in that sense, I just think there's a lot of misinformation out there.

I just watched this about a month ago and I, too, found it shocking. Just as I think healthy food should be made affordable, I also think that birthing options should be made affordable as well. It makes me want to do something about it! Every woman should be able to have the support and choices that the women profiled in this documentary had. Three cheers for the midwives, they are doing a great thing!