the business of being born (episode guide)

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Sep 26 12:00 AM posted by Team Ricki

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Ricki On Business of Being Born

Throughout my journey to motherhood, I learned a lot about the way we view childbirth in this country. So I, along with my partner Abby Epstein, created a documentary film called, "The Business of Being Born." It's one of the greatest things I've done, besides having my children. I set out to make this film that I wish I had seen before having my first son. But clearly, not everyone agreed with my motives. So today we’re having a healthy discussion about birth choices.I hope women will feel more informed when it comes to birthing options—in the end, it’s all about making the decisions that are best for mom and her baby. Let us know what you think! -- Ricki

Guests:

Abby Epstein, director of The Business of Being Born and More Business of Being Born

Dr. Jacques Moritz, OB/Gyn

Dr. Jim Byrne, OB/Gyn and member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Patient Safety Committee joins the panel to share the risks of home birth.

Dr. Stuart Fischbein, OB/Gyn, The Sanctuary Birth & Family Wellness Center. Dr. Fischbein is a proponent of women's choice for childbirth.

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, OB/Gyn

Lorri Walker, Certified Nurse Midwife and owner/director of South Coast Midwifery in Irvine, California. 

Ina May Gaskin, founder/director of The Farm, hailed as “the mother of all midwives” [Click here for more on Ina May Gaskin]

Cara Mulhahn, certified nurse midwife

Ana Paula Markel, doula/child birth educator and founder of Bini Birth.

Plus, meet a mom whose home birth was captured on camera for The Business of Being Born. And meet her baby girl, one of the stars of the film!

The controversy:

While The Business of Being Born opened up the lines of communication between patients and doctors, Ricki and Abby recall the day they realized they hit a nerve.

"We weren’t sure what to expect when our film was first screened at the Tribeca Film Festival. To our surprise, our little movie was well received. But nothing could prepare us for the backlash that would soon follow."

Excerpt from a statement made by The American Medical Association in 2008.

"Childbirth decisions should not be dictated or influenced by what's fashionable, trendy, or the latest cause célèbre. There has been much attention in the media by celebrities having home deliveries, with recent Today Show headings such as 'Ricki Lake Takes on Baby Birthing Industry: actress and former talk show host shares her at-home delivery in new film.' [It is] resolved, that our AMA develop model legislation in support of the concept that the safest setting for labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period is in the hospital."

Abby and I weren't the only ones being scrutinized, some medical professionals were also caught in the crossfire. Renowned New York OB/Gyn Dr. Jacques Moritz shares his experience of being booed and chased by nurses when The Business of Being Born was screened at his hospital. 

Is a home birth a possibility for you? We want to hear your thoughts!

The information:

FACT: In the U.S., 99% of women will give birth in a hospital.

Today's episode answers common questions:

How can a mother-to-be have the best birth at a hospital?

How can women ensure their best birth at a birth center? 

But what does that mean and what's the difference between a doula and midwife?

What are common myths about midwives?

Has today's episode changed the way you see childbirth? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Then, meet Emma. She was overjoyed when she found out she was pregnant, until her life took a tragic turn. The love of her life, and father of her baby, was killed suddenly in a motorcycle accident. Ricki and her panel reach out to help Emma through the rest of her pregnancy and childbirth.

• Petit Tresor provides Emma with a generous gift of baby furniture and necessities to make her transition to motherhood a little bit smoother.

• Ana Paula of Bini Birth will help Emma find a doula in her area to help her through her pregnancy.

• South Coast Midwifery and Women’s Health Care will provide services to ensure a successful delivery at their center or at Emma's home.

For more on The Business of Being Born and More Business Being Born, visit TheBusinessofBeingBorn.com