Born in Brazil (Nascendo no Brasil)

According to Cara Biasucci's documentary Born in Brazil, cesarean birth rates in Brazil are more than double the numbers recommended by the World Health Organization: indeed, more than half of first births in the country's private hospitals are cesareans scheduled well in advance. Although the risk of death with cesarean delivery is low--and is often a necessary birthing alternative--it's nevertheless 28 times higher than the risk of death from natural birth. With U.S. cesarean rates also exceeding the WHO's recommendation, this film about birth practices in Brazil is relevant to North American audiences as well as our South American neighbors. Juxtaposed interviews with expectant mothers and medical practitioners illustrate both the myths and fears held by many patients and the questionable practices of some members of Brazil's medical community. In one example, the camera alternates between an OB/GYN who cites numerous concerns (including the destruction of the vagina) as reasons why so many women choose cesareans over natural birth, to interviews with a dozen pregnant women who deny having any such fears. In the end, the film endorses the views of one medical professional who suggests that many doctors either give in to patient requests too quickly or rely too much on the notoriously inaccurate fetal heart-rate monitor to justify a timesaving, yet perhaps also unnecessary, cesarean section. Ultimately, our “fast-paced, convenience-oriented” modern society is the true culprit for the apparent marginalization of the natural birthing process in favor of a planned, but often unwarranted, cesarean birth. Recommended for most health collections. Aud: C, P. (A. Cantú)