In the documentary, The Business of Being Born, there are two methods of birth that are being compared and contrasted, including home births and hospital births. Throughout the film, the director Abby Epstein and executive producer Ricki Lake are implying that the cost of comprehensive trust in technology available in the hospital setting is reflected in the United States infant-mortality and maternal-mortality rates. According to the film, the newborn death rate for the United States is the second worst in the world (Epstein, Lake, & New Line Home Entertainment, 2008). The film reinforces a cultural disrespect towards normal home childbirth as a causative factor. Fascinatingly, the film highlights how the American maternity system has fallen
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This was quite different than the experience she had delivering her first child. She felt as though she had experienced unnecessary medical interventions with her first child while delivering at a hospital birthing center. She felt that being able to deliver on her “own terms” was empowering and provided a life-changing experience, which influenced her decision to provide every woman with the knowledge of what they could be missing during their own childbirth experience. Thus, when she coordinated with the producer, Abby Epstein, they both felt that investigating the birth culture in America would be a creative project and opportunity to shed some light on the subject. Unfortunately, for most people, the thought of giving birth outside a hospital setting or clinic is unimaginable. Not only does it seem hazardous, but the risks seem to outweigh the benefits. Sadly, most people do not understand why any parent or couple would choose to limit the newborn’s access to technology in case of an unexpected emergency. To be clear, the film does not promote the use of home birth; it simply emphasizes that parents need to be well-informed of their options and given the chance to make an educated decision. At one point in the film, the producer makes a comment regarding the commercialization of births and that it should remain more of an individualized …show more content…
In the past, Cesarean sections were used as a final option in the case of emergency, but they have become so commonplace because of their proficiency and amount of time. Several physicians in the film point out that a Cesarean section is a major surgical procedure that should not be taken lightly (Epstein, Lake, & New Line Home Entertainment, 2008). An initial Cesarean section will pose few risks to the mother, but subsequent sections will increase the risk of severe complications. Giving birth is an expensive process, but Cesarean sections are even more costly than a normal vaginal birth. One midwife in the film stated that she only charges $4,000 for all her labor costs, while a Cesarean section can cost almost $15,000 (Epstein, Lake, & New Line Home Entertainment, 2008). Furthermore, midwives in the film believed that if women were allowed to ambulate, deliver in a squatting position, and could avoid interventions, such as fetal monitoring and epidurals, then Cesarean sections could be avoided (Epstein, Lake, & New Line Home Entertainment,
This was quite different than the experience she had delivering her first child. She felt as though she had experienced unnecessary medical interventions with her first child while delivering at a hospital birthing center. She felt that being able to deliver on her “own terms” was empowering and provided a life-changing experience, which influenced her decision to provide every woman with the knowledge of what they could be missing during their own childbirth experience. Thus, when she coordinated with the producer, Abby Epstein, they both felt that investigating the birth culture in America would be a creative project and opportunity to shed some light on the subject. Unfortunately, for most people, the thought of giving birth outside a hospital setting or clinic is unimaginable. Not only does it seem hazardous, but the risks seem to outweigh the benefits. Sadly, most people do not understand why any parent or couple would choose to limit the newborn’s access to technology in case of an unexpected emergency. To be clear, the film does not promote the use of home birth; it simply emphasizes that parents need to be well-informed of their options and given the chance to make an educated decision. At one point in the film, the producer makes a comment regarding the commercialization of births and that it should remain more of an individualized …show more content…
In the past, Cesarean sections were used as a final option in the case of emergency, but they have become so commonplace because of their proficiency and amount of time. Several physicians in the film point out that a Cesarean section is a major surgical procedure that should not be taken lightly (Epstein, Lake, & New Line Home Entertainment, 2008). An initial Cesarean section will pose few risks to the mother, but subsequent sections will increase the risk of severe complications. Giving birth is an expensive process, but Cesarean sections are even more costly than a normal vaginal birth. One midwife in the film stated that she only charges $4,000 for all her labor costs, while a Cesarean section can cost almost $15,000 (Epstein, Lake, & New Line Home Entertainment, 2008). Furthermore, midwives in the film believed that if women were allowed to ambulate, deliver in a squatting position, and could avoid interventions, such as fetal monitoring and epidurals, then Cesarean sections could be avoided (Epstein, Lake, & New Line Home Entertainment,