Breastmilk (FILM REVIEW)
Breastmilk
Film Review
by Kam Williams
Headline:
Female Empowerment Documentary Extols the Benefits of
Nursing
Precious few mothers in America follow
the World Health Organization’s recommendation that newborns be breastfed
exclusively for the first six months of life. Why the rush to formula, when
nursing is not only natural and healthier, but cheaper and fosters the baby-mom
bond?
Unfortunately, we live in a culture
which discourages women from breastfeeding at every turn, starting soon after
birth where infants are often introduced to the bottle right in the hospital.
After all, formulas are a billion-dollar business, and it is in a manufacturer’s
financial interest to wean a little one off mommy’s nipple, and the sooner the
better.
That’s why most mothers are provided
a starter kit of bottles and formula upon being discharged. Even those
exhibiting an interest in breastfeeding are pressured by their doctors to at
least purchase a $300 pump, the subtle suggestion being that they might not be
able to produce enough milk on their own.
Truth be told, lactation is an
uncomplicated bodily function which rarely needs any assistance. But we live in
a culture where corporate interests and Puritanical values have conspired to
shame females away from following their instincts. Yes, it’s may be legal to
breastfeed in public, yet so many moms feel guilty anyway about exercising
their right to do so.
Directed by Dana Ben-Ari, Breastmilk
is a most enlightening documentary which extols a variety of nursing’s benefits,
ostensibly with the goal of mainstreaming what sadly remains taboo in so many
social circles. The film’s primary focus is the daily regimen of about ten breastfeeding
families, though it also features interviews with a few of the age-old
practice’s more eloquent, academic advocates.
An empowering reminder of a woman’s body’s
remarkable ability to provide sustenance in abundance.
Excellent
(4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 91 minutes
Studio: Aleph
Pictures
Distributor: Cavu
Pictures
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