Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and The Farm Midwives captures a spirited group of women who taught themselves how to deliver babies on a 1970s hippie commune, rescued modern midwifery from extinction, and changed the way a generation thought about childbirth. Today, as nearly 1/3 of all US babies are born via C-section, they labor on, fighting to preserve their knowledge and pushing, once again, for the rebirth of birth.
“…makes you want to hop into a tub of warm water and start pushing.”
“Warm, spirited and occasionally slathered in goo, “Birth Story” is a celebratory tribute to the endangered art of midwifery and its most influential practitioner, Ina May Gaskin. A disarming example of documentary filmmaking that stakes out an opinion with plain-spoken, commonsensical wisdom, this insightful effort from helmers Sara Lamm and Mary Wigmore doubles as a defense of natural childbirth and an affectionate look back at the movement’s ’70s countercultural roots.”
“For 40 years, the amazing Ina May Gaskin has been trying to wrest childbirth from the medical establishment and give it back to women. A fascinating history lesson and a raucous celebration of life…you’ll shed tears of joy at the sight of babies being brought into this world with a sense of wonder, awe and love.”
“A graphic tale of badass midwifery…”
“There are so many birthing scenes that they lose the ooh-a-naked-lady effect, a great public service in itself. (Idea: Everyone should look at a naked lady doing something powerful and nonsexual five times a day. Then let’s see how many women get into Congress.)”
