Ricki Lake shares homebirth experience in new documentary

A candid and eye-opening documentary, in which director Abby Epstein and producer Ricki Lake explore and question the way American women have babies. Shocking facts (to men and women alike) regarding the historical and current practices of the child birthing industry interweave with stories of couples who decide to give birth on their own terms,

Ricki decided to include her personal home video of herself giving birth to her second child, Owen, 5, nude in a bathtub. Ricki says the filming of her birth wasn't initially intended for the public, but she hopes it will serve to empower and educate women. When recently being interviewed by The Huffington Post about her reasons behind the film, Ricki said:

[I wanted to document] two very different birth experiences with my children. [Older son Milo's birth failed to progress after 36 hours and Ricki felt like she had 'been delivered' instead of giving birth.] I felt like I had an opportunity to explore and question birthing practices in this country and perhaps be an advocate for mothers' rights and better maternity care.

After the birth of my sons, particularly my home birth with my second son, I thought I wanted to become a midwife. Then I looked at all the years of schooling and training that I would have to do and felt that the time could be better spent doing a documentary on the subject of birth.

When asked how explicit the film is, Ricki answered:

I am naked at 195 pounds giving birth in my own bathtub. It can't get any more intimate than that!

Ricki also has an older son named Milo who is 9 years old. Her film will be featured at the Tribeca Flim Festival later this month.

Source: The Huffington Post

Thanks to CBB reader Tanisha.

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