A good pregnancy documentary offers an eye-opening view of pregnancy, birth, and babies<\/strong>. \u00a0These birth documentaries show you options and highlight how maternity care works for real women worldwide. \u00a0<\/p>\n Filled with personal stories, delivery scenes, and commentary from medical experts, midwives, and birth workers<\/strong>, these films may completely change how you look at having a baby! \u00a0<\/p>\n While each mother is unique and you need to choose the right birth for you, bring an open mind to each film – you’ll have a much greater understanding of pregnancy, natural birth<\/a>, and breastfeeding!<\/p>\n I’ve put my top three choices first, then listed other popular picks in no particular order. \u00a0Grab a snack and a notebook, then settle in to binge-watch some eye-opening movies!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Important Note: If you have access to a university or college library online, many of the documentaries are likely available streaming. Check your local library\u2019s film databases, too!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Stream from Filmmaker:<\/strong> \u201cBirth is not a social event, it\u2019s a mystery in action\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n Though this film is older now, it\u2019s an absolutely must-see. \u00a0It’s my favorite birth documentary!<\/strong> \u00a0Many movies provide information on what natural birth is, or on the latest scientific research on pregnancy and birth.<\/p>\n Birth as We Know It<\/em>, however, highlights the journey of pregnancy and birth and how to navigate that. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The film walks you through the emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of preparing for a great birth from early pregnancy on. \u00a0<\/p>\n Some of the births shown in the film are older, but they are inspiring classics. \u00a0You will love how alert the babies are and the love and joy of the couples. \u00a0The women are peaceful, powerful, and inspiring!<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\n It does touch on the impacts of some of our choices, including showing a cesarean and featuring a small segment on circumcision. \u00a0These contrast sharply with the rest of the footage, highlighting the impact of these practices and helping you pause to reflect on what you want for your baby <\/strong>and your family. \u00a0<\/p>\n As a bonus, the film features many scenes of birth in the Black Sea, babies and children swimming there, and some crazy polar bear dipping pregnant mamas!<\/p>\n The film also includes the natural home birth of twins.<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss Tatyana\u2019s birth – it will help you realize just how beautifully capable women are of birthing their babies into their own hands!<\/p>\n Bonus – 25 min version free here:<\/strong> Some of the same footage is part of this short, free documentary. \u00a0The commentary is different and also excellent to watch. \u00a0The focus of the older short film is to show how birth can be a powerful, calm, and positive experience. I highly recommend watching both!<\/strong><\/p>\n The wisdom of the Russian midwives into birth is priceless!<\/p>\n (NOTE:<\/strong>Want Labor Pain Techniques that REALLY Work? Get these 11 mom-tested techniques for handling contractions from start to finish Get the mom-tested natural labor techniques here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n Free with ads on Amazon Prime:<\/strong> \u201cWomen can trust themselves, they can trust their bodies, and they can trust their babies\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cRestore the nursing mother to a place of honor\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The Milky Way is easily the most powerful documentary on this list. <\/strong>\u00a0Every pregnant woman needs to see this film! \u00a0<\/p>\n Far more than a simple breastfeeding documentary, the film explores the intrinsic importance of mothers.<\/strong>\u00a0 It affirms, over and over (and backed by science), how important YOU are to your baby. \u00a0It demonstrates, over and over, how vital YOUR intuition and inner knowing are for your baby.<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\n There is an amazing amount of information on how vital breastfeeding is to our babies. \u00a0And there is so, so much more than that.<\/p>\n The documentary\u2019s scope is great but it manages to pull everything together very well. \u00a0It includes beautiful examples of historical paintings of breastfeeding mothers, statues, and other art from many cultures<\/strong>. \u00a0<\/p>\n It touches on the problems with the second wave of feminism in the 70s – with the desire to distance women from the obligation<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0to motherhood and define them as the same as men, rather than another class altogether. \u00a0<\/p>\n It also addresses the sexualization of women\u2019s bodies and the disappearance of positive breastfeeding imagery – women themselves see their breasts in only a sexual sense. \u00a0<\/p>\n Co-sleeping, the importance of skin-to-skin, and more is all in the documentary.