The birth of a new child is an exciting event. Documentaries involving births can capture the excitement and drama involved in the process, but they can also offer unique perspectives to future parents and their families. Check out these documentaries focusing on births.
“Birth Story” (2012)
Tells the story of counterculture heroine Ina May Gaskin and her spirited friends, who began delivering each other’s babies in 1970s. The film not only captures the unique sisterhood at their rural Tennessee Farm Clinic — from its heyday into the present — but shows childbirth the way most people have never seen it — unadorned, unabashed, and awe-inspiring.
“More Business of Being Born” (2012)
Executive Producer Ricki Lake and Filmmaker Abby Epstein follow their first documentary with an all-new, four part DVD series that continues their provocative and entertaining exploration of the modern maternity care system. The series offers a practical look at birthing options as well as poignant celebrity birth stories.
“All My Babies” (1953)
This beautiful film is the story of “Miss Mary” Coley, an African-American midwife more than half a century ago in rural Georgia. Conceived as a demonstration film for illiterate “granny” midwives, this film quickly transcended its initial purpose. It was used around the world by UNESCO and has become an enduring classic of non-fiction film.
If you’re an expecting parent, don’t forget to check out our parenting resource guide which features many community and library resources.
