Dani Diosi Commented on 05 Jan 2012

I thought it was totally irresponsible for the programme to show births like that. It just adds to the fear culture making birth a terrifying ordeal rather than the beautiful event it can and should be. I am so angry - they are thinking about sensationalism and their viewing figures only and nothing to do with educating parents about birth - Grrrrr!!!

carla Commented on 05 Jan 2012

I felt really bad for the Kurt when he didn't know what was lounge on and the baby was taken to icu! Someone really should have informed him

Chelsea Commented on 05 Jan 2012

Ahh where do i start?! I find it very frustrating that labour and birth is portrayed in this way. It seems that the majority of people think that medical intervention is essential to give birth to a healthy baby.

With the right mindset from the mother and those supporting her, surely it doesn't have to be so medicalised and traumatic for all involved? As a birth partner to my sister who had her first baby in July 2011, i have experienced how a relaxed labour and birth can happen against ALL odds... she had a 4 day labour with a back to back baby!

Her positive mindset and the support of myself and her husband allowed her to have a lovely home water birth, surrounded by candles, with nothing more than gas and air for the final stages.

Helen Redfern Commented on 05 Jan 2012

It was uncomfortable viewing.

I wasn't sure if I had missed something (was taking down Christmas tree at the time). There seemed to be no indication as to why Bethany was being forced to push when the baby wasn't ready to be born. There seemed little explanation of why forceps were required e.g. signs of distress on the part of the baby. Once the baby was born and not breathing I didn't understand why the cord was cut whilst it was still supplying oxygen and once the baby was breathing I couldn't understand why Bethany and her baby could not have skin to skin contact before the baby was taken away.

I felt most uncomfortable about the treatment and portrayal of Kurt. Were we just supposed to dismiss him as a meat-head? If felt for him being excluded from the birth of his child. Why could he not be there during the birth. Why did Bethany have to choose between her mum and her partner. Why were there several midwives around in the staff room but no one available to keep Kurt informed. He was frightened and unable to protect his partner.

It felt very sensationlist and voyeuristic to me.