POV Season 35 Episode 14 Midwives

In the 15th episode of season 35 of POV, titled "Midwives," the focus is on a group of midwives in New Mexico who provide care for their patients in a unique and holistic way. The documentary takes us inside the world of midwifery, an often misunderstood and marginalized profession, and shows the vital role these women play in their communities.

The film introduces us to several midwives, including Donna, who has been practicing for over thirty years and is a revered figure in her community, and Miriam, a young midwife who is trying to start her own practice. We also meet some of their patients, who come from diverse backgrounds and have different reasons for choosing midwifery care.

Through conversations with the midwives and their clients, we learn about the philosophy behind midwifery, which emphasizes the importance of empowering women and their families to make decisions about their own bodies and healthcare. This approach is in stark contrast to the medical model of childbirth, which often treats pregnancy and childbirth as medical emergencies requiring intervention.

The documentary shows us several births attended by the midwives, including home births and births in a birth center. We see how the midwives provide emotional and physical support to their clients throughout the birthing process, and how they work together with other healthcare providers when medical interventions become necessary.

In addition to providing care during pregnancy and childbirth, the midwives also offer postpartum care and support to their clients. We see them checking in on new mothers and their babies, providing breastfeeding assistance, and helping with any other needs that arise.

Throughout the film, we also learn about the challenges facing midwifery as a profession. In some states, midwives are not recognized as healthcare providers and may face legal or financial barriers to practicing. Additionally, midwifery is often not covered by insurance, which can make it inaccessible to many families.

Overall, "Midwives" is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of healthcare. By profiling the work of these midwives and the families they serve, the film encourages us to reconsider our assumptions about childbirth and to recognize the importance of choice and empowerment in healthcare.