<\/p>\n And of course, it includes a detailed discussion on the intricate and extensive benefits of breastfeeding. \u00a0This goes far beyond nutrition – do not miss this documentary!!<\/p>\n Click here for more on the benefits of breastfeeding!<\/a><\/p>\n Stream from Filmmaker:<\/strong> Stream from Internet Archive:<\/strong> \u201cIf you were told that you could have one of the most physically, emotionally, spiritually transcendent moments of your life, and here\u2019s a map to get there, would you really say no?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cTo be realistic is to expect your birth to be wonderful.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n While the title Orgasmic Birth<\/em> may feel shocking to some, this is a wonderful documentary that shares many different types of birth experiences, including beautiful home births. \u00a0<\/p>\n The expert commentary in this video is some of the best, with excellent coverage on what normal, physiological labor can be. \u00a0<\/p>\n After watching this video, you\u2019ll clearly understand how the birth process is supposed to work and why the pain-focused model of birth doesn\u2019t tell the whole story. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ll understand the pros and cons of epidural and you\u2019ll understand the way babies and moms benefit from natural birth. \u00a0<\/p>\n This documentary is a must-see to fully understand childbirth and the possibility of having a beautiful, transformative birth experience.<\/strong>\u00a0 It tackles many cultural myths about childbirth in a fair, balanced way.<\/p>\n Additionally, this film gives insight for mothers who are survivors of abuse<\/strong>, something I haven\u2019t seen in other documentaries. \u00a0Highly recommended!<\/p>\n Would you like more information on the science behind ecstatic birth? \u00a0Click here to listen to my podcast on ecstatic birth with Dr. Sarah J Buckley<\/a>!\u00a0<\/p>\n Watch on PBS with Passport<\/strong>: Birthing Justice | PBS<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cOur goal is joy. \u00a0Our goal is pleasure\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou can have joy and justice together\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The US maternal mortality rate is shocking – and when you look at the rate for black and brown women, we are among the worst in the entire world. \u00a0Maternal mortality has tripled in the last 30 years. \u00a0Preterm birth rates are 50 percent higher. \u00a0<\/p>\n In short, we have a maternal health crisis<\/strong>, especially for black women and other minority women.<\/p>\n This film zeroes on black mothers, who suffer disproportionately poor pregnancy outcomes. \u00a0Black babies are also much more likely to die in their first year. \u00a0<\/p>\n Experts, including doctors, midwives, neonatologists, and researchers, speak throughout the film. The voices of mothers are also shared and amplified. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Filmmakers do an excellent job highlighting the problems black moms face while exploring solutions being implemented around the country. \u00a0It looks at how the medical system has failed black families, especially black mothers and newborns. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Creating better continuity of care, respectful care, and women’s health solutions are all explored.<\/strong><\/p>\n Birthing Justice<\/em>\u00a0also does a good job exploring political advocacy to influence maternal health policy, something only a few documentaries explore. \u00a0<\/p>\n It discusses the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and helps demonstrate how political activism can create change on a community level, an important message for mothers. \u00a0<\/p>\n Women of color and their infants represent preventable deaths, and making sure policy makers hear women’s voices goes a long way toward keeping people of color (and all mamas) safer.<\/strong><\/p>\n While the film exposes the problem in detail, it ends by empowering black mothers and women with a vision of joy. I absolutely love the powerful, joyful note the film ends on. \u00a0This one is another must-see!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Rent\/Buy from Filmmaker:<\/strong> Why Not Home\u00a0<\/em>explores the safety of home birth in the United States by interviewing medical professionals who chose to have their babies at home!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n A nurse practitioner, labor and delivery nurse, OB\/GYN, and others are among those whose pregnancies are followed.<\/p>\n You get to see many of these women give birth!<\/p>\n Many childbirth experts are also interviewed, and the safety of homebirth is examined closely.<\/p>\n This film is important to watch because it debunks many myths (such as Friedman’s Curve, an old and flawed method for determining how fast labor should move).