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Interview With Ricki Lake: Your Best Birth

LilSugar — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:05:58 -0700

Known for her spunky attitude as both Tracy Turnblad in the original Hairspray and her 11-year stint as a daytime talk show host, Ricki Lake has reinvented herself as a women's birthing advocate. Following the release of her documentary about the shifting of the American mindset from home and drug-free deliveries to medicated hospitalized births where Lake chronicled her own son's home birth, she and director, Abby Epstein, penned Your Best Birth ($18). The text is a guide to natural delivery and birthing options.

We had the opportunity to chat with Lake, mama of two - Milo, 12, and Owen, 7 - about labor and delivery, c-sections and motherhood.

lilsugar: Is it hard for women to convince their families that a natural birth, or midwife, is the way to go?
Ricki Lake: I think it is really hard. There's still the stigma attached and very much less than one percent of people have home births. It's not something that’s talked about. If you go to the Netherlands, this is the norm. I think in Holland 30 percent of births are planned home births and they have a better infant mortality rate and maternal death rate. Midwives handle most of the births. So it's just not in our culture to really be open to it. I’m not on a mission to get everybody to deliver at home. I’m on a mission to talk about informed choice in this area.

lilsugar: Did you believe this would be your calling?
Ricki Lake: No! I was looking for something to speak on and be passionate about and this is the natural fit because of my experiences and because there was a lack of a voice. I thought - this is where I can serve, I can do something that I feel is positive. I’m not telling women what to do, I’m just trying to educate them and understand that having the ideal be a birth where you’re an active participant, whatever that is – if it's “don’t take my baby away from me,” or “don’t give me that epidural yet,” or “give me that epidural now.” I mean whatever it is, to not be a number in this conveyor belt.

To read what Ricki had to say about VBACs and mothering her sons, read more.

lilsugar: Why do you think the US has moved so far away from the European midwife model?
Ricki Lake: In the turn of the century, birth moved from home to the hospital as doctors got more and more trained doing surgeries. And then in the last decade, really, this malpractice situation that we’re in, with all the insurance and health care reform, it’s a nightmare. It's a really difficult climate for doctors to practice in. I wouldn’t want to be an obstetrician. It's not even about money any more – you’re not even really making a living. You have to pay this malpractice premium that’s so outrageous that you have to do a certain number of births just to pay it. They need to have a life, they have families of their own. That’s why they can’t wait for a woman to go into labor spontaneously and stay with them through the course of their entire labor and delivery.

lilsugar: Are c-sections the enemy in the birthing process?
Ricki Lake: I don’t think it’s the enemy, It's amazing that doctors are able to save mothers and babies in dire situations. It's a necessary procedure. A lot of times it's being done for reasons that are not in the best interest and safety of the mother – it's from the litigious standpoint. The c-section rate has gone to 32 percent when the world health organization says it should be around 13. Some hospitals are at a 50 percent c-section rate. In New York City, 50 percent of women are being cut open. And with VBACs being an option that is being taken away from many women around the country, I think 200 hospitals have mandated that they will not do a VBAC It's horrible.

lilsugar: You know you're a mother when ______?
Ricki Lake: You are no longer your top priority.

lilsugar: Why didn't anybody tell me _______ about motherhood?
Ricki Lake: Why didn’t anybody tell me that it would be so hard.

lilsugar: What's the best trick your mama taught you?
Ricki Lake: How to heat up a Hungry Man dinner.

lilsugar: Helicopter mom or free-range kids?
Ricki Lake: I think I’m pretty free range. My kids might argue that, but I stand by that I’m pretty free range.

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Ricki Lake's 130-Pound Weight Loss Holding Strong

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:30:00 -0800

At 40 years old, Ricki Lake is a new person since she's dropped 140 pounds from her former 270-pound self, and has kept it off for over a year. She says, "I can’t believe I was a fat person for most of my life." She didn't have surgery; her dramatic weight loss was made possible by all her hard work. Ricki is active, watches what she eats, and has organic meals delivered by Fresh Dining. Not having to prepare her own meals is a luxury that many of us can't afford, but it sure has done her a world of good.

