During my classes, we talk about how media portrayals of birth impact our perceptions and expectations as well as contribute to our fears about birth. Often media portrayals of birth have a tense, “emergency” atmosphere, with lots of rushing around and communicate that birth is a dangerous, medical event requiring rescuing by medical teams. Usually, when I bring this up, people in my classes nod in agreement and have lots of examples to share. However, in the last two classes, women have responded, “well, on House of Babies, I saw…” or “in House of Babies…” or “House of Babies isn’t like that.” Well, cool! I think I need to see House of Babies! (I don’t get any TV channels though, so alas, I can’t see it. Someone in my current class offered to show me a recording of it though, so I’m excited to see it).

I’m encouraged to know that there are shows like this with positive, affirming messages reaching women and showing them what birth can be like in a supportive, midwifery model of care atmosphere.