Synopsis

Birthing At Home, in one phrase, is the agony and the ecstasy. Thirty two year old Alexis didn't want the hospital experience for giving birth. Instead she chose birthing in her parent's home without the aid of any drugs. Her Rwandan husband, Alain, assisted the midwife as Alexis' parents and the soon to be great-grandmother looked on. There were problems. Alexis started off in a birthing pool but it didn't work. Then she tried a birthing stool. That failed. Then she had to settle for a cot. Throughout the screaming and pushing what stands out is the calmness of the midwife. Giving birth at home can be risky business so the reassurance of a professional midwife is essential. After four hours of labor ten and a half pound Jazmine Rose Rutayisire was born. This 25-minute documentary is Interspersed with poignant interviews with Alexis, her husband Alain, Alexis' parents, the soon to be great-grandmother and the midwife.

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