Newswise — WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 6, 2015) — American University’s School of Communication announced today the Washington, D.C. premiere of The Mama Sherpas documentary will take place on August 9 at the Burke Theater at the U.S. Naval Heritage Center. BOND/360 in collaboration with the Office of Motion Picture and Television Development will host the exclusive screening from 1 – 3 p.m. at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
The film examines a growing shift in the birthing industry and the rise of Caesarean sections, which account for over 30 percent of births in America. Viewers receive an intimate glimpse into the collaboration practices between midwives and doctors, and the changing of birth perceptions nationwide.
“We hope to guide the public into a deeper understanding of midwives, promote positive views of childbirths as well as influence public health policy and practice for the better,” said Director Brigid Maher, associate professor of film and media arts at American University’s School of Communication.
Prominent maternal rights advocates and Executive Producers Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein (The Business of Being Born) along with the film’s Director Brigid Maher (American University) will hold a panel Q/A session following the screening to discuss C-section and infant mortality rates in America.
Maher's film, The Mama Sherpas, is a powerful examination of the collaboration between nurse-midwives, mothers and doctors during the entire birthing process. It's the culmination of a journey, with her closely following four midwifery care providers: George Washington Hospital Medical Faculty Associates in D.C.; Baystate Midwifery and Women's Health in Springfield, Massachusetts; Physicians & Midwives in Alexandria, Virginia; and Sutter Davis Hospital Birthing Center in Yolo County, California.
Maher was inspired to create this film during her first pregnancy after having an unplanned Cesarean section and not fully understanding the associated risks for mother and baby. For her second child, she chose to deliver with a midwifery practice in a Washington, D.C. hospital where she naturally gave birth to a 9 pound 10 ounce, healthy, baby girl. "I just found the whole process so inspiring, and I realized my own naiveté and ignorance on the subject of childbirth," said Maher.
The film raises the question, are midwives the solution to high C-section rates in this country? In recent years, the idea of a “collaborative care” practice where doctors and midwives manage women’s care together has begun to gain traction. Research has demonstrated that collaborative care models produce better outcomes for mother and baby, including fewer C-sections.
This moving documentary provides an intimate lens into how midwives across the country work within and better the hospital system, redefining how the U.S. looks at the birthing process. The D.C. screening is open to the public. Click here for screening admission information.
“We were thrilled to discover Brigid Maher's film The Mama Sherpas which enriches the conversation around birth choices that The Business of Being Born started in 2008,” said Lake and Epstein. “It is a privilege for us to serve as Executive Producers on this moving tribute to modern midwifery. We know that this film will help to educate and enlighten future generations of expectant parents on a more humanistic and family-centered approach to having babies.”
The Mama Sherpas is also available on DVD, iTunes, digital VOD, and on its official website. For additional information, please visit the film's website www.themamasherpas.com; connect on Facebook (facebook.com/TheMamaSherpas) and on Twitter @MamaSherpas.
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