Empowered Birth: Understanding the Business of Being Born

Empowered Birth: Understanding the Business of Being Born

Giving birth is a life-changing experience. It is a time of intense emotions and anticipation. For many, it can also be a time of confusion, fear, and uncertainty. Pregnancy and childbirth are often seen as medical events, and we are taught to rely on doctors and hospitals to guide us through the process. But birth is a natural, normal event, and it is time we reclaim it as such.

Enter the concept of Empowered Birth. Empowered Birth is a term used to describe the idea that childbirth is a normal, natural event that can be celebrated and enjoyed. It is a concept that emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, personal autonomy, and the mother’s ability to make choices that are best for her and her baby.

Empowered Birth takes a more holistic approach to childbirth, recognizing that it involves not just the physical act of giving birth but the emotional and psychological aspects as well. It seeks to create an environment in which the mother feels supported, respected, and empowered to make the best decisions for herself and her baby. This may mean choosing a home birth, hiring a midwife, using a birthing center, or opting for a hospital birth with minimal intervention.

The Business of Being Born is a documentary that explores the concept of Empowered Birth and challenges the prevailing view that birth is a medical event. Produced by Ricki Lake and directed by Abby Epstein, the film shines a light on the issues surrounding childbirth, including the high rate of medical intervention and the lack of informed consent and choice given to women.

The film features interviews with midwives, obstetricians, doulas, and mothers who have had a variety of birth experiences. It presents a compelling case for why we need to rethink our approach to childbirth, and it encourages women to take an active role in their own birth experience.

One of the key messages of The Business of Being Born is the importance of informed decision-making. The film argues that women need to be educated about their options and have access to unbiased information to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. This means understanding the risks and benefits of different interventions, and being aware of the potential consequences of choosing one path over another.

Another important aspect of Empowered Birth is the need for women to feel supported and respected during the birth process. This means having a birth team that includes a midwife, doula, or other supportive professionals. It also means having a birth environment that is comfortable and familiar, with the freedom to move and change positions as needed.

Empowered Birth is a philosophy that recognizes the transformative power of childbirth. It seeks to empower women to take control of their birth experience, to make informed decisions, and to create a supportive environment that honors their choices and respects their autonomy. By promoting Empowered Birth, we can create a world in which every mother has the opportunity to have a positive, satisfying birth experience.