The bond of breast feeding.

A new mother, either American or Canadian, talks about her first experience of breast feeding her baby. Together with her husband, they felt very connected to their baby from the outset. In close up, the baby is seen on the mother's breast. The film is intended to form an information resource for breast feeding mothers. Another mother talks about the convenience, especially during night time feeds. Other mothers extol the virtues of breast feeding versus the perceived inconvenience of preparing bottles. They talk about the intimacy and the satisfaction of knowing that they are providing all the baby needs. A narrator describes how in the early hours and days, clostrum is produced for the baby which helps with their immune system. The first mother, Patty and her baby, Luke, are seen further together. The natural reflexes for feeding are explained. Any difficulties are quickly dispelled. Sore nipples can be soothed etc. Scheduled feeding is frowned upon and doesn't really work, which is what these mothers have experienced, pouring scorn on the advice they were given in hospital. Patty, who works at home, describes how she has learnt to be flexible and put Luke's needs first. It is described as a 'contract' between the mother and baby. This reliance is seen as beneficial. Mothers are seen in the park in summer; Patty discretely feeds her baby in the park. One woman describes how unwelcome she was made to feel about feeding her baby in public. Patty describes how pregnancy and breast feeding has effected her body shape so that she has a more womanly figure. Breast feeding reduces the size of the uterus, it may also protect against breast cancer. Patty changes her baby's (disposable) nappy. The narrator describes how breast feeding aids bonding. The partner of one of the contributors, Nell, was surprised how strong the bond was.