Film Review - Laboring Under an Illusion: Mass Media Childbirth vs. The Real Thing

Laboring Under an Illusion: Mass Media Childbirth vs. The Real Thing
Filmmaker: Vicki Elson
50 minutes, $19.95 (orders of 5 of more are $13.95 each) for any use except broadcast
www.birth-media.com


Laboring under an Illusion explores the way in which birth attitudes and expectations are shaped largely through exposure to mainstream media depictions of childbirth. Filmmaker Vicki Elson, anthropologist and childbirth educator, has created a striking documentary contrasting media portrayals of childbirth with real clips and commentary on actual births.


As an educator, I frequently reference how preconceived ideas and birth beliefs subconsciously help or hinder how a birth will progress. The film eloquently provides 50 minutes of supporting material to illustrate that exact point.


I previewed the film alone and then watched it again with my two daughters, ages 7 and 5. As each set of clips were shown, my daughters would shout "fake" at each media-generated depiction of birth, clearly rejecting the concept that birth must progress like it does in the movies. Because of some strong language in the media clips, I recommend previewing it first before deciding to share it with your children.


The film contrasts media-generated portrayals of childbirth from well-known sitcoms such as I Love Lucy, Murphy Brown, Mad About You, Northern Exposure, and Friends, movie clips such as Juno, Coneheads, Knocked Up and Nine Months, as well as more "reality-based" clips from Discovery Health to actual clips of births from films such as Birth as We Know It, The Business of Being Born, and Orgasmic Birth.


At some points in the film, the filmmaker highlights issues raised in the film, such as the fact that some media portrayals are so far-removed from birth reality that babies are born minus umbilical cords. It also contains brief narration from mothers about birth. For the birth-junkie viewer, this additional explanation isn't critical, but it's quite useful for less birth-savvy viewers or use in childbirth education classes.


Laboring Under an Illusion strikes the perfect balance between entertainment and education. It is appropriate for consumers as well as childbirth educators, doulas, midwives and other birth professionals. Invest in a copy available at www.birth-media.com

Screening of New Documentary: Birth

Some time ago, I posted about filmmaker Kathryn Mora and her forthcoming documentary entitled "BIRTH".

Kathryn contacted me to announce that the film is complete and a screening has been scheduled. I encourage everyone to attend. Details are available below:

ANNOUNCEMENT
You are all invited to the premiere screening the documentary, BIRTH on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 7 p.m.

BIRTH, explores the benefits of natural childbirth and the dangers mothers and babies face in today’s high-tech and drug-filled maternity care environment. The mothers in the film who gave birth with drugs and medical intervention and without, compare their experiences. In addition, childbirth experts give valuable information and enlightening insights about birth. When a woman considers childbirth, education will help replace her fears with confidence and empowerment. This documentary will interest everyone because childbirth affects us all in one way or another.

The screening will be held at:
Center For Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University
274 Moody Street Studio C
Waltham, MA 02453
781-209-1700

For questions, please contact filmmaker Kathryn Mora at 518-867-7100 or via email kathrynmora@gmail.com.

Directions
From Points North/South to the CDIA Waltham Campus (274 Moody Street, Waltham, MA.)
Take Route 128/I-95 to Exit 26 (Route 20). Follow Route 20 East for 2 miles. Turn right onto Moody Street. CDIA is located 1/4 mile down on the left.

From Points East/West
Take the Mass Pike to exit 14 (Route 128/I-95). Take Route 128/I-95 to Exit 26 (Route 20). Follow Route 20 East for 2 miles. Turn right onto Moody Street. CDIA is located 1/4 mile down on the left.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Train: Fitchburg (Fitchburg Line) commuter rail to Central Square Waltham - CDIA is located two blocks up on Moody Street.
Bus: Oak Park - Dudley via Central Sq bus #170 or Cedarwood bus #70/70A

PARKING
There are two public parking lots within a short walking distance of CDIA. The Embassy Parking Lot is located two blocks down Pine Street behind the Embassy Landmark movie theatre and is located one block away from CDIA. The Crescent Street Lot is another option, located on Crescent Street between Moody and Adams. In both cases look for the parking signs when you reach Moody street.

Upcoming Special on Out-of-Hospital Birth

I received the query below for an upcoming special on out-of-hospital birth. If you can help or know someone who would be interested in sharing their story, please spread the word:


My name is Zach Marion and I work at Video Arts Studios in Fargo, ND. We produced the series House of Babies for the Discovery Health Network. Under the guidance of master midwife, Sheri Daniels, at the Miami Maternity Center, the show follows couples during their pregnancy and ends with the delivery of their baby. It was very instrumental in raising awareness about non-clinical birthing practices on a national level.



Recently we have been approached to create a one-hour special on unique birthing practices worldwide. We are looking for families that would like to share their story on camera from pregnancy to delivery. Ideal candidates are expecting mothers due in and around early January that are planning to give birth outside of a clinic or birth center. This includes home births and beyond. The point of the show is to raise awareness about the alternative birthing options in the U.S. with the help of a midwife. Hopefully, the special creates a healthy dialogue among midwives, doctors, to-be parents, and the general public. Stories that are of particular interest are those that include interesting traditions during pregnancy and unique backdrops during delivery. For example, a Hindu family that wants to deliver outside or a family of hippies that are pursuing a home birth in a tent.



As you can imagine, access is usually the greatest struggle. Our presence at the birth goes nearly unnoticed. This unobtrusive nature was learned through experience gained while producing 26 episodes of House of Babies.

Do any clients spring to mind that might want to be a part of this project? Any and all contact leads are much appreciated. Feel free to contact me by phone with inquiries or information. I am available during weekdays between 8 and 5 CST. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Zach Marion
Video Arts Studios
1440 4th Avenue North
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 232-3393
zach@videoartsstudios.com

New Documentary On Natural Childbirth

Kathryn Mora, a documentary filmmaker, recently contacted me regarding a project she is currently filming on natural childbirth. These are exciting times in the birthing world. The sudden influx of mainstream media coverage on natural childbirth and the benefits of evidence-based maternity care are increasing public awareness of the failings of our current system.


A synopsis of her project, as well as a request, is detailed below:


Kathryn Mora
77 Brown Street Apt 1
Waltham, MA 02453
518-867-7100 cell


IMAGES AND FOOTAGE NEEDED FOR DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT CHILDBIRTH

I am journalist and a new filmmaker making a documentary film about how doctors, hospitals, drug and insurance companies have turned the natural event of childbirth into a hi-tech, money making BIG business for their own personal and financial gain with little regard for the well-being of women and their babies.

I would greatly appreciate any still images and footage of the following:

1. a full-term pregnant woman
2, a mother and her baby breast feeding alone and with family
3. a labor and birth at home
4. a labor and birth at the hospital, with and without drugs.

Kathryn Mora
77 Brown Street Apt 1
Waltham, MA 02453
518-867-7100 cell
kathrynmora@gmail.com.


FEATURE ARTICLE
A feature article entitled, "CESAREAN NATIONS", about VBACS written for Metroland newspaper in Albany, New York, June 6, 2002 at www.metroland.net (located under back issues). This article deals with how hospitals stopped allowing women to give birth vaginally after they had a cesarean.



If anyone can aid her with this project, please use her contact information above to reach her. Remember, every little ripple we create can lead to big waves in the tide of our maternity care system. You never know how much your contribution can help unless you make it.