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n It also examines the statistics of home birth in both Europe and the United States, and where there may be weaknesses in analysis and studies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Why Not Home\u00a0<\/em>has a powerful segment on birth equity and some discussion on how to create safety for minority mothers and babies. \u00a0Jennie Joseph, a pioneering Black midwife in Florida, speaks on the film. \u00a0I love this quote from one of the student midwives:<\/p>\n “If they see a black midwife and a black woman doing it, they’ll see it’s for all women, not just rich white women.”<\/em><\/p>\n Overall this film is well-worth watching,\u00a0especially\u00a0<\/em>if you appreciate scientific evidence. \u00a0Many fathers speak on the film, too, so it’s great for sharing information and data with your husband or parter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n There is an extensive research and discussion guide available – click here<\/a>!<\/p>\n Want personal support to stay healthy and low-risk through your pregnancy?<\/strong> Longing for authentic guidance to make your sacred birth dream a reality? <\/p>\n Click to book a pregnancy and birth visioning call with me<\/a>. We’ll talk about your hopes and dreams and explore if my pregnancy coaching program is a good fit for you.<\/p>\n Rent\/Buy on Prime:<\/strong> These Are My Hours\u00a0<\/em>is a beautifully filmed chronicle of one woman\u2019s home birth. \u00a0The birth is intense and this mama is very vocal – she says that herself at the beginning of the documentary when she notes she\u2019s noisy and sometimes whiney! \u00a0<\/p>\n The excellent cinematography and the raw intensity of birth show how incredibly strong women are during the birthing process. \u00a0<\/p>\n Many things about this birth are important to see:\u00a0<\/p>\n You\u2019ll notice that the people present at the birth stay back and give the mother her space to have a genuinely autonomous, undisturbed birth. \u00a0<\/p>\n You hardly notice the midwife and the grandmother sitting nearby, knitting throughout the birth! \u00a0The mother talks to her unborn baby throughout the labor.\u00a0<\/p>\n Perhaps most valuable is watching this mother\u2019s position as she births instinctively. <\/strong> You\u2019ll see the positions she chooses for early labor and as the baby gets closer. \u00a0Notice her position during the absolutely amazing birth scene, when she receives her baby with no assistance, fully present in her own power! \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ll also get to see the undisturbed birth of the placenta<\/strong>, which every woman should see!<\/p>\n Overall this is an incredibly powerful film highlighting both the ultimate challenge and the ultimate joy of birth!<\/p>\n Want more wisdom from mamas? \u00a0Click here to read powerful natural birth stories from mamas just like you!<\/a><\/p>\n Stream from filmmaker:<\/strong>\u00a0WATCH NOW | Birth (birththemovie.com)<\/a><\/p>\n Rent on Amazon:\u00a0<\/strong>Birth: The Movie<\/a><\/p>\n “I don’t watch women suffer, I watch them do the most amazing, hard work and I watch them in their power, and their glory, and I love that.”<\/em><\/p>\n Birth<\/em>\u00a0follows one woman throughout her labor.\u00a0 Like\u00a0These Are My Hours,\u00a0<\/em>this film explores a woman’s journey through labor, though a lot of commentary and supplementary content are in this film.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Heather vocalizes a lot through this birthing time, and much of it is low and deep. \u00a0One person comments that it sounds like Gregorian chanting. \u00a0I’d never considered that in thinking about birthing noises, but it really does…<\/p>\n …and there’s something profound about that.<\/p>\n The birth team gives extensive commentary and while I don’t agree with all of their perspectives on the inevitability of pain, their comments are, on the whole, excellent. \u00a0I love the sports analogies, because they really make you stop and think.<\/p>\n “If you watch any sports, do they look like they’re having fun? No! …they want to cross that finish line because it means something to them and they worked hard for it. We have all kinds of example of that around us. \u00a0Why not birth? \u00a0…Life takes effort. \u00a0Birth takes effort.”<\/em><\/p>\n Heather uses a lot of affirmations and positive self-talk during the film<\/strong>, which is cool to see and helpful as you prepare for your own birthing time.<\/p>\n There is also great use of a rebozo to support her belly throughout her birthing time<\/strong>. \u00a0A towel also has a unique use during the pushing stage – don’t miss that!<\/p>\n Music has an immediate, powerful effect for Heather when she’s struggling, so this is another tool to watch and consider including in your own birth bag.<\/p>\n I love Heather’s clarity as the baby’s head is born, it’s truly awesome to see her present, and in control.