As printed in the July/August Issue of Video Librarian

Breastfeeding Comprehensive
(2006) 130 min. DVD or VHS. Mother of 7, Inc. PPR. ISBN: O-9766430-5-7 (dvd), 0-9766430-3-0 (vhs).

This beautifully-produced and comprehensive exploration of the subject of breastfeeding features in-depth illustrations of how and why to breastfeed infants, while also looking at the myriad social prejudices and misconceptions that continue to bring the topic front and center in public policy. Writer-director Stephanie Scholz Neurohr's Breastfeeding Comprehensive features interviews with people worldwide-mothers, pediatricians, obstetricians, educators, authors, lactation consultants, and spokespersons from the World Health Organization (WHO)-on the benefits and importance of breastfeeding. The film's chapters include "How to Breastfeed" (straightforward information and FAQs about breastfeeding, as well as how and when to pump milk); "Before Delivery" (information on lactation consultants and support groups, the different types of breast milk, and the importance of finding a baby-friendly hospital); "Problems and Solutions" (help with issues such as nipple soreness and breast engorgement); "Special Circumstances" (on premature babies, breastfeeding for adoptive mothers, breastfeeding after breast reduction or augmentation); and "Challenges in the 21st Century" (on globalization, pollution, and human rights issues). The chapter entitled "The Real Story" typifies the attention to detail throughout, featuring interviews with various officials from the WHO (recommending breastfeeding exclusively for six months), UNICEF (on the potential need to restrict formula advertising to third-world countries), educators (who point out that breastfeeding is a learned behavior and should be taught in school), and mothers of various ethnicities, interweaving individual stories to provide personal perspectives. An excellent, truly comprehensive guide to breastfeeding, this program is highly recommended.

[Note: also available as separate volumes are Breastfeeding Basics, Breastfeeding FAQs: Ask the Experts, and Breastfeeding Intensive.] Aud: HI C, P. (A. Cantu)