Welcome to the areola-proud, dilation-happy, supportive-yet-restrained world of American midwifery, in which women help other women "emotionally, physically, psychologically, nutritionally, and educationally" through all their female medical needs. In this unabashedly pro-midwife, homemade video, we discover how these women learn their trade (via academics, or by lay-oriented, apprentice-type arrangements), what employment opportunities exist for them, where they practice, and how they go about their business. Practitioners, childbirth educators, and new mothers explain the benefits and advantages of natural childbirth, and we see fairly well filmed footage of various types of labors and deliveries. The interviewees do a fine job, but they do not by any means present "opposing viewpoints" or aspire to the "reference shelf." They are careful to explain that midwifery (pronounced "mid-whiff-ery," by the way) is not for everybody, but they do not tell us how the traditional medical establishment views the practice, explain what its costs are, or describe situations in which a delivery has "gone wrong." Thus, this tape is not necessarily recommended for "pro vs. con" or "the history of midwives" homework assignments, but for those patrons considering their pregnancy-caregiver options. Optional. Aud: P. (K. Glaser)
Midwives: A Living Tradition
(1998) 69 min. $79.95. Cinema Guild. PPR. ISBN: 0-7815-0718-9. Vol. 14, Issue 4
Midwives: A Living Tradition
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.