There are places all around that need social change. For example, it turns out that the time when a new mother is trying to feed her baby can be hugely traumatic. When I talked to my wife about this, she recited comments—with absolute clarity—that were said to her more than 25 years ago when she was breastfeeding our first child. If mothers are remembering unkind comments for that long it’s trauma.
Breast Pump: The Musical a series of episodic short films that shines light on the complex challenges new moms face when trying to feed their child. It’s told with humor and compassion through the backstage storyline of putting together a musical. The Musical is presented by Rumble Tuff as an appeal to extend greater empathy to new mothers who endure the intricate challenges of nourishing their infants—a topic often left unspoken in today’s society.
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Episode 1 – “The Wake-Up Call”
Breast Pump: The Musical opens with a parody of “Skid Row” from Little Shop of Horrors to shed light on the fact that mom guilt can start right from the first few days of motherhood. Skid Row is the perfect parody, because for those who haven’t experienced new motherhood it’s shocking for them to realize how quickly mom guilt sets in… and that that mental pit can be the lowest of all lows.
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Episode 2 – “All The Things”
Episode 2 is about all those awkward, embarrassing moments new moms go through when trying to feed their baby. This causes so much stress and anxiety to new moms. Remember, you’ve got to laugh at the moments, or else you will cry.
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Episode 3 – “First Night”
Mothers often say that nobody prepared them for the first night home alone with their baby. Fear. Anxiety. And how exactly do I now care for this tiny human? Let’s talk about First Night.
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Episode 4 – “Gonna Pump ‘Till Then”
Many women are thrust into the world of breast pumping when they have a premature baby. These are traumatic times for new moms. They have to endure the struggles of not being able to hold and nurture their baby, while at the same time having the life-saving milk let down within their bodies and sometimes trying to figure out pumping on their own.
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Episode 5 – “Everything I’m Jugglin'”
New moms always seem to be juggling two competing “responsibilities.” Too often it can look like a no-win situation. This episode takes a look at issues like the lack of sleep, caring for others, and balancing milk supply that cause unnecessary stress on a new mother. You can’t be everything to everyone every hour of everyday. Something’s gotta give.
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Episode 6 – “The Rumble Tuff Song”
Caleb pitches a new song for The Musical, which does not go over very well.
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Episode 7 – “The ‘You’re Doing It All Wrong Song'”
Criticism seems to come from everywhere and at surprising times. Whatever you were just doing has been turned around to not just be wrong, but also shameful. Learn to protect yourself from the “You’re Doing It All Wrong Song.”
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Episode 8 – “Good People Give Bad Advice”
Some of the worst, most harmful advice comes from well-meaning friends and family who don’t know the real facts. Often they likely have not done the research on the advice they’re giving you, yet because they’re a trusted source you accept it without question. Do your research and trust your heart and you’ll come out of this all right (you should even question the advice we’re giving you).
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Episode 9 – “I’m In There Somewhere'”
Often new mothers feel like they lose their identity as they give so much of themselves in service to others. Remember back to when you were young and brave? Yeah, she’s in there somewhere.
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Episode 10 – “We’ve Got You”
While putting The Musical together, the director’s wife straightens him out. “These complex challenges your actors talk about—they’re absolutely true.” She then shares some beautiful thoughts about what new moms really want to hear—”You’ve got this and we’ve got you.”
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Episode 11 – “Just Breathe”
Admit it. We always compare ourselves to others who’ve “Got it all figured out.” Well, guess what. They haven’t got it all together like we think. In this episode, the actors prepare to go on stage and we get to go inside their heads a bit as they wrestle with their fears. They remember an effective mindset reset: Just breathe.
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Episode 12 – “The Elephant In The Room”
“Forever we’ve been dancing around the elephant in the room. Embarrassed, scared, and unsure of what we’re supposed to do.” Yes, we’ve all left too many things unspoken when it comes to the challenges new moms face when trying to feed their babies. From shame and social stigma to instant mom guilt to when good people give bad advice, new moms have a lot to deal with. The Finale episode celebrates speaking out and shining light as a way to increase our collective empathy. We hope you’ve enjoyed the series.
