Business of Being Born: Analysis of Childbirth Systems and Choices

This report analyzes the Business of Being Born documentary, focusing on the insights gained regarding childbirth systems, patient choices, and healthcare practices. The assignment explores the differences between home and hospital births, the role of midwives and nurses, and the importance of informed decision-making. The author discusses the impact of the documentary on their perspectives, emphasizing the need for healthcare professionals to support pregnant women in making their own choices. The report also highlights the significance of patient education and the provision of comprehensive information on birth options. The reference provided supports the analysis by discussing the costs associated with different childbirth settings.

Running Head: BUSINESS
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Business

BUSINESS
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The documentary, Business of Being Born helped me to get an in-depth insight into the
childbirth systems in the USA. The movie reveals that the US possess one of the most advanced
childbirth systems in the world. On the contrary, the rate of infant mortality is also quite high in
the country. The movie assisted me to understand the role of advanced birth systems and the role
of views of the pregnant women in the birth-related decision making. The movie has changed my
opinion on pregnancy and childbirth in the US. The movie indicated that the decision of pregnant
women should be given importance. After watching the movie, I realized that the childbirth
system should encourage pregnant women to make informed choices regarding childbirth. The
concept conveyed in the movie assisted me to understand the role of patient involvement in
clinical decision making which is taught in the class. As a healthcare professional, I believe that
home birth is not a safe option when pregnancy-related complexities are present. In addition,
home birth is also not safe when skilled nurses and midwives are not available. However,
pregnant women can opt for a natural birth in the hospital also in the presence of skilled
professionals (Xu et al., 2015). The healthcare professionals should inform the pregnant women
about the risks and benefits of every available birth options in an unbiased manner. The
knowledge of risks and benefits associated with the birth options would help the women to make
the most suitable choice. As evident from the movie, I realized that the nurses and midwives are
not only responsible for safe childbirth, but they play an important role in patient education also.
The willingness of women to take own decision on childbirth surprised me. In my professional
life also, I will support the women to know their options and take the appropriate decision. The
healthcare service providers, which are assisting women in childbirth, should ensure that they are
being able to make own choice. The women should be provided with detailed information on
every birth option while they consider the choice. The modern women need more support and
information on the advantages and drawbacks of their choices to make the appropriate decision.

BUSINESS
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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.