The business of being born [videorecording] / Red Envelope Entertainment ; directed by Abby Epstein ; produced by Amy Slotnick, Paulo Netto, Abby Epstein ; executive producer, Ricki Lake ; Ample Productions & Barranca Productions.
With Ricki Lake & Abby Epstein. Originally produced as a motion picture in 2007. Special features: 10 additional scenes; trailer (3 min.).
Contents:
Maternity care in the U.S. -- Midwives -- Business takes over -- A life altering experience -- Giving the power back -- The twilight sleep era -- Too posh to push -- My terms -- Homebirths -- What's the agenda? -- Bliss and pain -- The birthing process - Abby and Paulo -- Passion projects -- End credits.
Summary:
"Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business. Compelled to explore the subject after the delivery of her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to question the way American women have babies. The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal. Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?" -- Official website.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.