These videos raise awareness about labor and delivery
choices.
Earlier this year, Virginia nonprofit Birth Matters invited moms, dads
and anyone else interested to post their best 4- to 7-minute videos
about childbirth on YouTube. The results:
About 40 videos on topics ranging from personal birth journeys to
the role of doulas to Cesarean sections and a birth experience in
the Amish culture. The judges' panel included former TV host
Ricki Lake, birth experts and authors.
This week, the group announced its winners! First prize (and
$1,000!) went to Ragan Cohen of California with her video about
preventing a
C-section.
Second place (and $500) went to Laura Alvarez of Wisconsin and her take on the nature of natural birth.
And last but not least: Third prize (and $100) was awarded to
Becky Carey of Virginia and her short video called Misconception.
The group saw the contest as another step toward its goal of
educating women about their options during their childbearing
years. After all, having the labor and delivery experience that you
want
starts with knowing what to expect. Remember, from traditional
to alternative, there's
a world of choices when it comes to childbirth.
A woman's fear factor can also play a role. If you dread
delivery, check out
our tips on what you can do to overcome your anxiety and have a
better birth experience.
