The Business Of Being Born (2008)

Full of surprises, including shocking stats about the high rate of infant mortality in America, prevalence and high cost of Cesarean deliveries and contextual presentation of Ricki Lake's home video of the delivery of her child.

an effective glimpse into the need for personal research, and a solid argument for making informed choices.

Not a lot new about the U.S. obstetrics industry, but despite its faults, its arguments are worth bringing to a new generation of health providers and expectant parents.

This movie really made me realize how cold and impersonal the hospital births really are. If I ever had another kid (first I need to find someone to sleep with me again) I would make my significant other watch this movie.

Important viewing for anyone contemplating a birth plan.

Interviews with the mothers and footage of the birth process combine to offer intimate portraits of women preparing for and experiencing this natural phenomenon that has become increasingly mechanized.

Contending that America's mothers would be far better off if deliveries were taken out of the hands of obstetricians and hospitals, director/producer Abby Epstein and executive producer Ricki Lake will push buttons, but they won't jab them.