Why Do We Never See Mothers Nursing Newborn Babies in Call the Midwife?

The critically acclaimed television show Call the Midwife brings to light an important question for many viewers: why don't we see mothers nursing their newborns in a natural way, as often happens in real life? This article explores the historical context of breastfeeding in 1950s Britain and weighs the balance between historical accuracy and modern storytelling.

Historical Context: Breastfeeding in 1950s Britain

When the show takes place during the 1950s, breastfeeding had largely gone out of fashion and was seen as a less desirable practice. Some startling statistics from the time frame reveal that only 2 out of every 100 mothers breastfed, a stark contrast to the current breastfeeding rates. Several factors contributed to this shift:

The pressure from the formula industry, which promoted artificial baby milk. The prolonged effects of rationing, which lasted until the mid-1950s, leading to concerns about the nutritional quality of mothers' milk. The pervasive belief that formula milk was more nutritious and safer for babies, especially given the limited dietary options for mothers.

These conditions persisted well into the 1970s, long after the show's time period, reinforcing why viewers might find the portrayal of breastfeeding in the series to be a rare and outdated practice.

Call the Midwife: A Fictional Series with Real-World Roots

Despite being a fictional series, Call the Midwife aims to capture the essence of midwifery and childbirth in 1950s Britain. The show is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, and was created by Heidi Thomas. The intention was to rehabilitate the image of midwifery and childbirth, combating the rise in cesarean sections and other modern trends in obstetric care.

One of the criticisms often heard from viewers is the absence of breastfeeding scenes. As a series, Call the Midwife prioritizes the narrative and drama of childbirth and midwifery over the biological aspects of infant care. This choice has been made to keep the focus on the journey of the midwives and the women they serve, rather than meticulous, realistic portrayals of breastfeeding.

Technological and Logistic Constraints

Another reason why viewers might not see more breastfeeding scenes in the series is the practical challenges faced by the production team. In a period drama, it’s often difficult to find actual lactating mothers willing to appear in the scenes. Furthermore, the need for authenticity can sometimes outweigh the need for dramatic impact. To achieve realistic birth scenes, the production sometimes resorts to using multiple newborn babies. This practical decision is made to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants while still maintaining the authenticity of the birth process.

Variety of Breastfeeding Rates in Post-war Britain

It's also important to recognize the variability in breastfeeding practices in post-war Britain. While the series portrays a time when breastfeeding was less common, it’s not an absolute stereotype. Some regions and social groups might have practiced breastfeeding more frequently. However, for the overall portrayal of the 1950s, the series takes a general approach to reflect the national average, which was indeed a low percentage of mothers breastfeeding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the absence of breastfeeding scenes in Call the Midwife can be attributed to a combination of historical context, the nature of the show's storytelling, and the practical constraints of production. While it may seem jarring to some viewers, the series remains a valuable exploration of the midwifery and childbirth practices of the time.