Learning about birth on TV?

Most families in Canada own a television and many own multiple TVs. As much of the programming is starting to show “reality”, we are getting more information about birthing babies without having to pick up a book or speak to anyone else.

The problem doesn’t lie in birth being on television programs, but the information that they are giving. One show that I caught by accident (I actually didn’t even know it existed), had a panel of health care providers debating if elective c-sections were ethical. They gave some inaccurate information about the safety of c-sections and said that it was up to the doctor who would be performing the surgery. What scared me most is that they didn’t speak about the mother. They weren’t concerned about her.

On another TV show, a very popular one from what I understand, an OBGYN was telling families to practice birthing laying down, purple pushing, and that epidurals are safe for the baby. Many studies have shown side effects for both mom and baby due to the epidural. That side was completely ignored.

We aren’t getting the balance of information to be able to make informed decisions. We need to know the benefits, the risks, and the alternatives. There is often more than one option so don’t be afraid to ask. You are your own advocate and an advocate for your growing baby – so don’t let someone put you on a conveyor belt of care and expect you to submit, become passive, and compliant. If it doesn’t feel right, then say so.

What I usually suggest to clients is to find a care provider who will take time to answer their questions and make them feel comfortable and welcomed. Read books and discuss the content with others. Some books, like TV shows are better than others but test out the information in the world. I am happy to discuss points that have been brought about through reading or television and to give them more to think about, whether it is options, benefits, risks, or other studies.

TV is a one way medium. The information only comes to you and you don’t have the option of having a discussion or asking the “experts” questions about the topics. Know that not all the information is wrong (I did hear a pediatrician say one that skin to skin is amazing for babies), but seek out the other side to the story. We used to learn about birth from other women – mothers, aunts, and sisters. We were supported by these women during birth. Things have changed a great deal. Many people who share their birth stories with you can often frighten the pregnant woman with traumatic birth experiences. Instead of increasing fear in birth, why not suggest a good prenatal class and offer to help her find a doula. A doula can help put things into perspective, help her wishes be heard, and help her have a positive birth experience. A doula will be there to support the family, no matter what the composition.

What have your experiences been with birth on television or other one-way mediums? Are you a first-time mom curious about what birth is like? Are you a mom of one or many – do you still watch those shows?