Derry screening of 'MILK' highlights critical issues in birth and infant feeding

ABOVE: Group pictured at the "Milk Film Screening and Panel Discussion" in conjunction with NWBAPS and Ni Science Festival and held in the Whittaker Suite, Guildhall. From left, are Dr. Maria Herron, Dawn Bradley, Charmine Murphy, Dr. Sarah Brennan, Jay Murphy, Aideen Carey and Stephanie Garner, NI Science Festival. Seated are Dr. Noella Gormley, Joanie Callaghan with her son 5 months old Jack. (Photos - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Parent-led group North West BAPS (Breastfeeding and Perinatal Support) were delighted to collaborate with the NI Science Festival to host the successful screening of the thought-provoking documentary film 'MILK' at the Guildhall Derry on Saturday, February 22 2025, coinciding with Global Breastfeeding in Public Day celebrations.

The event was attended by 45 adults, many babies, and a distinguished panel of five speakers chaired by Dr. Noella Gormley, to explore birth and infant feeding through a variety of perspectives.

Stephanie Garner from the NI Science Festival said: “At the NI Science Festival, we are committed to highlighting research that impacts communities and everyday life. Our collaboration with North West BAPS for this screening of ‘MILK’ is a perfect example of how science, health, and lived experience intersect.

"We’re proud to support events that empower individuals with knowledge and we look forward to working with North West BAPS on future projects that will allow us to foster this discussion."

Exploring the Politics of Birth and Infant Feeding

"MILK" produced by film director Noemi Weis, delves into the complex issues surrounding the increasing medicalisation of birth and commercialisation of infant feeding. The documentary raises crucial questions about the negative impact of these trends on perinatal experience and breastfeeding rates.

The screening provided an opportunity for attendees to gain insights into these global challenges and to participate in a facilitated panel discussion following the film screening.

Panel of Experts Share Insights

Dr. Noella Gormley, co-founder and core member of North West BAPS, chaired the Panel discussion.

Dr. Gormley emphasised the importance of understanding the impact of birth on breastfeeding and highlighted the film's sensitive portrayal of these issues. “Acknowledging that there is an issue is the first step, and this film beautifully and sensitively highlights that the issues affecting birthing and breastfeeding are experienced not just here, but also globally,” said Dr. Gormley.

Dr. Sarah Brennan, a family doctor specialising in Breastfeeding Medicine stressed the significance of breastfeeding, and the need for full implementation of the WHO Code to protect families from manipulative formula marketing which is known to undermine breastfeeding: “This film helps us to understand how important breastfeeding and mothers' milk is, and that it is essential to have full legislative inclusion of the Code.

"This will protect all mothers, parents, families (whether they are formula feeding or breastfeeding) and healthcare professionals from the manipulative marketing of formula,” she stated.

Dawn Bradley, a well-known local birthing advocate, supports families through pregnancy and early parenthood. Dawn praised the film's message of supporting mothers without judgment.

IN PICTURES: North West BAPS screening of 'Milk' in collaboration with NI Science Festival

"In a world that often pressures women to conform to rigid expectations, ‘Milk’ reminds us of the beauty of supporting mothers in their own unique journeys, free from judgement and filled with compassion.  It perfectly aligns with my approach to empowering families, encouraging them to embrace their individual paths with confidence and support,” said Dawn.

Aideen Carey, a La Leche League Leader, shared her insights on the importance of informed choices and early support in breastfeeding success. “One thing that connects us all across the globe is the love we have for our babies, and the intense need to make sure they are thriving.”

Dr. Noella Gormley (NWBAPS) with Joanie Callaghan and her 5 months old son Jack at the "Milk Film Screening and Panel Discussion" in conjunction with NWBAPS and Ni Science Festival and held in the Whittaker Suite, Guildhall. (Photos - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Aideen continued: "With the right support, I hope we can empower others to make informed choices and the right adjustments in those critical early days to be able to reach their breastfeeding goals." 

Charmaine and Jay Murphy spoke about their experiences as first-time parents of twins, with Charmain describing their experience of breastfeeding as “a beautiful, enduring rollercoaster having faced tongue tie, reflux, feeding tubes, mastitis and a Pavlik harness!” Charmaine and Jay described how they “kept an open mind and leveraged all the advice available to help them adapt, and because of this support, we have been able to continue tandem feeding the twins who are now 10 months old, with no plans to stop just yet!”

A Call to Action

The screening of "MILK" at the Guildhall Derry was not only a celebration of Global Breastfeeding in Public Day but also a call to action. A number of parents in the audience spoke about the need for health practitioners to listen more to mothers, and to help mothers to trust their own bodies.

The Panel emphasised the importance of collaboration between parents and agencies to tackle the critical issues raised by the film. Councillor Sandra Duffy commended the screening, and suggested that North West BAPS could progress some of the issues raised with the new Women’s Officer post which has recently been reinstated by the Council.

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North West BAPS invited interested parties to join their Network to work together to enhance local breastfeeding support. Additionally, anyone concerned about local maternity services is encouraged to contact Dr. Maria Herron at the Waterside Women’s Centre, who is leading a campaign that will highlight local experiences of birthing choices and amplify local voices in a new Maternity Strategy.

Parents who need help with perinatal or infant feeding matters are advised to contact their midwife or health visitor, and pregnant and new parents can also find out about the wide range of support that is available in the community through updates from North West BAPS on Facebook and Instagram.