Recently the organization called Birth Matters Virginia sponsored a video contest highlighting natural childbirth.  All of the entries can be found on You Tube by searching for the keywords “Birth Matters Virginia.”  You can also find links to many of the entries  here.  I think they are a fabulous resource for all women, especially women who are currently pregnant and are preparing and planning for their upcoming birth.

My faves: 

  • The Nature of Natural Birth – I love this one because we get to see how beautiful and intimate birth can be.  This mother gets great support from her husband, midwife,  and doula.  No matter how many times I watch this one, I tear up.  If you want to be inspired, check this out.
  • Prevent Cesarean Surgery -  This video is completely different than the first as it highlights a very different reality and aspect of our birth culture today – the Cesarean Epidemic.  You get to hear firsthand from mothers who have had cesareans and some of the unintended consequences they endured as a result of their surgery.  I love this video because it outlines steps families can take to prevent unnecessary Cesareans.
  • Home Birth of Judah Darwin -  I have always loved this video.  I love this couple’s story.  I love how we get to see a woman working really hard in labor, yet she describes it in her subtitles as “intense and strong and amazing.”  She also gets amazing support from her midwife and doula and husband.  At one point we see her getting the double hip squeeze and later hear her getting coached to focus the intensity on moving the baby down.  Amazing support.  So many women’s birth are sabotaged for lack of excellent emotional support, so I love it when I see and hear stories of women being tuly supported throughout their births.  Women are increibly strong during birth, yet we are also incredibly vulnerable as well – making great support essential.

So I could write so much more about all of the great videos submitted in this contest,, but I’ll leave it to you to comment on your faves and why. . .