Breastmilk

New mothers representing a diverse sample in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and marital status share their experiences with breastfeeding in this intimate documentary from filmmaker Dana Ben-Ari, who spent over a year with the women and their partners—through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Colleen and Lindsay are both opposed to bottle feeding, but like many other women they are unable to breastfeed immediately after birth, so some degree of compromise becomes necessary. For support, Lindsay participates in a La Leche League group, but another subject, Karin, says she doesn't have time for meetings on top of her other commitments. Chrystle, a student, uses formula to supplement breastfeeding, since she has to return to school, although she notes that her baby responds better to breast milk. Karin, whose baby was born premature, uses a supplement in addition to breast milk on the advice of her doctor, but isn't convinced that it's really necessary. Karin also gets a breast pump, but is alarmed by the $300 cost. After returning to work, Barbara uses a pump during her breaks, and experiences no issues with the process (or the cost). Emily and Luki, a lesbian couple from Australia, see no need for a pump; if anything, they think that American mothers are overly concerned about milk production. Several subjects also talk about sex during breastfeeding, a topic that generally receives less attention than sex during pregnancy (even the fetish genre of lactation pornography merits a brief mention here). Other speakers include author Fiona Giles (Fresh Milk: The Secret Life of Breasts) and Dr. Jack Newman (of the International Breastfeeding Centre). Sure to be popular, this engaging and informative documentary is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)