According to UN estimates, the lives of 1.4 million infants could be saved by breastfeeding. The organization reminds that children who are breastfed are six times more likely to survive the early months than those who aren't. In countries lacking resources, this is a matter of life and death, as is shown in the documentary “Milk” by Noemí Weis.
NOEMÍ WEIS
Director, “Milk”
“Mothers lack help. I've travelled the world making this film specifically to unite universal maternity that is the same whether the mother is in Asia or North America. There's a lack of aid from the community, health personnel and governments when it comes to maternity.”
The documentary discovers mismanagement during natural disasters like Typhoon Haiyan that struck the Philippines in 2013.
Large companies donated tons of powdered milk for infants. The mothers stopped breastfeeding, and when the powdered milk ran out, they could no longer produce milk nor did they have resources to buy it. The Philippines faced an infant malnutrition dilemma with catastrophic consequences.
Noemí was invited to present her documentary at the Vatican. She met with Pope Francis, who expressed his support.
NOEMÍ WEIS
Director, “Milk”
“I got an invitation from Pope Francis and saw him in September. In terms of support for women who breastfeed, he's the one who always says, 'Jesus was breastfed, so don't feel bad for having to breastfeed your child.' It reminded me that we're all vulnerable.”
That's what “Milk” aims to portray, the stories of 11 mothers in different social and cultural situations who are united by one thing – maternity.
