Green Week ~ 3

It's hard to tell in this photo, but it was snowing out when I took this. A light snow, but snow nonetheless. More winter here. I do so well with winter all through February. But once March hits, I do begin to lose my patience.

Don't get me wrong. I love snow. It's one of my favorite things. And I love winter. I love words like "spare" and "bleak" and I love a gray color palette. (Gray week, anyone?) But there is a certain point, when the signs are pointing toward spring, where wintertime can feel a bit like drudgery. I'm ready for spring this year. Very ready.

Oh, and I just got done watching this film. All I can say is, wow. We so rarely have the opportunity of witnessing the birth of a child. It's amazing to see. Amazing. The issues addressed in the film weren't new to me, as a woman who had a very disappointing birth experience with my firstborn, and later found the "closure" I needed with the birth of my second. My mother-in-law had at least one of her children with twilight sleep (which she describes as even more shocking an experience than is usually reported), and my own mother was a natural birth "pioneer" of the 70's, working to establish the first birth center in her city all the way up to her due date with me. So, yes, I'd heard and even personally experienced some/much of what they talked about, from both sides of the issue. But it was still pretty powerful and awe-inspiring to watch the film. (It does show childbirth and cesarean section incisions, as well as a little bit of non-PG language, so don't watch it if you don't want to see that stuff, though!)

Comments

[shelley caskey]

it snowed here in central texas for the first time this winter, so we were loving it! :) i'll be going to see a filming of the movie you referenced above - can't wait to see it.

[tmmorris@bigpond.net.au]

When I watched the trailers I was so grateful to live in a country where I felt totally normal to want a natural birth and where such aspirations are applauded. My obstetrician was happy for me to go two weeks overdue so that I could spotanteously labour and I have had three wonderful labours. I do feel very privledged for this blessing. Shouldn't every women be encouraged to make that choice if she wishes!

[Lizz]

We hosted a showing of BoBB here in Eugene.

Here's my review:

http://red-dirt-mother.blogspot.com/2008/02/libraries-and-midwifery-gatherings.html

[sarah]

I'm struggling a bit with doing the Green Week thing as well. There is nothing green outside but street signs and all the things my color-blind husband sees :)

I look forward to hunting down the birth film. I was lucky to have both my girls naturally with the same midwife. I'm glad your second birth brought you the energy and beauty that I think is so important in a woman's life.

[Mama Urchin]

I know what you mean about winter. I'm looking for progress towards warmer weather and mother nature didn't get the memo.

[stephanie]

I've been reading your blog for a little while now, and thought I'd say "hi" today.

Wish you could send the snow our way, we don't get enough of it here!

[Courtney]

I need to get a hold of that film. Did you see it at home or in a group? There have been some local screenings, but I haven't made it yet. My Mom birthed me and my brother under twilight sedation. That must have been freaky. I often mourn her birth experiences and lack of information regarding breastfeeding, but feel she would be proud of my natural births. (disclaimer so I don't offend anyone: I believe there is a time and place for medicated birth and less often formula feeding, but I believe that education and personal choice are key) I often wonder if my Mom died of breast cancer because her ignorant doctor gave her a pill to dry up her milk and handed her some formula.

[Gina]

Oooh, I'm jealous. M has it in her netflix queue and we're going to try to get a little group together to watch it.

Birth is so freaking amazing. I thank God every time I have the privilege to be there.

G

[Steph]

I just discovered your blog and I'm looking forward to reading all the time. We're currently experiencing a beautiful California spring - I'll will some of it your way :)

[melody]

I was wondering if that one was a good one. I got spoiled years ago by getting to see all of the good birth films with my dear friend who happened to be a midwifery student at the time. She has since moved across the country, so I no longer have access to all of the goodies! Might have to track this one down...

Ugh, and I know what you mean about the snow! I've had enough! I'm quite ready for green, growing things. It's starting to melt a bit here. The snowdrift behind me is now only blocking about a quarter of the window (instead of half!). Of course, as I discovered yesterday, this can create it's own problems...like when a light-weight toddler runs across a snow bank, looses a boot and then starts to cry...and then a regular weight Mommy comes to try to save him...and falls through to nearly her waist...and can't get *her* boots back out...and...well you get the idea!

[Emilie]

I have been really wanting to watch that film. I also had a disappointing birth experience with my son. I feel like I wasn't able to assert myself and demand the things I did and didn't want to be done. My only solace is that I was able to give birth vaginally. I was in labor 37 hours, and my water had broken over 24 hours before, and after pushing for 3 hours the OB starting preparing for a c-section. I thought "oh h*ll no!" and my son was born 10 minutes later! It was a learning experience, to say the least. Now I know what I want and don't want, and I am determined to get just that!

[Amanda]

I went to a screening as well. I didn't find it as shocking as some women probably might, but I did learn quite a bit. I think every woman of child bearing years should see it.

[Annie]

I think it was a good movie too, although there is so much more I wish they had talked about. But I supposed you can't cover everything in one movie. I had heard about twilight sleep and I know my grandmother was put under for all of her births, but I had no idea how awful it was. The pictures they showed of women in labor during that time were just horrifying.

[Kate]

I can't wait to see that film, there were such limited releases here. I guess I have to wait for the DVD. Not much gets me riled up like the misinformation given to women with regard to childbirth. I feel so incredibly blessed to have experienced unmedicated births with both my boys. I wish every woman would have the opportunity to see that movie. Because knowledge is power.
I wish I could send a pocketful of spring your way!! Hang in there, the snow can't go on forever : )

[Caren]

I've been really wanting to watch this, but hadn't yet visited the web-site, so thanks for the link! What a powerful movie it appears to be! My first close friend to have a home birth just gave birth last week, and it was a amazing to think of her in her cozy home as she labored. I had a very undesirable birth with my first (only, so far) daughter, and hope to have a redemptive experience such as yours if we have another one.