"Our deepest wish is to empower women with childbearing wisdom through sharing the experiences, creativity and authority of mothers and fathers"
Film-makers Jenny Blyth & Alieta Belle

The luscious women and babies from 'The Big Stretch'

 

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"Gorgeous, true, honest, delicious, deep" Monika

"It was so good it made my uterus ache - in a good way." Debbie

"All the positive messages about birth we women want to share with each other. Real women talking about their real experiences & insights birthing their children." Su

"Educational, Beautiful, Real, Necessary." Belinda

"Revolutionary, Fantastic. Get it out there." Joe

"It made me cry & want to have another baby again, it was so deep and inspiring. So lovely to see birth in its beauty, simplicty and magic- its easy to forget that with technical study. It was also so nice to see so many beautiful healthy vibrant women and families. The tech are showing the DVD as part of the 'women's experience' subject." Claire, Midwifery Student NZ

 
…Demystifying Birth…Preparing for Birth..
"What a great film. It reminded me of when my kids were born and the journey of birth keeps going. This film will help many women and men normalise, demystify and above all enjoy the birthing experience." Paul V 

"Thank You! It made me cry, it made me laugh. It inspired and excited me. So many insights and messages, beautifully put together. It truly captured the amazement of birth and all the teachings that come with it. As a second time pregnant mother, this really enthused me to birth – I want to birth Now! It's so packed with info. I think I'll have to watch it over and over again to absorb it all." Sandra 

"Just brilliant for helping the mother overcome inhibitions. Thankyou so much for sharing" Neena

"I feel more connected with myself as a woman even though I have never birthed a child. This film has given me hope" Leis

"Amazing and very scary and real. Inspired as a first time mum to look at and work through my fears and really know myself. Thankyou"

"Absolutely wonderful. I wish I'd seen it any of the 3 times I was pregnant- have to have another one. Every woman should see it." Anna
 

Birth Education…and Preparation
"I love your DVD by the way and it's being shown in Antenatal classes to prospective new mums. I think it gives a real insight into the emotional tools needed to be ready to work through Labour." Yolande, Midwife QLD Hospital

"Just watched 'The Big Stretch' and I cannot tell you how much it has helped me. I have been recently working through my traumatic first birth and trying to conceive a new bub, which has brought a lot of issues to the surface. Your amazing film was so helpful in thinking about these things. So refreshing to see family births and partner's thoughts, It had me in tears. 'The Big Stretch' should be seen by every woman. Fantastic & thank you so much." Ellie

"The Big Stretch in an insightful documentary about natural birth.   It demonstrates how each woman's birth is unique and shows the specialness of family involvement.  I recommend the Big Stretch to birth educators wishing to show their students how empowering and different each birth can be."

I really like how it addresses issues like breathing, fear and pain, unexpected outcomes, parenting twins and learning about how the birthing body works.  Birth stories are a big part of empowering women as they become aware of what's possible for their own births." Suzanne Swan, Yoga Teacher & Birth Educator, Yogababy

"I liked the pace. The film raised issues for me about my own birth (grief about interventions), and fears for my next one, but the pace stopped me from dwelling too much at the time. I was just able to go 'oh yes', I will deal with that later. I like that we followed several stories and had them all resolved." Melissa

"The Big Stretch- A film so whole and honest. I enjoyed the stories & the birth & labour footage. Really good to see the woman who birthed twins- her belly all stretched afterwards. Great for women and partners to see, as it helps us accept our bodies and love them for their wonderful stretchabilities!"  Danielle, Doula

"What I liked about the Big Stretch was the insight into the different and varied issues and feelings that having a baby can bring out in some women and how important it is for them to feel they have worked through them before their baby is born." Cheryl, Doula

"I have just finished watching the Big Stretch DVD by Alieta Belle & Jenny  Blyth.  It was so good!  An Australian made pregnancy & birth video.  I loved hearing all the women speak and see the wonderful Australian  background. What a rich production." Mary, Midwife

"Another girlfriend due in a few weeks borrowed The Big Stretch and thought it was so inspirational and motivating.  There really seems to be a lack of quality, original material for women going through the conventional hospital system and it has been lovely to have something so creative to lend to girlfriends and they have been so impressed!" Chrissy

"I really wish I'd seen it during any of my pregnancies. It would have been very empowering. Despite my different experience, I felt that the movie really captured the amazing intensity that comes with pregnancy and birth in all its forms. It should be shown in every antenatal class in the country." Anna
 

Mothering
"All of a sudden I feel so well understood. That my experience is shared over and over again fills me with the sense that I'm a link in this chain of birth wisdom, woman wisdom. Thanks for helping me love the role I play as mum." Mandy

"Congratulations! What an awesome, inspiring, enriching experience! Newly pregnant with #5 and feeling 'stretched'! So stretch I will. Thanks." Michelle

"I'm amazed at how much emotion I still hold in me from the birth of my child. Some more moved and softened in me through your film. It's beautiful and valuable for women before and after birth." Jaime

"The film I find has touched me on a deep level. The sanctity of that emotional-spiritual space is so important. The protection for the mother and baby to just be and connect. I so wish that I could have my children all over again."   Midwife.

"I enjoyed it even more the second time. For me it actually got me thinking about my beliefs and what it is that I truely want for myself and my family. I expect each time I watch it I'll gain a new prospective. The Big Stretch certainly is a valuable 'tool' to have on hand because of the insight to the reality as to how different we all are." Sharon "

Even though it's 15 years since experiencing 'birth' I realised the feelings and memories are still so present. You captured it all. Beautiful sharings,   beautiful music, beautiful moments. Heartfelt." Rhonda