Mom Debate: Birth Videos on YouTube?

[Jessica at Parenting.com]

What do you think -- great, or gross?

For those of you who have made birth videos, did you feel self-conscious at the time? Did you share the video with friends / family, or did you keep it private?

Would you ever consider posting it to YouTube?

Reply to this message and let us know what you think. Your quote could end up in a future issue of the magazine!

[brandie1127]

Gross!

Its awesome that you started this thread because just a few days ago I got curious as to what I was in for and decided to look up vaginal deliveries on You Tube. I had no idea!!!! I almost threw up! Changed my mind on alot of things. Thing #1 I was all video tape gung ho - not anymore I don't want a video anywhere near that thing. #2 I really wanted my husband to watch - not anymore! He can stay up by my head where he belongs. I would like to resume normal sex after having this baby and he doesn't need THAT image in his head everytime hes down there! I also thought I wanted a mirror so I could see, nope I don't think so, I'd probably pass out!

So I was glad someone put theirs on you tube - at least now I know what I'm in for.

[lismom2]

I think it's great for moms to see all the different and real ways women give birth, especially since we're so used to seeing movie and tv versions of birth (and most of those are edited for time or so-not realistic it's not even funny). At the end of the day, even when you see a video of a birth that either makes you uncomfortable or isn't the direction you want your birth to go, mom's get to see that the woman who gave birth did in fact, give birth... and survived !

[savanahyson]

Personally, I think it is disgusting. It was bad enough to go through it, let alone see someone else! That is just my opinion, and if a woman is ok with the whole world seeing her hoo-hoo, then more power to her i guess. I wouldnt look or let anyone even remotely near that area of my body when i was giving birth! Ew...!!

[cacasey1981]

I think it's great. I was "scared" of having the screaming horrible movie/TV show birth. I enjoyed getting to see that it's not as awful as it's often portrayed.

And I'm proud that my husband watched some videos and prepared himself for what he would see during my birth, it was far less shocking knowing what to expect

[WWmama]

I think it's great and gross. It's great for people who feel like they really need to see what goes on ahead of time, but it's gross for me. I don't want to see that at all. I'm all for filming a birth, but why not film from near the mother's head? I'd like to see my baby coming into the world, but it's not necessary to see all of me!

[mammawazz]

I think its great I had to have a csection with my first (she was breech) and am now considering a vbac with my second (due june 15) I did watch a few and was grossed out but no one forced me to watch but I feel that now I am more prepared for birth after seeing the ways that other women deal with the pains of labor and I've seen a few different laboring positions. Granted I'd never put my video on there but I am thankful that others had the courage to.

[teenyxdoodlez]

..........

[careystarr]

I think it's great! When I was pregnant with my first child, I did all kinds of web searches for birthing videos. They were very helpful. It helped me feel more prepared seeing the different births and how each one was different and special. As long as the videos being posted are well explained in the title so that children and adults who do not wish to see those things know what is about to play.

[craftyashley]

Gross! So totally gross. My question is why do these people feel the need to post it on the internet?! I get it if you want a birthing video, but why post it on the internet? Weird.
I can see how TLC's shows are pretty blurred and unrealistic, but I thought Discovery Health's programs were the right balance of seeing enough to not being totally grossed out.