The Business Of Being Born (DVD, 2008)

I loved this movie. It's incredibly informative and will open your eyes to the realities of child birth. it is not something to be feared but something to be experienced as part of the natural process. Ever since my husband and i watched this movie we have been looking forward to the birth process. EVERY PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD DO HERSELF AND HER BABY A FAVOR AND WATCH THIS MOVIE.

As a young woman from Alabama where midwifery is ILLEGAL, this documentary is life changing. I am enraged by my lack of options, and this wonderful piece of work has moved me to plan for my children's births in a neighboring state. Just to think...I can CHOOSE to go into any local "women's clinic" and legally commit nothing short of homicide, but I can't CHOOSE to have a perfectly capable midwife assist in the SAFE birth of my child. Something is wrong - very wrong.

I was fortunate to see a screening of this movie before it was released for sale and loved it. I think it's a accurate portrayal of hospital and home birth.

As a doula and student midwife, I think every man and woman planning to have children should see this movie. Be informed!

Even if you are not a fan of the natural childbirth/homebirth movement, you will learn a lot from this film about problems with childbirth in today's American hospitals. I gained a new respect for those who elect a homebirth and have a better understanding of what it means to have a homebirth attended by a skilled midwife. It is really interesting to see the homebirths in the film, which, unexpectedly, take place in urban New York City and not somewhere in rural America. The film has a definite point of view which sometimes can come across as anti-medicine, but if one is willing to look past some of the more radical viewpoints, there is a lot of insight to be gained about how to improve all births, both at home and in hospitals.

This movie is an eye-opener! If you watch only one movie your entire pregnancy, make it this one and watch it with your partner. I had a bad experience with my hospital birth and I so wish I'd seen this movie before my daughter was born. Even if you are dead set on a hospital birth, watch this as a beginning of your education in what interventions your doctor may suggest for you and your baby. You need to know the ropes so you can take charge of your own care!

Everyone should see this movie! I am sharing it with all of my friends and family. Riki Lake did a fantastic job with getting this movie into the eyes of the public. I can't wait for it to be shown on tv!

It is just an Amazing movie!!! it is something every woman and most men should see!!! it is very informative and real! Birth in the USA is mostly about money...hopefully after this women will see that they have a choice!!

This is a MUST SEE for every pregnant women! A fantastic expose of the status of birthing in the USA which is NOT empowering to women or safe for the health of mothers and babies. Information and motivation to take charge of your health and the health of your soon to be newborn. As a registered nurse, I have attended births using both the "standard" approach to birthing and the alternate presented in this film - go for it ladies (and supportive gentlemen)-get your eyes opened!!!!

This is a very well done documentary that every pregnant woman or any woman thinking of one day being pregnant in America should see. It is candid and honest and the truth about the money making business doctors and hospitals have made birth in America into.

This movie was an excellent view of standard birth approaches in the U.S. and how they differ from those of other industrialized nations (and as a result we have the second highest infant mortality rate of those nations). Although the movie has a clear bias towards natural/home birth, it does a good job of presenting the views of the traditional medical community.

I had already decided on a home birth before seeing this movie, but it solidified my decision and also helped me to win the support of my mother who was skeptical of home birth and left the screening we went to convinced that I was much safer giving birth at home with a qualified midwife.

The documentary is excellent! It shows another birth option that is available. It does an excellent job showing the safety of homebirth for the low risk woman, how abnormal natural childbirth is today, and the importance of being an informed consumer when it comes to your birth. I have experienced a homebirth and am so thankful I did. I had an awesome experience that was also empowering to me. So few women take responsibility for their birth and instead fully rely on the opinions of others rather then educating themselves about birth and their bodies. I would highly recommend that everyone watch this...especially those of childbearing years and their husbands/partners...and educate yourself as to your options.

I watched this on-emand 2 twice before I decided I had to own a copy. Anyone interested in birth, natural childbirth, motherhood, or womanhood would love this! A touching documentary of women giving birth. Amazing that they would allow us to share in such an intimate time -especially since most were home births. If you are thinkning of having children you should see this movie -I learned alot and I'm sure you will too.

This documentary also solidified my decision to persue a career in natural childbirth -I can't wait to share this with all of my friends and family.

This movie should be seen by every expecting parent! I do not have enough kind words about this awesome film. I truly believe that every birth is a miracle. We, as a society, need to reclaim the ability to give birth naturally. Please rent, buy, borrow (don't steal :) this movie. Kudos Abby & Ricki!

Great documentary!!!!I'm grow up in Brazil and I was suprise How different is dentist,doctor and medical procedure here.This movie relate to my point of view.I Really like the movie and will always look for a nature way to live.

I'M AN STUDYING TO BE A MIDWIVE SO THE FACTS IN THIS VIDEO ARE SO ALARMING! IT HOLDS MY INTEREST FROM THE FIRST MOMEMT. THE ONLY DOWNSIDE IS IT ENDED WAY TO SOON! I LOVE THE REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE AND THE CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE WOMENS LIVES. A MUST SEE FOR ANY EXPECTING MOTHER OR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL!

I am a childbirth educator, and this video was a must have. Of course, the facts are shaded just enough to make you believe that a natural un-medicated birth is barely possible in a hospital, but they are still the facts.

They clearly show how the USA has taken birth away from mothers and put it into the hands of the doctors.

One main thing I didn't like about the movie was that they don't throughly explain the C-section at the end. Be sure to watch the extras because it is explained in there.

I love what this movie stands for. Great information and every person in the world needs to see this movie so that changes can happen.