Sunday, June 1, 2014

Positive Breastfeeding Reference in Game of Thrones

Once I get a load of laundry in the washing machine, I get to watch Game of Thrones, cause it's back on this week!  Which reminds me, I've been meaning to make a GOT meme.

Did you catch the breastfeeding reference in the first episode this season?

Prince Oberyn is talking to Tyrion, and he says, "The last time I was in the capital was many years ago. Another wedding. My sister Elia and Rhaegar Targaryen. The last dragon. My sister loved him. She bore his children. Swaddled them, rocked them, nursed them at her own breast. She wouldn’t let the wet nurse touch them."

I won't quote the rest, cause it gets awful as it takes a turn for tragedy, as you know if you're a fan, and my point is supposed to be a happy one:

Breastfeeding was mentioned in a widely-viewed television show, and it wasn't for a laugh!

So often when breastfeeding comes up in media it's a joke, like an episode of Friends where Joey and Chandler freak out about Carol breastfeeding Ben, and later there's milk-tasting by several characters.

There's even been a study done on references to breastfeeding in the media, and it's no surprise that they're not often well done.

I read an article recently that suggests that NIP laws have limited influence (failing to recognize that it's because they lack enforcement provisions) and suggests that if Victoria's Secret sold nursing bras that would have a far-reaching impact.  I think it would be great if Victoria's Secret sold nursing bras again, but if you've followed me for long you know how strongly I feel legislation would make a tremendous difference!

BUT, I do think that TV could so much to normalize breastfeeding.  Think of what it's done for other social issues.

Now, Game of Thrones did previously show breastfeeding in a way that made it intentionally creepy, so they didn't win any points there.  But I was excited at its mention this season.  Not only was it not a joke, it was said to illustrate the depth of a mother's love for her children.

Now that kind of a reference to breastfeeding could do a world of good to, as Baby's Breastie puts it, "normalize society."