The business of being born
(DVD Video) 

Originally produced as a motion picture in 2007.

Special features: 10 additional scenes; trailer (3 min.).

Director of photography, Paulo Netto ; edited by Madeleine Gavin ; original music by Andre Pluess, Supersonic Music.

With Ricki Lake & Abby Epstein.

"Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business. Compelled to explore the subject after the delivery of her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to question the way American women have babies. The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal. Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?" -- Official website.

Not rated by the MPAA.

DVD, region 1; Dolby digital stereo surround.

In English, with optional Spanish subtitles.

Closed-captioned.

Tribeca Film Festival 2007, official selection ; Palm Springs Film Festival 2008, official selection.