“Wochenbett (Postpartum)” (2020) by Henriette Rietz

This film delves into the chaotic life of a new mother, who thought that maternity leave would become a sort of easy sabbatical.

Filmmaker Henriette Rietz starts her film on a triumphant note. Just having given birth, she feels invincible, but not for long. In describing her postpartum journey, the film touches upon a specific yet universal experience.

Rietz takes us with her on an emotional rollercoaster and every word in the film carries her honesty and vulnerability. The deeply personal voice helps the character feel relatable. When we hear the narrator say, “Breastfeeding is hard. Everything hurts”, we believe her.

Childbirth is celebrated and glorified in our society. This all-encompassing positive-messaging leaves out the hard stuff – the physical pain, emotional and mental pressures, sleep deprivation, isolation, body-image and identity issues. This film captures the complex experience of motherhood is all its beauty and ugliness, in a truly authentic way.