<\/strong><\/p>\n The one commentary I did not agree with was the father speaking about how there’s no “training” for giving birth. \u00a0He notes that you can “prepare” but not train as you might for a sporting event. \u00a0<\/p>\n While it is true that you cannot replicate birth again and again as you might sprint again and again, for example, I do feel you can train for birth, at least on a level. \u00a0<\/p>\n Many pro athletes use visualization extensively, and you can visualize your birth (one midwife in the film mentions that your birth often happens as you visualize it will). <\/strong><\/p>\n Additionally, you can<\/em> practice many birth techniques, positions, etc. repeatedly, and those come to you almost automatically during your birthing time<\/strong>. \u00a0Just my thoughts!<\/p>\n Looking for a natural childbirth course that’s evidence-based AND focused on honoring your intution and power during your birthing time?<\/strong><\/p>\n Click here for details on MamaBaby Birthing, my complete online birthing course<\/a>. Used by thousands of birthing families, you’ll be completely prepared for a beautiful, safe, and confident birth experience.<\/p>\n Watch free with trial on Amazon:<\/strong> Many library and universities offer this film via their documentary streaming services<\/em><\/p>\n Ricki Lake\u2019s groundbreaking documentary on maternity care in America. \u00a0This classic has changed many women\u2019s experiences of pregnancy and birth completely. <\/strong>\u00a0It will open your eyes! \u00a0<\/p>\n Extensive commentary from experts on pregnancy and birth offers a clear idea on why the American model of obstetrician-led birth and heavy interventions is leading to worse outcomes for mothers and babies. \u00a0<\/p>\n Sadly, the situation has not improved since the documentary was filmed (we have a maternal mortality crisis and the worst<\/em> maternity mortality in the developed world and very high neonatal mortality), which is why this documentary remains a must-see for every pregnant mama. \u00a0<\/p>\n You\u2019ll love the many birth clips and the commentary from midwives, doctors, researchers, and mothers with various viewpoints.<\/strong><\/p>\n Rent\/Buy on Amazon Prime<\/strong>:<\/p>\n More Business of Being Born<\/em> is packed with information that the producers could not fit in the original Business of Being Born.<\/p>\n There is a lot of instructional material and many, many perspectives from care providers and from mothers and families.\u00a0 I highly recommend this supplement to the original film. \u00a0<\/p>\n See below for details on each segment:<\/p>\n In this film section, producers Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein travel to The Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee to meet with the midwives there, including Ina May Gaskin. \u00a0<\/p>\n They discuss The Farm\u2019s history and, of course, natural childbirth. \u00a0The Farm midwives are full of wisdom and a joy to listen to!<\/p>\n They talk about why The Farm Midwifery Center has better outcomes for mothers and babies than most other places in the United States.<\/strong><\/p>\n Ina May also shares her Safe Motherhood Quilt initiative, which has brought to light the poor maternal health statistics the United States.<\/p>\n This section includes extensive interviews with celebrity moms. \u00a0I was skeptical of this initially, but it turns out that listening to celebrity moms talk about their birth experiences is just like listening to any mom! \u00a0<\/p>\n It really emphasizes the universality of birth and the experience of being a woman, because in the end, celebrity status didn\u2019t matter and these women were mamas giving birth. <\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n They experienced a wide variety of situations and conditions for birth<\/strong>, from home birth to emergency c-section, and it\u2019s really fun to listen to their raw honesty. \u00a0<\/p>\n Listening to Gisele Bundchen describe the birth of her son is incredibly inspiring, especially since she met some opposition in planning a home birth.<\/strong> \u00a0This quote is helpful for mamas who want a home birth but feel their partner is not supportive (Gisele’s husband is football player Tom Brady!):<\/p>\n “It was a home birth and it was funny because he didn’t want me to have a home birth,” the former model shares. “He was like, ‘Absolutely not,’ and I was like, ‘Excuse me, you don’t get to choose that, it’s my body.'” (read more here: Gisele B\u00fcndchen Says Tom Brady Initially Did Not Want a Home Birth<\/a>) <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The third segment dives into more practical considerations for your birth. \u00a0Watch this no matter how many weeks of pregnancy you’re at, but it’s especially helpful to watch earlier in your pregnancy when you’re considering choices, healthcare providers, where to give birth, etc<\/strong>. \u00a0<\/p>\n Doulas are discussed in depth, including what they are and how they differ from midwives. \u00a0You hear from many women who chose to have a doula and how she helped. \u00a0<\/p>\n There’s also some discussion about why to choose a doula even if you’ll have your husband, best friend, mom, or other support person there for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n The documentary also explores birth centers as an option, with a tour of a birth center. \u00a0You’ll understand when a birth center is a good choice and why other moms want to give birth in one!