Janice Reynolds asked what was going on, when one of the key aspects of an
episode in this series was a mother breastfeeding and working apart from her
baby, and how this could have been the source of post-operative infection in
her patients.
If the baby had been artificially fed, one could possibly argue that residue
of fluids from the baby could be a reservoir of pathogens.
What is happening here is a deliberate effort on the part of the
scriptwriters to associate breastmilk with other bodily secretions not
normally considered appetizing, like nasal mucus, phlegm, vaginal discharge
and stool.  In addition to tying breastmilk to these things to reduce its
aesthetic appeal, the scriptwriter would like the viewers to see breastmilk
as a carrier of contagion.
And, for women considering breastfeeding after returning to work, it
portrays it as embarrassing, inconvenient, and potentially dangerous to the
mother's surroundings and her career advancement.
Why the scriptwriter wants to do this is a matter for speculation.  I
speculate it could have something to do with a sponsor of the show.  Which
companies advertise during it?  What is their interest in breastfeeding
failure?
I'd write a letter to the network, and I wouldn't expect a response.
Rachel Myr
self-declared mass media critic and getting crotchetier by the minute,
glad I live in Norway and don't have cable or satellite TV so I don't have
the aggravation of watching stuff like this

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