Watch video here: https://youtu.be/XdiUiC9iUP0
I am thrilled and delighted to launch my short film, PUSH, for International women's Day 2021. The response has been breathtaking. I have been contacted by educators, Mums, doulas, Universities and even our own Queen of midwifery, Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent CBE to offer their congratulations for this film. My heart is full. If I can help spread the word to as many women and midwives as possible through this short poignant comedy, then my hope is that more and more women will enjoy he beautiful birth that they deserve. It's only 7 minutes long. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!
The parallels between making babies and birthing babies are very close. Women who fail to feel safe and loved, who fail to reach a point of neocortical inhibition, safety and oblivion, will struggle to release enough oxytocin to reach the point of orgasm or to labour successfully to the point of natural birth. Hollywood scenes of adrenalin fuelled birth rooms, bright lights and teams of medics yelling “PUSH” are all too prevalent. Despite being a popular occurrence in TV births, it is actually very rare for your baby to be sneezed out in the car park or to practically kill you. These shows are prepping our women for failure. Tokophobia (fear of childbirth) is on the rise. We owe it to ourselves and to our unborn babies to take the fear out of childbirth and to become oxytocin producing love machines. Pregnancy is a natural process, not an illness. You don’t need a dental surgeon to brush your teeth at night and we don't need to interfere when nature is taking its course. This short comedy is a reminder of how close the parallels are between making and birthing babies. Both are a labour of love. Starring: Julia Melinek, Bella Glanville, Bibi Lucille, Ray Calleja, Derry Mensah Writer and producer: Julia Melinek Director: Anastasia Bunce Co-producer / Production Designer: Elizabeth Melinek Director of photography: Tania Freimuth Casting: Bella Glanville Editor: Karl Rhys Colourist: Rebecca Chapman Original music score: Hollie Buhagiar
Reviews
"Terrific! Very funny. I laughed out loud. Very clever too. You make your points beautifully."
Harry Bradbeer - director of fleabag
"This is brilliant!!!!!"
Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE
Chief Midwifery Officer
"It is brilliant. I will share widely"
Hannah Dahlen. Western Sydney University
"What a fantastic film, you definitely made my Monday night! A very important message, hopefully the film will be an outstanding success!"
Sam Basett. Lead midwife for education King’s College London
"I can't wait to share this with our students and staff.It is excellent."
Sarah Lewis. NMC lead midwife for education discussion. Nursing Midwifery Council. Keele University
"So good, absolutely loved it Julia, well done. This is my new favourite satire and I showed it to our student doulas today and they thought it was hilarious, but if definitely highlights what is wrong with our maternity care system. Thank you for poking the bear"
Vicki - Doula and doula trainer.
"Incredibly done! Hits home on so many levels working in both hospitals and home. Will share this wide in our Canadian midwifery circle!"
JB - Midwife
"Wow! If there was anything that could explain birth without having to speak, your film push, would be it"
Emma. Doula
"Excellent! Beautifully hilarious and hard hitting, highlighting unacceptable practices which really must change."
Paula . Mum