<\/p>\n This portion of the film also looks at the reasons for the high worldwide cesarean section rates. \u00a0It explores c-sections and looks at particular areas, such as Brazil, with high rates. \u00a0<\/p>\n It also looks at variations of normal birth, such as breech births, that lead to high rates of this major surgery. \u00a0You’ll feel much more informed about this alarming trend and its impact on maternal health (hint: it’s not a good impact on mothers or babies).<\/strong><\/p>\n VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, has its own segment on the documentary. \u00a0This is a great segment to watch even if you’re pregnant with your first baby… \u00a0but it’s critical if you’re planning a VBAC. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Multiple experts share commentary on the safety of VBAC and why it’s a good option for most women. \u00a0Importantly, they emphasize that repeat c-section is not the only way for moms who have already had a cesarean. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n A small segment of this section is also devoted to HBAC, or home birth after cesarean, and why some women choose that option. \u00a0Mother’s voices are shared throughout the entire documentary.<\/p>\n Want practical help with preparing for your VBAC birth? \u00a0Check out my podcast series on how to have a successful VBAC<\/a>!<\/p>\nMy Top 3 Pregnancy Documentary Picks<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Birth As We Know It – 2006<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/birthasweknowit.jpg "\\"birthasweknowit\\"")
\nBirth As We Know It<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nPeaceful, Empowering Births<\/h3>\n
Watch a Mother Catch Her Own Baby<\/h3>\n
\nBirth Into Being<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Handle](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Labor-Pain-Tips_OG-500.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Milky Way – 2014<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/themilkyway.jpg "\\"themilkyway\\"")
\nWatch The Milky Way<\/a><\/p>\nThe Full Importance of Breastfeeding<\/h3>\n
The Importance of Skin-to-Skin (Plus Why Your Baby Wants to Breastfeed!)<\/h3>\n
Orgasmic Birth – 2008<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/orgasmicbirth.jpg "\\"orgasmicbirth\\"")
\nOrgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret<\/a><\/p>\n
\nOrgasmic Birth<\/a><\/p>\nUnderstand How Birth is Biologically Meant to Work<\/h3>\n
Birthing Justice – 2023<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/birthingjustice.jpg "\\"birthingjustice\\"")
Problems (and Solutions) for Black Moms<\/h3>\n
Political Advocacy for Birth and Moms<\/h3>\n
![\"Small](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/25-Most-Important-Pregnancy-Documentaries-467x700.jpg "\\"Your")
Why Not Home – 2016<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/whynothome.jpg "\\"whynothome\\"")
\nWatch \u2014 Why Not Home?<\/a><\/p>\nDebunking Birth Myths<\/h3>\n
Birth Equity<\/h3>\n
![\"Handle](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Pregnancy-Coaching-Inline-Powerful-Birth.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThese Are My Hours – 2018<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/thesearemyhours.jpg "\\"thesearemyhours\\"")
\nWatch These Are My Hours<\/a><\/p>\nA Beautiful, Undisturbed Birth<\/h3>\n
Mother Catches Her Own Baby<\/h3>\n
Birth the Movie – 2020<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/birth2020.png "\\"birth2020\\"")
Stop and Think<\/h3>\n
Using a Rebozo and Other Tools During Labor<\/h3>\n
Can You “Train” for Birth?<\/h3>\n
![\"Handle](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MBB-Inline-Online-Birthing-Course.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Business of Being Born – 2008<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/thebusinessofbeingborn.jpg "\\"thebusinessofbeingborn\\"")
\nWatch The Business of Being Born\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\nMore Business of Being Born – 2011<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/morebusinessofbeingborn.jpg "\\"morebusinessofbeingborn\\"")
General Summary:<\/h3>\n
Part 1: The Farm<\/h3>\n
Part 2: Celebrity Moms Share Their Birth Experiences<\/h3>\n
It’s MY Body<\/h3>\n
![\"Collage](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Stream-25-Documentaries-467x700.jpg "\\"From")
Part 3: Options for Your Birth<\/h3>\n
Birth Centers<\/h3>\n
Cesarean Epidemic<\/h3>\n
Part 4: VBAC and HBAC<\/h3>\n
The Mama Sherpas – 2015<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/themamasherpas.jpg "\\"themamasherpas\\"")
<\/span><\/div>\n