Antenatal education video from the 1950s.

Hindsight is the perfect prism through which to view what really went on and comment on what was really meant.  So, imagine my joy to find an original 1950s film available for viewing online today to give a clear view of what labour and birth was really like.  

I’m sure you will watch this and agree that this absolutely fabulous film would have been all you needed for a truly memorable birth experience.  (Note the charming caviat at the end that your birth may take a slightly different path from the one shown but you can rely on your doctor to do what’s right by you.)  Like hell.  (Ed – sorry, did that slip out).

You will laugh (I did, out loud) and cry (I nearly did – the tragedy of where it all went wrong is in the fact that the b*&^%s thought they were helping).  The only saving grace is that it repeatedly mentions the word ‘relax’ which is more than can be said for some antenatal classes today (at least in America which is where this delightful piece of propaganda hails from.)

There is so much to say but really, what words could I use.