Why are women afraid to give birth naturally? THAT is the question we should be asking ourselves when we become irritated by the fact that in Cyprus c-section births account for 4 times the recommended WHO rate. If you’re reading this and you’re pregnant please DO NOT be afraid. Educate yourself. Know your rights and watch this documentary. Learn from real women and professionals with years of experience about how you can achieve a natural birth and most importantly WHY you should.
I am absolutely thrilled that this documentary was made. Since I achieved my first VBAC over two years ago I have become quite passionate about the miracle of child birth. I wrote about my first experience with James here and then my second with Danny nine months ago. And since then I feel it is my duty to tell my story as often as I can. Obviously Danae Stylianou and all the participants of this beautiful little film felt the same way. And I am so happy about that.
What resonated more than anything in this film was the focus on handling fear because it is one of the leading factors behind the high c-section rates in Cyprus. As women, beings who are designed to be able to give birth, for some reason we are petrified of it. Pain, drugs, medical interference, doctors, no support system, spot lights, technology, bad experiences are all reasons for this negativity that surrounds child birth. The lack of education is at the top of that list too right next to fear. And that is why the making of documentaries like this are absolutely vital.
Another reason why I loved Birth Days is because at its core it shows that there is hope. There are people in our little country and even smaller maternity care system that truly care about women and how they birth their children. Changes are being made and mothers and mothers-to-be are finding their confidence and rebelling against the system and people are taking note. Finally.
I’ve known about this documentary for a long time. My gynecologist, Andreas Mavrides, is part of it as is the clinic ISIS where I gave birth to all three of my children. The lovely midwives who give me the best vibes whenever I bump into them. And a philosophy they all stand by that is to support women who are about to embark on a life-changing journey. I was pregnant with Danny when I heard about their participation in Birth Days. I was instantly excited because support groups like this are currently leading a movement in Cyprus that is giving women a voice and an opportunity to experience birth as naturally as possible.
At the screening on Sunday, I watched as a young mother gave birth to her baby boy in Limassol General Hospital’s new birthing suite complete with its own bath tub. A fantastic initiative we should see in other hospitals too soon I hope.
I watched another mother being treated with nothing but respect and dignity and love by her support system as she birthed her daughter.
And I watched as another mum, and a personal friend, fought her inner demons, became informed and eventually prepared herself for the natural birth of her second child after a c-section. She is the true hope in Birth Days. Because despite going through a traumatic experience she found the courage and strength to stand up and demand her rights be heard so she can have her baby just the way mother nature intended.
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Upcoming screenings:
At Cine Studio at the University of Nicosia on Wednesday, November 14 at 21:00
At Theatro Skala in Larnaca on Monday, December 3 at 20:30
Read the post I wrote for Birth Forward‘s Caesarean Awareness Month Campaign.
