Extra Credit

One Born Every Minute portrays the traditional type of childbirth associated with America. In the assigned episode, three mothers went through the “conventional” form of birth in America. The Business of Being Born, showcased the “other” form of birthing that has become stigmatized. In the film, doctors, expectant mothers, midwives, and husbands conveyed what home births and midwifery really is.  

The movie showed that midwives trust women’s bodies. The women were seen as able creatures that were meant to bear and overcome the pain of childbirth. The supporters of home births and midwives clung to the fact that in most areas of the world midwives are used. They feel that home births allow the mother and the newborn child to share a bond that does not necessarily happen in a hospital setting where drugs are administered (Petocin and epidurals). In the episode, Christian received a desired epidural. However, when previously administered an epidural, it only worked on half of her body. The nurse knew of Christian’s previous history with epidurals and said that at half of the body is better than nothing. Even though Christian was present for the birth, her epidural, in effect, could have robbed her from the process.

In the movie, the mother and the child were taken into equal consideration. The midwives and doctors believed that it was beneficial to have home births where the mother could move and be free from harmful medications. In the episode, the mother and the child appeared to be given equal consideration, but in the wrong ways. Christian was given an epidural to numb her pain and essentially her birthing experience and her child was vacuumed out of the womb. However, when the doctor was rushing to remove the baby, the mother was told only to push while she shouted in pain. However, the medical staff would not wait for Nicole to deliver and performed a C-section; this makes the doctors and nurses’ schedules look more important than the process.

The film portrayed every person involved as knowledgeable. The future mothers and fathers discussed and educated themselves on home births. The midwives had been extensively trained and understood that hospitals might be necessary for some births, but not all. Most importantly, the midwives had a rapport with their patients. In the episode, the doctors were seen as intelligent and the nurses came across ditzy at times. Even so, all three women went with their advice. However, Nicole’s mother did not get along with her daughter’s nurse and this could be attributed to the switching out of nurses.

            In the film and the episode, the women were strong. The episode featured two husbands who praised the strength of their wives. On the other hand, the film showed how the husbands were more in tune with what was going on and were very present, as opposed to standing on the side of the bed and uttering, “Push.”

            The birthing process in the film is seen as something to be revered and is also peaceful. The women were comfortable in their surroundings and had family members who took part in the birth and were not bystanders. The episode made birth seem so traumatic for women. The men were reduced to sitting on the sidelines and cheering on their wives and worrying.

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