Analysis of Childbirth Issues in the US: Business of Being Born

This report analyzes the documentary 'The Business of Being Born,' focusing on childbirth issues within the US healthcare system. The student reflects on the high infant mortality rate, the limited childbirth options available to pregnant women, and the importance of patient education. The report examines the impact of the documentary on the student's views, emphasizing the role of healthcare professionals, nurses, and midwives in promoting informed decision-making. It discusses the student's personal experiences in the healthcare industry, opinions on home births and natural births, and the surprising lack of awareness among women regarding their childbirth options. The report highlights the responsibility of healthcare workers in educating women and concludes with the importance of patient education and informed choices for improving childbirth outcomes. References are also included.

Running Head: BUSINESS
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The Business of Being Born

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Introduction
The childbirth and the increased infant mortality rate is one of the key concerns of the US
healthcare system. Although the US has highly advanced childbirth systems, the number of child
death is also high (Xu et al., 2015). In addition, the current healthcare system of the country
provides pregnant women with less opportunity to choose their preferred childbirth option. The
business of Being Born is a documentary that highlighted the issues related to the lack of
decision-making power among US women at the time of childbirth. The current reflective paper
deals with the analysis of the childbirth-related issues in the US.
Overall impression
The business of Being Born is effective to get a detailed view of the childbirth systems in the
USA. The movie indicates that despite having advanced healthcare systems, infant death in the
USA is high. The lack of knowledge among pregnant women in the USA on safe childbirth
options is a key reason behind the failure.
Change in My opinion and Views
My opinion and views on the childbirth system in the USA have been changing significantly
after watching the movie. Previously, I used to think that the current system is effective to
promote health among pregnant women and infants. After watching the movie, I realized that the
present system has failed to increase awareness among pregnant women and it affects the overall
effectiveness of the healthcare system.
The relation between film and class topics
The movie focuses on discussing the role of healthcare professionals to promote patient
education. In class also, I have studied the same topic.
Personal Experiences
My working experience in the healthcare industry indicates that healthcare professionals play an
important role to promote patient education.
Opinion on Home Birth and Natural Birth at Hospital

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Homebirth is a popular option among pregnant women. however, in case of any complication,
avoiding it is better. The natural birth at the hospital is possible. It is a safer option due to the
presence of healthcare professionals
Influence of healthcare workers
I think healthcare workers can have a favourable influence on the decision-making power of
pregnant women by providing them with adequate information on the available childbirth
options.
Role of nurses and midwives
The nurses and midwives can play a significant role in improving the childbirth success rate by
making the pregnant women aware of all the available options along with the positive and
negative impacts of each option (Hill & Mallett, 2019).
Surprising Information in Film
The film has revealed that a huge portion of the women is unaware of the available childbirth
options. The fact seemed surprising to me.
Impact on professional life
As I realized the lack of awareness among pregnant women, I will focus on educating them
about the safe childbirth options.
Responsibility to meet the needs of women
The healthcare workers bear the key responsibility to educate the women.
Ways to advocate women and their education
The healthcare professional can educate women through face to face conversation. The
professionals can inform the women regarding the risk associated with each option so that they
can make an informed choice.
Conclusion

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The film revealed one of the key issues related to childbirth. After watching the film, I realized
the importance of educating patients as healthcare professionals.

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References
Hill, K., & Mallett, G. (2019). Maternal characteristics, delivery outcomes and self-reported
perceived control during childbirth in low-risk nulliparous women. American Journal of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, 220(1).
Xu, X., Gariepy, A., Lundsberg, L. S., Sheth, S. S., Pettker, C. M., Krumholz, H. M., & Illuzzi, J.
L. (2015). Wide variation found in hospital facility costs for maternity stays involving low-risk
childbirth. Health Affairs, 34(7), 1212-1219.

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Reference
Xu, X., Gariepy, A., Lundsberg, L. S., Sheth, S. S., Pettker, C. M., Krumholz, H. M., & Illuzzi, J.
L. (2015). Wide variation found in hospital facility costs for maternity stays involving low-risk
childbirth. Health Affairs, 34(7), 1212-1219.