Well, there hasn’t been much time for blogging recently, which makes me a little sad. I’ve been working on something about birth as a feminist act that was intended to be for International Women’s Day (last Thursday, ahem). Obviously I’ve missed the boat on that, but hopefully I’ll have it ready soon.

In the meantime, I wanted to post some more information about the free film screening that I am hosting on March 28th at the Centre for Social Innovation (more on that here). I really hope to see a lot of friendly faces, new and old, at the screening. Please share the details widely and come out for the film if you can! There will be an informal meet-and-greet after the screening with myself and a couple of other Toronto-area doulas. Babies and children are welcome of course.

Even if you are not planning on having a baby any time soon, this film will give you a little peek into a side of birthing that you may not have seen before. I’d recommend it for anyone who ever plans to have a(nother) baby or who wants to be able to support and encourage  loved ones in their quests to have positive and empowering birth experiences.

This is the press release for the film:

Doula! The Ultimate Birth Companion is a 65 minute, intimate and emotionally charged documentary about doulas and their part in pregnancy, birth and the first few weeks. Made by UK film-maker Toni Harman (Credo, Real Birth Stories), Doula! launched in June 2010 and screenings are being organised in the UK, Europe, the US, Canada, Australia and Japan.

Through close-up documentary footage of three doula-supported births, Doula! captures the non-medical but highly practical and emotional support given to the mother before, during and after childbirth. This unique look into a doula supported birth is captured through two intimately filmed home water births and accompanied by a video diary shot by the parents of a home birth that ends in a hospital caesarean section.

Film-maker Toni Harman said “I was inspired to make Doula! by my own difficult birth experience two years ago that ended in an emergency caesarean. I wish I had known about doulas then as I’m sure I would have had a much more positive experience. The film has really opened my eyes about the amazing difference having a doula can make and I’m hoping the film will empower other women to have the birth they want, with the help of a doula.”

Doula! is supported by the UK’s non-profit doula organisation, Doula UK. Bridget Baker, Doula UK co-chair said, “Doula! shows how the calm accepting presence of a doula can enhance the whole experience of childbirth. From the practical to the emotional, we become aware of some of the work an intuitive doula can do. The film is a joyful and inspirational view of doulas at work.”