This mother of two told People magazine, "I'm not a thin girl. I’m a normal girl. I don’t want to perpetuate that obsession but yet I am also guilty of wanting . . . to lose weight." She's happy that she's a healthy size, and even though she's maintaining her figure, she says "Something tragic in my life could happen and I could balloon and gain weight. I can’t promise I will be like this forever." It makes me feel better to know that even though she's a celeb, she's still human, and she has to work just as hard as the rest of us to stay in shape.

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Business of Being Born, Again

babysugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:00:58 -0700

Yesterday was not only the festive tequila filled Cinco de Mayo. It was also International Midwives Day. Coincidentally, Ricki Lake's movie, The Business of Being Born was released on DVD.

For those of you who are considering a natural or home birth, check out the $28 flick for an up close glimpse at the process. The former talk show host shares her personal home birth in the film inspiring women to reevaluate their birthing plans.

Then SJP, Matthew and Helen Found Their Premiere

Molly — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:30:38 -0700

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick were matching in pretty blue at last night's premiere of his new movie Then She Found Me in NYC last night. His costar and director, Helen Hunt looked smokin' in her skin tight gold number as she posed with a dressed down Matthew Perry. This little comedy looks like an adorable take on finding what, and who is right for you, something the other half of the SJP-Broderick couple will be tackling on the big screen soon too. While the similarities between this and Sex and the City end there - forgive me, I'm a little giddy from getting yet another new preview last night. Spring is here and love movies are definitely in the air.

To see more of the premiere including Carson Kressley, Colin Firth, Jessica Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld and more just read more

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Images Include: Carson Kressley, Helen Hunt, Sarah Jessica Parker, Natasha Bedingfield, Matthew Broderick, Matthew Perry, Colin Firth, Jessica Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld, Ben Shenkman, Kathy Najimy, Gloria Steinem, Ricki Lake

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Baby Bump: The Business of Being Born

babysugar — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 06:00:20 -0800

Former talk show host Ricki Lake executive produced Abby Epstein's documentary, The Business of Being Born. The film which has enjoyed all sorts of critical acclaim and press, just opened in New York City where Ricki Lake and Keri Russell were spotted hobnobbing outside the theater at its debut.

To learn more about the fascinating documentary, read more

The movie focuses on claims that doctors and hospitals are making huge profits from delivering babies. They believe women have been convinced that having a hospitalized medicated birth is the norm and that age old methods of home birthing and drug–free births are passé, even dangerous.

In the trailer, a panel of women in white coats were asked how often they get to see a completely natural birth. They answered, "Rarely. Almost never." It also states, "The United States has the second worst newborn death rate in the developed world," which I was shocked and even a bit scared to read. The movie highlights the positives to old–fashioned birthing methods and shows Ricki Lake having one of her own.

For those of you who are debating your delivery, this movie might help you make your decision.

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Sugar Bits - John Mayer's Crush on Ricki Lake

PopSugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:31:15 -0800

John Mayer confessed to Ricki Lake on Tuesday that he's had a crush on her for two years, then he got her number and texted her throughout the night. Seems pretty random, but he does like to keep his options open. - Page Six
In case you missed it, Kiefer Sutherland checked into jail yesterday to serve time for his September DUI. He is sentenced to be there for 48 days.
Tonight will mark the 300th episode of ER on NBC. From Clooney and Wyle back in 1994 to Stamos and Phifer today, the show continues to have an amazing run. - BuzzSugar
A judge has ruled that Vanessa Hudgens's lawyer can proceed with his lawsuit, in which he claims that the actress owes him $150,000 in unpaid fees. She should be happy that she signed that contract for HSM3. - People
Vivica A. Fox turned herself in to the LAPD yesterday to be booked on DUI charges from back in March. Hopefully she was more well behaved than when she was arrested. - TMZ

