I decided to make this film when my son, who I am still breastfeeding, was 7 months old. I had been attending semi-monthly breastfeeding support group with an amazing facilitator, Linda LeMon (who is featured in the trailer), and credit that group with the fact that I had a very easy go of it. The support and knowledge I received from Linda and the other women cannot be replicated online, from a book, or even from a doctor.
Since I decided to make this film I’ve had dozens upon dozens of conversations with women who are breastfeeding, tried to breastfeed and had to stop or supplement with formula, or never decided to start. Most have emotional and heartbreaking stories of feeling like a failure, like they are being judged, like they were inadequate mothers, because it didn't go as smoothly as planned. Others decided to feed their children formula, thinking it was "as good as breast milk" and are shocked to find out the true risks of the product, and in hindsight may have made other decisions.
The common refrain is "no one told me it was so hard." I want to share these stories. And in sharing the struggles of some mothers, I hope to empower all mothers by giving them the information they need to make the best choices for themselves, their babies and their families. And to show a broader audience - men and women alike, parents and nonparents, too, the incredible impact of a society that doesn't support breastfeeding. This is bigger than a parenting issue. It is a social issue with huge ramifications to the health and well-being of our citizenry.
Breastfeeding my son has been one of the most amazing and empowering experiences of my life. Over the last 2 and half years, I've learned so much about what an incredible substance mother's milk is, what an amazing supply and demand system the body has, and how incredibly convenient breastfeeding can be! I've also spoken with people from dozens of organizations, from the UN to NY state welfare programs, who are emphatic about the importance of this film. My mandate has been set and I'm ready for the challenge!