News - Microbirth film showing

MICROBIRTH is a new feature-length documentary looking at birth in a whole new way, through the lens of a microscope. The film asks if medical interventions in childbirth could be having life-long consequences for the health of our children with implications for the whole of mankind!

Could the way we are born determine our future health and even impact the future of humanity? These are questions explored in a new feature-length documentary 'Microbirth' premiering in hundreds of grass-roots public screenings around the world on 20 September 2014.

Recent population studies have shown babies born by Caesarean have approximately a 20% increased risk of developing asthma, 20% increased risk of developing type-1 diabetes, a similar risk with obesity and slightly smaller increases in gastro-intestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. All of these conditions are linked to the immune system.

'Microbirth' explores several possible plausible explanations. One hypothesis is that if normal vaginal birth is interfered with or bypassed completely because of Caesarean birth, this could alter the 'seeding of the baby’s microbiome', the critical transfer of bacteria from mother to baby at birth. Scientists suggest this could lead to the baby’s immune system not developing to its full potential. Another hypothesis is the actual process of vaginal birth, including the cocktail of hormones produced during labour, could profoundly affect the baby’s immune regulation and metabolism.

Please join us at Calthorpe Sports & Fitness Centre on Saturday 20 September 2014, 12 noon to 4 p.m., to view the premiere screening - more details of Birmingham showing here.