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Carmen, Jodie and T.R. Come Out for Trevor

PopSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:15:00 -0800

Carmen Electra, Jodie Foster and T.R. Knight were just a few of the stars in attendance at The Trevor Project's 10th Annual Gala in LA last night. The event benefits the 24/7 nationwide suicide helpline for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. Carmen and Jodie both looked cute in their short dresses and peep-toe pumps while T.R. was showing off his new haircut in a snazzy suit. We wonder how he feels about his BFF Katherine dishing about George and Izzie's relationship on Grey's. After all the drama he went through last year, he probably doesn't mind letting someone else be in the spotlight for a change.

More pics from the event including Joely Fisher and Ricki Lake so just read more

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Images include Carmen Electra, Joely Fisher, Ricki Lake, T.R. Knight, Jodie Foster.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month Spotlight On: Lifetime's "Stop Breast Cancer for Life" Campaign

BuzzSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 05:30:00 -0700

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'll be featuring people and products from pop culture that have to do with the disease - those who have beaten it, been touched by it, or are working toward finding a cure.

Today, the spotlight is on Lifetime Television, which has launched its 13th annual "Stop Breast Cancer for Life" campaign this month. The network has recruited several stars to record public service announcements about breast cancer awareness that will air throughout this month; Whoopi Goldberg, Reba McEntire, Fran Drescher, Daisy Fuentes and several NFL players are just a few of the stars involved.

The network also recruited R&B singer Mya - who became active in the breast cancer awareness community after her mother was diagnosed with the disease in 1998 - to record a special theme song for this year's campaign. The song, "My Bra," is based around the idea that we can be supportive, uplifting presences - er, "bras" - in each other's lives. The song will be featured in a new Lifetime movie, Matters of Life and Dating, starring Ricki Lake, who also has talked about the ways breast cancer has affected her.

Kudos to Lifetime for all the ways they're working to raise awareness. To watch a preview for Matters of Life and Dating featuring the Mya song, just read more

Ricki Lake is Back and She is Fit!

FitSugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 11:00:00 -0700

OK, so you may have read this title and laughed but I've gotta say Ricki looks good! She was recently on the cover of Us Magazine and I was stunned to see her looking so fab.

Here is what UsMagazine.com reports that she is saying on her dramatic weight loss:

Once weighing 250 pounds, newly transformed former talk show host Ricki Lake has revealed exclusively to Us Weekly the secrets behind her 123-pound, size-4 shape.

Lake, 38, who just debuted The Business of Being Born, her documentary about home birth and midwifery, sits down with Us and explains exactly how she got thin – and finally made peace with her shape after a painful past.

On crash dieting in 1991: “… I went on this extreme diet. I used to faint because I wasn’t eating and I was always exercising.”

On the most exciting thing about her new weight: “For the longest time, when I was very heavy, I couldn’t cross my legs. I couldn’t physically do it. LOVE that I can cross my legs now ... Even my shoe size is changing. My Jimmy Choos are too big now.”

On what she thinks of super-skinny actresses: “I think I have no wrinkles because I always had fat on my face. Really skinny girls age so fast.”

Talk about a blast from the past -- Does anyone suspect comeback? Regardless the woman looks great and I love commending anyone with the will to lose so much weight.

Selma and Minnie Have a Black and White Ball

PopSugar — Wed, 02 May 2007 07:35:00 -0700

Selma and Minnie were just a few of the ladies who attended the women's filmmaker brunch at Soho House during the Tribeca Film Festival. Selma is fresh from the premiere of Purple Violets and looked amazing in her one shoulder white hot dress. She's quite a contrast to Minnie's dark denim look. Minnie's looking pretty hot these days. Perhaps she is psyched that her FX show, The Riches, is rumored to be picked up for another season.

For more pics including Edie Falco, Connie Chung, Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein just read more

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