The Ricki Lake Show Season 1 Episode 13 The Business of Being Born

In season 1 episode 13 of The Ricki Lake Show, titled "The Business of Being Born," Ricki explores the topic of home birth versus hospital birth. Ricki, who gave birth to both of her children at home with midwives, is a vocal advocate for the home birth movement.

The episode begins with Ricki talking about her own experiences with home births and the stigma that surrounds it. She brings on a panel of experts, including midwives, OB-GYNs, and doulas, to discuss the risks and benefits of home birth versus hospital birth.

Throughout the episode, Ricki interviews several women who have given birth at home with midwives, as well as women who have given birth in hospitals with both midwives and doctors. The women share their stories and experiences, highlighting the different choices and challenges they faced during their pregnancies and births.

One woman, Shari, shares her experience of being turned away from a hospital because of overcrowding, and instead giving birth in the car on the way to a second hospital. Another woman, Wendy, talks about the high intervention birth she experienced in a hospital and how it led her to choose a home birth for her second child.

The show also features interviews with healthcare professionals who are passionate about providing safe and supportive care for women during childbirth. Dr. Jacques Moritz, an OB-GYN and the director of gynecology at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, shares his support for home birth and the importance of informed decision-making for women during childbirth.

Ricki also talks to filmmaker Abby Epstein, who directed the documentary "The Business of Being Born," which argues for the benefits and safety of home birth. Epstein shares her reasons for making the film and the impact it has had on the conversation around birth in the United States.

Throughout the episode, Ricki and her guests explore the cultural and societal attitudes towards childbirth and the ways in which the medical establishment can support women during this transformative time.

In the end, "The Business of Being Born" presents a nuanced and informative look at the choices women have during childbirth, encouraging viewers to consider their options and make informed decisions about their own births. The episode challenges the assumption that hospital birth is always the safest option, and instead presents home birth as a viable and empowering choice for women.