Laboring Under An Illusion: Mass Media Childbirth vs. The Real Thing
ORDER THE DVD $19.95
DOWNLOAD RENT $1.99 / BUY $9.99
Frequently Asked Questions
Anthropologist Vicki Elson explores media-generated myths about childbirth. As a childbirth educator for 25 years, she observes daily how our culture affects our birth experiences. In this film, she contrasts fiction with reality. The result is hilarious, engaging, and enlightening. DVD, 50 minutes, 2009.
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Unique, hip, and lovable! –Diana Paul, MotherBaby International Film Festival
Useful and accessible! –Jane Pincus, founder, Our Bodies Ourselves
The only childbirth video that makes people laugh – a lot! –Debby Takikawa, Baby! International Film Festival
Amazing…Thank you for doing it! –Jan Tritten, Founder, Midwifery Today
I LOVE your film! It’s one of the most consumer-friendly DVD’s. It allows anybody, no matter what their previous beliefs, to become open to the power of birth without switching off before they hear the message. –Jennie Joseph, Certified Professional Midwife
The so-called birth ‘reality’ shows aren’t telling the whole story. I’m so glad I saw Vicki’s film while I was pregnant! –Annie Hernandez, new mom
A fascinating resource for both Health and Media Studies courses. –John C. Smith, PhD
Who is this childbirth video for?
Expectant mothers think it’s a hilarious and thought-provoking movie that respects their ability to decide for themselves what sort of childbirth experiences they want to aim for.
Fathers, husbands, and partners appreciate this humorous childbirth education video for its balance of entertainment and information that doesn’t condescend to them. It helps them to understand what to expect in labor, and how they can best support birthing women.
Childbirth educators and doulas consider this one of the best DVD’s to show to pregnant people in their childbirth classes. It debunks myths and it eases fear of childbirth. It’s extremely useful to help parents-to-be to make well-informed choices – plus it’s funny and engaging!
Baby shower gift-givers are tickled to present something unique and humorous and useful – and, at well under $50, cheap!
Obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and librarians find it refreshing to discover a factual, balanced birth movie that addresses the spectrum from orgasmic labour to scheduled elective cesarean section.
Health and sex education teachers love this DVD for its accessibility. Teens and adults alike have been exposed to a lifetime of TV and movie births. It’s a great starting point for a discussion of cultural values and beliefs.
Media literacy professors use this documentary to demonstrate how the mass media reflect our hopes and fears — and can influence real women’s birthing experiences.
Screenwriters, TV/filmproducers, and actors appreciate creative guidance on scripting labor scenes that are interesting and authentic portrayals of childbirth.
