Breast Mates
A warm and funny play about breast feeding and breast buddying support
Availability:
Breast Mates is currently available for short tours and occasional one-off events. Please contact info@womenandtheatre.co.uk for more information.
Introduction
“I always thought that when the baby arrived I would know what to do, that somehow animal instinct would kick in and show me the way … Here I am with my life experience, education, logic and I can’t even feed my own offspring successfully?”
Breast Mates explores issues relating to having a new baby and breastfeeding, and explores the experiences of being and having a breastfeeding buddy. The play features new Mum Balvinder and Anita her breast-feeding buddy. Together they work through some of the problems Balvinder is having trying to breast-feed her new baby.
The play is accompanied by a facilitated post-show discussion, where audiences have the opportunity to talk to the characters of Anita and Balvinder about the issues raised in the play.
The programme is a catalyst for buddies and mothers to share their experiences and to discuss their needs. The piece also raises awareness of breastfeeding peer support schemes. Breast Mates is suitable for training sessions for breast buddies and for promoting the benefits of buddying schemes to health and social care professionals and community groups.
History
Breast Mates was commissioned by Heart of Birmingham tPCT’s Under 5’s Programme. It was first performed at the launch of the Best Buddy Manual, a Unique Breastfeeding Peer Support Training Programme.
Since then it has been popular for performance in community and professional settings, especially during the annual Breastfeeding Awareness Week, including at:
• Surestarts including Handsworth & Winson Green, Kingstanding, Lozells & Duddeston,
• PCTs including Dudley Beacon & Castle & Heart of Birmingham
Notes
This was a piece researched & written by two of Women & Theatre’s experienced freelance workers, Ali Belbin & Eve Jones with the support of the company. It was commissioned by Heart of Birmingham tPCT to launch a Breastfeeding Peer support training programme – mothers supporting new mothers with breastfeeding. The story centres around a new mum – a very capable, competent GP used to ‘achieving’ rather than ‘struggling’, and her breastfeeding ‘buddy’ (a woman with children of her own , feeling that she has more to offer other mothers). What we witness is a moving journey – a woman admits she is finding breastfeeding so difficult that she needs help, she is put in touch with a ‘buddy’ who helps her through a vulnerable time.
Both women emerge as stronger, with a greater knowledge & respect for themselves and each other!
Terina Talbot, Associate Director
Outcome
Production Credits
Researched, Written & Devised by: Alison Belbin & Eve Jones
Original Cast:
Balvinder: Nirpal Dhillon
Anita: Eve Jones
2 Responses to “Breast Mates ”
Your Comments
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I think this play has a fabulos concept and a real intrest to many women and moms alike. Unfourtunatley i did not get a chance to see it myself but i am happy that it has reach women in and around birmingham who may be considering Breast feeding or maybe being put off by the stigma in the media or funny looks in the streets.
I am a mom and chose to breast feed my daughter now three, i’ve had too feed on the bus, in returants as well as feeding rooms in shops that are fourtunate to have them as they are few and far between.
while i was breast feeding in these places, personally i didn’t come across any negative reactions- perhaps i turned a blind eye to any one who objected to my very natural way of feeding my child. I am happy that Women and theatre have researched and devised a play and a subject so close to many peoples hearts.
My Aunt how works as a mamager in a Sure Start setting in Sheffield would have loved to see you perform this for there moms in the community.
Aisha Taylor
Hi Aisha, many thanks for your enthusiasm for our work and for sharing your experience! I’m glad your breastfeeding experience was so positive. Our work aims to help women make informed choices for themselves and their families, and do what’s right for them rather than bowing to pressure from society. We haven’t toured Breast Mates for a while, but hope to get it on the road again one day, so keep in touch with us for news!