Ahhhhhhh maternity leave. The sweet baby smell, the lyrical baby coos, and … staying up all night snuggling a newborn that won’t let you put him down.
For a list of great series to get you through your time before jetting back to work, check out my Part 1 on Netflix and Maternity Leave.
I love a good fiction series that will suck you in. Netflix is great for that! But sometimes I want something more. I am OBSESSED with documentaries. I started getting into documentaries towards the end of my maternity leave, and I watched all the documentaries that On Demand had to offer. Color me surprised to find the vast array of documentaries available on Netflix. So, turn one of these documentaries on and nurse away during your maternity leave. If anything, they’ll make the baby smarter by proximity!
Chef’s Table
Recommended by our lovely blogger Sarah, this is a fantastic docu-series. It follows amazing culinary innovators from around the world as they redefine food as we know it. I’m drooling just thinking about this one!
The Magic Pill
A favorite of one of our co-founders Elizabeth, this controversial documentary details the ketogenic diet and it’s impact on a few chronic diseases. While you may not agree with all the claims, it certainly makes you think!
Finders Keepers
Y’all. If I had watched this documentary right after having my baby, I know I would have wet myself. Follow me if you can. This is a documentary that details a custody battle over an amputated leg. Yes. You heard me right. There are definitely sad portions of this documentary, but the initial premise is so ridiculous, you will laugh till you pee (a charming side effect of just giving birth and watching something like this!)
The Death and Life of Martha P. Johnson
This documentary follows an investigation into the unsolved murder of Transgender advocate Martha P. Johnson. It also gives amazing details of the struggle for rights for the LGBTQ community throughout the years, including in-fighting. This documentary is not only heart breaking because of the loss of an up and coming superstar in the LGBTQ community, but also enlightening regarding the struggle of the LGBTQ community and how far we still have to go. Have your tissues handy.
Gaga: Five Foot Two
Is there anything about Lady Gaga that isn’t spectacular? She is a queen as far as I am concerned. This documentary gives you a peek into her process and her struggles, making her all the more human.
And Still I Rise
Another stunning pick from our friend Sarah! This documentary uses the very words of renowned writer and poet, Maya Angelou, to celebrate her astounding life. This is a must watch if you are rocking your own little feminist!
Wild Wild Country
If you want to entertain me, play me a good true crime documentary or a sizzling cult documentary. This docu-series is both! It chronicles the rise and fall of the Rajneeshi cult from their infancy in India to their maturation in Oregon. Whoaaaaa …… this was mind blowing. You’ll binge all 6 parts if you have the time!
Ella Brennan: Commanding the Table
Thank you Sarah (again) for bringing this documentary to my attention! Wow. Just wow. Ella Brennan. If you are familiar with the New Orleans restaurant scene, you have surely heard of Ella Brennan. But did you know what a power house she was? This New Orleans icon passed away on May 31, 2018, but her legacy will live on. Just watching the trailer will get you inspired. Don’t believe me? Check it out here!
Mommy Dead and Dearest
Not on Netflix, but on all the HBOs, this train wreck is one you won’t be able to look away from. This documentary hits all the biggies – mental illness, murder, child abuse. The story is so bizarre, no one could make it up. You will feel all the emotions watching this documentary and at the end, you may surprise yourself with who you sympathize with!
Crazy Love
This absolutely insane documentary about unrequited love is available on Youtube and Amazon. I literally watched it with my mouth hanging wide open. It is a disturbing tale of obsession and violence that goes in a direction I never would have suspected. By the end, you’ll be shaking your head and wondering what exactly happened here.
I could go on for days about documentaries. I didn’t even get to half of my favorites that kept me entertained during my time of pumping, bonding and no sleep!
