Kerre Woodham: Baby film ban for the best

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I've always wondered why people film the birth of their baby.

Of course it's a day you'll never forget - but that's why you have a brain and a memory. Do you really need a camcorder?

There's also the question of who would ever watch the footage. Perhaps, late of an evening, couples might sit together and reminisce about that special day - but I'd rather watch ConAir for light entertainment.

Your child would never forgive you if you screened the footage at their 21st - and it would be too cruel to inflict it on your friends: "This is us packing my birthing bag. This is us getting ready to go to Wellington Hospital. This is the Hataitai Tunnel. That's me ..." It doesn't work.

At least a story out of Australia this week has shown videos in the birthing room may serve a very important purpose when the worst happens.

The state of Victoria has banned all recording devices in delivery suites, with medical authorities citing invasion of staff privacy and the inability of a partner to support the mother properly while they're busy behind the camera as reasons for the ban.

In this politically correct world, that might sound reasonable - until you read that in 2009 nearly $20 million was paid out in secret settlements to families whose births had been bungled.

Obstetrics apparently accounts for more compensation payouts than any other medical specialty. So is the ban in the best interests of the staff and labouring mother - or a way for the hospital to ensure there isn't unequivocal evidence of incompetence?