Free Movie Screening

Join us for a free screening of this popular documentary on childbirth. See additional information below. We hope to see you there!

Movie Synopsis

Joyous, sensuous and revolutionary, Orgasmic Birth brings the ultimate challenge to our cultural myths by inviting viewers to see the emotional, spiritual, and physical heights attainable through birth. Witness the passion as birth is revealed as an integral part of woman's sexuality and a neglected human right. With commentary by Christiane Northrup, MD, and midwives Ina May Gaskin, Elizabeth Davis and other experts in the field . . . and stunning moments of women in the ecstatic release of childbirth.

Orgasmic Birth has had an international impact on the film festival circuit and was screened this year at the prestigious Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival; The Baltimore Women's Film Festival; Usti Film Festival in the Czech Republic; Festival Caminhos in Portugal; and 'Official Selection' The European Independent Film Festival (ÉCU) 2009 in Paris. Orgasmic Birth also won the Audience Choice Award at the 2008 Motherbaby International Film Festival in Bermuda.

Five years in the making, Filmmaker Debra Pascali-Bonaro reveals a revolutionary approach to birth that is statistically safer for both mother and child than the birthing and delivery methods that are standard in many parts of the world today. The viewer becomes an intimate part of the birth stories of 11 women during this 85 minute documentary.

The evocative score for the film was created by John McDowell, composer of the score for the Oscar-winning documentary Born Into Brothels, with additional composition by Sabina Sciubba of the group Brazilian Girls.

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What: "Orgasmic Birth"- Movie Screening

When: Saturday, July 11, 2009 7-10pm

Where: Mansfield, TX (exact location TBA)

Who: Adults who are interested in learning more about natural childbirth

Why: To educate and provide information on childbirth

Hosted By: Donna Ryan, AAHCC, ICEA

Please RSVP by June 22nd to hannah.reasonerLMT@gmail.com.

Movie Pick of the Week

Tonight I watched a National Geographic film called "In the Womb". It is a fascinating documentary of conception to birth. Although I don't agree with some of the things they were advocating, such as 3D and 4D ultrasounds, I found it to be a great education resource. The woman had a natural birth on her hands and knees with a midwife. I believe it was filmed in the UK.


Some take aways from the documentary:

• 500 million sperm are produced with each ejaculation. Only one gets in and once it does and the egg is fertilized, it produces a hormone that will not allow any more sperm to penetrate.
• Only 50% of fertilized eggs develop into a baby.
  
• An early miscarriage may look like a heavy period, and the mother may never have known she was pregnant.
• Progesterone is produced in high levels by the mother during pregnancy so that no eggs are released.
  
• At 23 weeks, babies have been known to survive birth. The lungs of a baby this small are severely underdeveloped. The baby may be left with minor to severe brain damage or learning disabilities.
• At 24 weeks, the sensory organs are starting to develop. The baby now has all of the organs and functions it needs to survive. At this point it is just growing.
  
• At 26 weeks, the heart can be heard through the mother's abdomen when an ear is placed next to it.
  
• One theory about babies having hiccups is that they do so as a reflex in order to be able to latch onto the nipple to feed once born.
• A 33 week old fetal brain and a newborn brain are believed to be at the same developmental level.
• Only 5% of babies are born on their "due date".
• The lungs are the last organ to fully develop.
• The lungs and the placenta determine the timing of birth. When the lungs are mature, they secrete a hormone to the placenta to slow the release of progesterone and triggers the release of Oxytocin which initiates uterine contractions.
• The pain of child birth can be eased by giving birth squatting, sitting, or standing. Lying on your back will increase the need for medical intervention and Cesarean sections. (I personally like that they added this one!)
  

Orgasmic Birth Screening

My friend Donna, who is a Bradley Method instructor is having a screening of the movie "Orgasmic Birth" at her home in Mansfield, TX on November 20th and December 4th at 7:00pm. Don't let the name scare you off. She is getting full so if anyone is interested in attending, let me know and I will get you the info!