The thing to remember with OBEM is that it is edited- long sections, interactions etc. They also pick the cases that are the most dramatic- it is not representative of all experiences as they simply pick the ones that make the best viewing.
Similarly to negative birth stories- people love to share the drama, but not so much when things have been straight-forward, particularly when things have 'gone-wrong' for your friends- why brag about your natural birth and potentially make them feel guilty (I know some women do this regardless but the some women I know have kept shtum about their amazing experiences for fear of being trambled on/making their other friends feel negative for their not so great experiences).
It is so important to be aware of all options in labour and birth- and not just pharamcological pain relief either- alternative methods, such as water, aromatherapy, massage, hypnotherapy- have all been shown to be effective coping mechanisms in labour by those who are trained to use it. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is worth exploring- that way you are fully informed and perhaps have other means and choices in labour in case stronger methods are unavailable at the specific time when you want them, an unfortunate side-effect of putting your birth management in someone else's hands.
There's alos a need to understand the basic biology behind birth and the way that it works- women labouring physiologically, who are well supported, allowed to labour and birth in an upright position, who are made to feel safe- produce very high levels of oxytocin (the hormone that makes you contract and labour more effectively) and endorphins (natural pin-relievers) that allow a woman to progress and cope with the labour experience.
Hospital environments, when brightly lit, bustling, with care-givers who do not promote a safe and supportive environment, in contrast: reduce oxytocin levels leading to more interventions, and encourage women to produce adrenaline. Adrenaline counteracts these hormones and endorphins, meaning women are more likely to feel more pain, and therefore lose control.
Hospitals and the medical model of birth do not understand this basic physiology, and so this has contributed to a culture of women who fear birth, and experience birth trauma at the hands of those who do not safeguard it.
I am not talking of the times when there are genuine birth complications, but it is well known that many of the complications are iatrogenic- caused by those who seek to improve it because they do not know when to stand back.
There is also the notion of imfored choice- we have a society in which this is promoted, but people need to know the risks and benefits, and the long term implications (for example research has now come out suggesting those women who are not exposed to these high levels of oxytocin, such as in induced labours and elective caesareans, can have long-term bonding issues wth their babies, leading to long term behavioural issues) of such options- and weigh that against their own personal views, not just the views, opinions, and experiences of others.
A completely 'natural' experience isn't always appropriate or wanted by some, but it is safe for the majority of women- but women also need to have options- through education and open discussion with Midwives and Obstetricians.
Sorry I'll get off my soapbox now. My advice would be never watch OBEM. It just isn't realistic and it scares the pants off me! x