40 weeks // a look at the experience of pregnancy
Having just experienced 40 weeks of pregnancy recently — well, 39 weeks — I just at the chance to preview a new documentary, 40 Weeks, that chronicles the entire pregnancy experience through the eyes of a handful of women. They are all in various stages of life and different experiences.
I found myself getting so emotional, as I listened to them express joy over those first heartbeats, as I heard heartbreak over difficult news, as I watched these babies enter the world.
One storyline that hit me hard was one mom who’s cancer came back during her pregnancy. She had to have a planned early delivery, so that she could start cancer treatment. She blew me away with her poise as she faced the challenges before her. Her story and the varied experiences of all of the other moms in 40 Weeks reminded me again of the fragility of life, the miracle of pregnancy, and the heartache that sometimes accompanies the joy of childbirth and pregnancy.
40 Weeks was created by husband and wife team, Christopher Henze and Dominique Debroux, to empower, educate and create a sense of community for expectant moms. I love the way it’s filmed — through video diary feel to significant others’ filming — because I found myself connecting to each of the moms, excitedly anticipating what each week would bring for them.
40 Weeks hits theatres in select cities on December 2! You can request a screening near you — and learn more about the film — by visiting 40WeeksTheMovie.com. I will also be talking about this film with a few others today at 2pm EST on twitter. Psst! We are giving away some prizes ($50 gift cards anyone?) so come on over and join in!
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts on this new documentary today — I’m really excited for it to hit theatres soon, so that others can enjoy it too!
