Ricki Lake On The Business Of Being Born

Actress and former talk show host Ricki Lake has turned executive producer for the documentary The Business of Being Born, which will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival. Huffington Post asked her some questions.

What's it like to premiere your film at the Tribeca Film Festival?
Right now my life feels completely surreal. I am so excited and honored to be a part of this amazing festival. The fact that most of the movie takes place in New York and that downtown New York is where I gave birth makes it even that much more meaningful to me. This is my debut as an executive producer.

Why did you want to produce this film?
I wanted to make this movie after my two very different birth experiences with my children. I felt like I had an opportunity to explore and question birthing practices in this country and perhaps be an advocate for mothers' rights and better maternity care.

How did your personal birth experiences influence you?
After the birth of my sons, particularly my home birth with my second son, I thought I wanted to become a midwife. Then I looked at all the years of schooling and training that I would have to do and felt that the time could be better spent doing a documentary on the subject of birth.

How intimate does the film get?
I am naked at 195 pounds giving birth in my own bathtub. It can't get any more intimate than that!

What do you hope people take away from the film?
A lot! I hope this film educates people and empowers them to really know their choices in childbirth. We do not want to make any woman feel bad about the outcome of her birth, or the choices she made (or will make).

Did you videotape personal birth experiences at the time?
As previously referenced, yes I did. For the record, I never filmed my birth with the goal of showing it to anyone, let alone the general public. I simply wanted it documented for me.

Other than your film, what are your plans for Tribeca?
I am thrilled to be in New York for most of the festival and I am very excited to take part in everything I can. I will be attending all of the screenings of The Business of Being Born, and I will be doing a Q&A after every screening.

What are your favorite parts of New York?
I love NY! The West Village is my favorite neighborhood in the world. I hope to see a couple of Broadway shows, eat great food, take my children to the MOMA and visit all of my friends. I can't wait.

Photos from The Business of Being Born.