This is a 43 minute film recording a labour and birth, in an informal family setting. The Golden Bay Midwives are concerned at the increasing numbers of New Zealand women who are having clinical or surgical deliveries. The film is an attempt to show how fullfilling a natural child birth can be and that it should be the first choice for most women. The mother first proposed the idea after having great difficulty finding a birthing video which really satisfied her curiosity. The film has been edited with regard to suggestions made by several NZCOM tutors. It was decided to provide no commentary and therefore is able to be interpreted idiosyncratically - and some interpretation for first time mothers is definitely advised.
The birth progresses without problems, however a "good" tear eventuates which requires suturing.
The various body postures and positions the mother develops occur instinctively. Plenty of scenes display the value of focused breathing - something which was practised. Other attributes include the ever supportive role of the partner, the midwives ability to appear as background figures, early suckling, placenta expulsion and suturing.
The sound track in early labour at times suffers from quite a lot of general household noise, however nothing is really lost because of this, it is just a bit unexpected on the ear. During head emergence and delivery the healthy screams are very real, and it is adviseable to have the volume control at the ready for those with sensitive hearing.
"The Birth of Neko Pilara" is available as VHS for $85 NZ or on DVD for $75 NZ, plus $5 post/packaging within New Zealand and $10 international. Available as PAL or NTSC. DVDs are region free.
Otherwise for orders within New Zealand only you may purchase your copy by sending a cheque along with your order details to:
Golden Bay Films
Pakawau
Collingwood
Golden Bay
New Zealand
