A Tale of Two Births

I was pleasantly surprised to find two new birth videos on youtube tonight. They are both lovely birth documentaries. I love the photos and the music in each of them. I love how they both are a testament to how sweet homebirth is.

It is interesting to note though, that there is a subtely noticable difference between the two.

Watch these videos and see if you notice the difference.

Birth A Homebirth w/Midwives

Birth B Unassisted

As much as I support a woman's right to birth with whomever she pleases, and as much as I honor the woman in birth video A, I have to point out this subtle difference because it is at the heart of what I think the essence of UC is.

UC is so amazing because it brings fathers into the equation and makes them vital. They are not just a bystander, or of secondary importance.

Notice in birth video A that the midwife weighs baby. Also notice that the mom praises the midwives in her montage.

Now take note of Birth B, the unassisted birth. The daddy weighs baby and the mother praises daddy at the end of the montage for being there for her. She calls him her "rock." (BTW, I did the same thing in my birth montage. I called my husband my "rock.")

Saying this doesn't mean that I think that the mother in Birth A should have had a UC or that she was wrong in some way. Kudos to that mama! Yeah! She gave birth in her own home, and wasn't traumatized, and her family was present.

I do hope that others might take notice and think of this when deciding for their own births.

I had a birth at home with a midwife and my husband caught our son and we have a photo of my husband weighing baby. During the birth the midwife was more of a bystander while my husband comforted me and worked with me while the midwife sat in another part of the room.

Not comparing my birth to hers, but just pointing out that at my birth with a midwife my husband took an active role in the birth. So it is possible, but there is definately a difference in the father's role with a UC.

I am soo pleased to be able to watch such inspiring and beautiful birth videos. If you have modest birth photos that you'd like to share contact me!