Breastmilk is about social inequities surrounding breast feeding. For example, the breast pump. While it is a supportive for moms, access for people in poverty is an issue. Hospitals push the 300.00 pump at time of birth. A family in poverty can not afford to spend 300.00 on a pump. Another problem is the timing of the pump. Labor and delivery specialists suggest that without a pump, a mom may lose their ability to feed their baby. The science of milk production is that breastmilk is very low at birth. It takes a mom 48 hours to replenish her supply. Doctors and consultants are pushing the pump to early on the mom. When you think about it, in developing countries, milk production does not require a pump. This is a creation of a myth by our healthcare system. This is one example of many that myths sometimes guide practices regarding breast feeding.The value of fathers is so positive in this movie. It can help a newly expectant dad understand their role as being supportive regarding breastfeeding. I was impressed how many positive examples of supportive fathers there were in the movie. I have seen many books and documentaries on breastfeeding. This movie by far normalizes the impact of fathers. It also helps them understand the boundaries between sexuality and breastfeeding.
The movie also helps mom understands that it's okay to experience arousal from their partner during this time of attachment and bonding. Intimacy is okay. Some moms experience resentment from their spouse. The movie delicately discusses that it is okay for a mom to experience pleasure. It is actually normal to feel stimulation and want to share that feeling with your partner.
Marriage equality and the roles of the same sex couple is a part of the documentary. For those less tolerant, it normalizes the roles of same sex couples. A loving relationship between an infant and partners are not a barrier based on gender or sexual identity.
The movie discusses relationships and bias regarding the sharing of breastmilk. Racial barriers exist with moms from diverse backgrounds. Similar to same sex marriages, we are not as inclusive and accepting as we would like to believe. Love and intimacy is diverse and breastfeeding should not be limited to social pressures or Protestant ethics.
The movie spends a lot of time on struggles. It normalizes that milk production is complex. The goal of "liquid gold" has given the impression that it is a perfect science. However, culturally this is inaccurate. The pressures of abundance has created confusion for moms.
The biggest criticism of this movie is that it is too slow. The biggest criticism I read was from breast feeding advocates. They looked at the film globally. I can see their point. It is slow. However, they watched the movie in one sitting. You, the viewer has the option to watch the movie in intervals. I can not understand how breast feeding advocates could not see the movie and many parts to a whole regarding the educational benefits for parents.
The only criticism I have regarding the movie is the lack of information for he benefits of attachment and bonding. Breastfeeding provides many benefits that can help infants learn about healthy relationships through attachment and bonding. Newly expectant families would have benefitted from a discussion of the bonds between moms, dads and baby that happen during breastfeeding.
I strongly recommend the movie. I liked the slow pace. It is available on Netflix. Watch the movie in intervals or all at once. For some of you reading this article, you have many months prenatally to watch the movie. Take your time and enjoy the attachment and bonding that lasts a lifetime.
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