Maternity Care

The Business of Being Born

Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business.

Compelled to explore the subject after the delivery of her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to question the way American women have babies.

The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal.

Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?

More on Maternity Care

Testimonials

I suffered from lower-back and hip pain for at least two years. The pain had become so intense that I was unable to do the things I enjoyed as well as common, everyday chores. I was taking six to eight ibuprofen a day to be relieved from the pain. I was referred by my medical doctor to two therapists for a total of 36 weeks of therapy. After ultrasound, heat treatments, ice therapy, exercises, and manipulation therapy, I still had to take the ibuprofen after exercising. Additionally, I was unable to work in my garden for any length of time without having to lie down afterwards. I could not walk or hike any longer, and I was not able to snowshoe for several years. Then my friend told me how Dr. Coberly had helped her, so I scheduled an exam. Though I was impressed Dr. Guy and the results that he showed me, I waited another month before trying it. By this time, I was having difficulty walking up and down the stairs in my own home. After only three weeks, I have quit taking the ibuprofen almost totally and now take it once a week only if I have done a lot of work. I have resumed a 45-minute walk two to three times a week. Not only can I vacuum most of my house without pain, but I have taken a part-time job besides! So I have improved greatly thanks to Dr. Coberly. Read more.

Linda B.