Birth- A Play (And a DFW Giveaway)

I’m going to see it next week. It’s part of the Birth On Labor Day, or BOLD, movement to make maternity care mother-friendly.

Obviously, I don’t have any sort of review of it yet, but after watching the video about it and reading more about the cause, I’m pretty sure I’m going to love it.

I’ll try not to get too sappy here, but, for me, my 2 positive birth experiences changed me and empowered me. I feel lucky and blessed by all that every day, but I had to fight to get what I wanted. I had to work hard to educate myself and left 2 OB practices in search of more mother-friendly midwifery practices.

It’s not about whether you have an epidural or not, if you birth in a hospital or at home. It’s about getting the experience YOU want, and having the support offered up easily. It’s about not having to dig and search, fight and leave your OB at 39 weeks when he states he will not let you labor out of bed, or she won’t allow you to try for a vaginal birth after your last cesarean, even though you and your baby look perfectly healthy and are great candidates to try for it.

I think this is an important movement. The cornerstones of mother-friendly maternity care are described by BOLD include:

Birth can safely take place in hospitals, birth centers, and homes.

A woman’s confidence and ability to give birth and to care for her baby are enhanced or diminished by every person who gives her care, and by the environment in which she gives birth.

Every woman should have the opportunity to: Have a healthy and joyous birth experience for herself and her family, regardless of her age or circumstances.

Maternity care practice should be based not on the needs of the caregiver or provider, but solely on the needs of the mother and child.

And many more. You can read more about BOLD’s description of mother-friendly maternity care here.

Birth, the play, is showing all around the county, and, in fact, the world. You can find a location near you here. I will be attending the DFW showing next week. The ticket sales will benefit the Tarrant County Birth Network, the largest Birth Network National Chapter in the country.

Producer Shannon Blackwell said she became interested in the play after the birth of her second child in 2009.

“My two different births and the care I received during my pregnancies from my providers showed me the huge difference in experience a woman can have. Being educated and knowing your options are significant factors in walking away from a birth feeling empowered. It is a milestone in a woman’s life and we should celebrate that,” says Blackwell.

The DFW production of Birth opens September 23rd with a performance at 7 pm. There are 2 performances on the 24th, a “crybaby” matinee at 2 pm and another evening performance at 7 pm. Advance tickets are $10 and tickets at the door are $15. This play is PG-13 in nature, and not recommended for children. Go here for more DFW details and to buy tickets.

I’m also offering up a quick giveaway for 2 tickets to the DFW area production and the book The Birth Next Door. You’ll be able to choose the time that works best for you.

All you have to do is comment below telling me you’re in the area and interested in seeing it.

You can get an extra entry if you like BOLD Fort Worth on Facebook.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. I’ll draw the winner Tuesday morning with Random.org. You’ll need to get back to me quickly so we can arrange to have your tickets sent to you in time for the show.

Disclosure- BOLD provided the tickets for me and for my winner. I was not compensated in any other way for this post.

Entries closed. Congrats to Ashely, comment #16, as chosen by Random.org.

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