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There’s no denying that movies, series, documentaries, and other forms of infotainment teach us a lot we need to learn. If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably read books and magazines about motherhood and pregnancy. It’s only natural that you do because that’s how you gather knowledge and learn all about parenting in theory. But if you’re someone who doesn’t love to read, you could also rely on audiobooks or visual treats to help you get there. Sure, movies and television series are an excellent way to go, but they are hardly realistic. So, the best way to understand motherhood and learn all about it while also keeping it real are through pregnancy documentaries. Here are seven documentaries that you shouldn’t miss watching while pregnant:
1. 40 Weeks
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Taking you into the journey of pregnancy week-by-week, the 2014 documentary film 40 Weeks is raw and real. It is the first unscripted documentary film that shows you the intimate reality of a woman’s journey into becoming a mother. The film is split into three sections to represent the three trimesters of pregnancy. It features different women who speak about the emotional and physical challenges they face during pregnancy. If you haven’t already watched it, put it on your to-do list now!
2. Doulas: A Documentary
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Doulas have become quite popular in the recent past. The film explores a doula’s role in a pregnant woman’s life inside and outside the birth room. It is a great educational tool for expectant mothers and other caregivers in the childbirth arena. The film, by Emily Rumsey, not only educates pregnant women but also celebrates the process of supported birth.
3. The Business Of Being Born
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An eye-opening documentary about a broken medical system that places profitability and convenience over health, The Business Of Being Born is a must-watch! The appalling evidence that backs the truth behind this documentary will make you want to choose the home birth route. This film is a game-changer for every mom-to-be who is unsure about making a choice between a home birth instead of a hospital birth.
4. The Mama Sherpas
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The Mama Sherpas is your go-to film documentary if you’ve ever wondered why the cesarean delivery rates are shooting up year by year. What is the difference between giving birth in a hospital and having a midwife do that at home? Find out all about it in this documentary that beautifully captivates the audience. It strings together stories from both sides of the spectrum — patients and providers. Watch the film to understand the exciting role of a midwife in your delivery experience.
5. Babies
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Before you embrace parenthood, give this mind-blowing documentary a watch. Babies powerfully explores the early life of four infants from different parts of the world. The film teaches us that even though babies are cute, helpless, and tiny, they have a pretty adventurous life even during the first two years after their birth. Watch this film to understand more about babies and how they work.
6. In The Womb
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Pregnancy is fascinating, no doubt! But do you know what happens in the pregnant belly of different species? This film combines animation and real-life illustrations that show you every aspect of development in a mother’s womb. From being an embryo to becoming a full-grown baby, the journey is beyond fantastic and In The Womb captures all of it beautifully.
7. Breastmilk
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We often forget that the most challenging part of being a mother comes after childbirth. Breastmilk is a drama-documentary film that follows the life of breastfeeding women from all walks of life. Through candid, revealing, and hilarious interviews, Breastmilk observes the life of five new mothers. It’s insightful, gently affecting, and remarkably intimate.
There you have it! Documentary films will probably teach you more about pregnancy and motherhood than books and magazines ever will. So, what are you waiting for? Get busy this week with a docu-binge! Share this article with your friends and family and learn a little something new!
