THE Birth Story

There are a few documentaries out there about natural childbirth and the decline in America's maternal healthcare. They each have something different to offer as the writers all have slightly different intentions behind their voices. Even though I don't always agree with what's being said, I appreciate that people are working hard to bring attention to such an important issue through film. That said, I am so excited about Birth Story, a new film documenting Ina May Gaskin and other midwives on The Farm. 

Ina May's story is crazy, but it's empowering. I do not think every woman should have their baby at home, or even yet, on The Farm. BUT, I do think the mystery and beauty of birth has been stripped away by most hospital settings and medical professionals. Fear is what drives women, doctors and nurses to make decisions about their births and that is a sad and dangerous thing. Women are beginning to take back what is rightfully theirs-the choice to birth the way God intended it. It's just sad that in most cases, this has to become a fight. I am excited to see how Birth Story will impact women all over America.

Please watch the above clip (which includes the trailer) and consider pledging whatever you can to help make this movie a success.

"Anything you can give will help us birth this film—it’s an exciting time for independent documentaries and also a challenging one—funding sources have dried up and the market is harder than ever, especially for women-centered films. But we believe the time is right to present a movie that celebrates women and their bodies, that honors what we can accomplish when we work together in community, and that shows childbirth the way we never see it in the mainstream media—unadorned, unabashed, and awe-inspiring."

--Sara Lamm and Mary Wigmore, Birth Story Filmmakers 

On another note, a client (and dear friend!) delivered her second child last night. I'm feeling kind of sentimental, which you should know is rare. This particular client/friend's first birth story is the reason I finally jumped all in and got trained as a doula. I remember driving home from her first birth just 15 months ago and making the conscious decision to finally stop talking about it and become a doula.  I am so grateful for her courage and willingness to face the unknowns of childbirth again and couldn't be more proud of her as a fierce laborer and tender mother. The more I work with expectant mothers, the more I am convinced that this is what I was born to do.