A spiritual and uplifting 'Birth Story'

“How do we get so afraid of birth”, declares Ina May Gaskin in the opening of ‘Birth Story’ a documentary that will certainly make audiences reflect, even rethink, about child birth.

Filmmakers Sara Lamm and Mary Wigmore narrate the trailblazing story of Ina May Gaskin and company – midwives and other kindred friends – that changed the conventional aspects of birth. Through candid interviews, personal anecdotes and recorded footage the audience is immersed into the beginning of a unique community that brought back midwifery into the standards of every day society.

What might have been seen as a "hippie" ideology of the 1970’s became an alternative to women from the mandatory options of forceps delivery and C-section surgery. ‘Birth Story' does not criticize either practice as Ina May reveals, “at times it might be needed”. As a woman, mother, and midwife she speaks intelligently about the nature of childbirth – the preparation, anticipation and fascination of life.

The film is a celebration of midwifery – a recognized profession for many years – that embodies more than just positive and spiritual energy but a safe haven (and clinical too!) to expecting mothers. The recorded labor sessions in the film are not for the faint of heart and prove that giving birth should be considered an act of valor. As a man, I’m awe-inspired by the strength and conviction that Ina May and company show from beginning to end.

‘Birth Story’ is a compelling and breathtaking point of view on childbirth – attitudes and ideas on the topic might be different after experiencing the uniqueness of such a candid and heartwarming film.

‘Birth Story’ opens today at the IFC Center. For more information visit the official site