A Groundbreaking Documentary on Conscious Pro-Creation

Now in 57 countries since its release in 2006, Birth As We Know It is receiving global recognition as the most comprehensive guide to Conscious Birth in the world, because it delivers a powerful transmission of what it really takes to give birth consciously and gracefully.

The film has received a lengthy standing ovation at the Human Rights Conference in Seattle, WA in August 2006. It has also been featured in the countless editorials of magazines around the globe, such as ‘Mothering’, ‘Byron Child’ and ‘Midwifery Today’, etc... It was also shown at a Hawaii State Senate hearing, dedicated to prevention of domestic violence and at a Congressional hearing in Washington D.C. on the same subject. It won an award as the “Most Impactful Film” at the 'Raw Lifestyle' Film Festival in Hollywood. It is already on its 6^th edition, without any advertising or marketing, just by the word of mouth. It’s translated into 12 languages by local volunteers and is inspiring a true grassroots movement all over the world!

In 2008 it was included in the mandatory curriculum of every medical school and University in Iran. The Educational Committee of Iran allowed only 5 foreign titles in their schools, 'Birth As We Know It' being one of them. In 2009 Iran issued a bill about reducing C-section rates down to 12% from existing 40% by the year 2012. The Chair of the Educational Committee said: 'This film helps my students to be more at piece with Americans.'

The film features 11 stunningly beautiful natural births: at home, in the sea, breech delivery and home waterbirth of twins. Also included are interviews on topics rarely discussed: Limbic Imprint, Sexuality of childbirth, Cesarean-section, Circumcision, Lotus Birth, Conscious Birth preparation and much more! With rich cinematography, invoking narrative and a breathtaking soundtrack, the film runs 73 min and gives viewers a rare opportunity to witness the true nature of birth, and our potential to give birth gracefully and fearlessly. Included on the Full Feature DVD are 3 more hours of bonus material, including 'Director's Commentary' by Elena.

There are also two shorter edits of the same film – 40 min and 25 min long for time-limited classes and conference presentations, called 'Educational version'.

Film creator and producer Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova was one of the pioneers of the Conscious Birth Movement in Russia since 1982, where she first recognized the need for a transformation in our birthing practices. “The quality of our formative period defines the quality of our life,” says Elena. “The birth process affects our ability to love, experience happiness and intimacy, as well as whether living in a body is experienced as safe and joyful and or as painful and lonesome”. Elena has brought her wisdom about how to avoid complications at birth through an effective preparation program shown in her film. “The birth itself is the last accord in this fascinating journey of self discovery,” Elena says. “After all the preparation is accomplished, the delivery of the baby unfolds naturally in all its magnificence.” Through her Birth into Being Workshops, Elena helps participants to release their own birth trauma and self-limiting beliefs and experience a profound power of the Birthing Field.

She now has 71 apprentices in 14 countries around the world, certified to conduct Elena's techniques.

Dr. Christiane Northrup is wholeheartedly endorsing Elena’s work and after attending Elena’s workshop with both of her daughters, she dedicated most of her March 2008 newsletter to praising it and explaining the main focus of it, and even included Elena’s 2 page article into her newsletter!

Elena lives in California and travels internationally presenting at conferences and teaching her Birth into Being Workshops and Apprentice Trainings in 17 countries of Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand... She is also a featured writer in numerous publications. Her articles inspire hundreds of thousands of people to higher levels of Consciousness in their lives.