Another week with an extra blog post, what is happening? But I did want to post some musings to mark the occasion of world breastfeeding week.
Specifically, I want to address breastfeeding in church. Controversial. But necessary. My child is growing out of having to nurse regularly, but we definitely spent many a Sunday working nursing around church… and maybe we shouldn’t have. So this post is me processing to try to get more comfortable with the act of breastfeeding in church. Although my parish has been lovely with offering a space (we don’t have cry rooms) to use for breastfeeding, I think a lot of my discomfort comes from societal sexualisation of breasts, and I know that it is unhealthy and in fact, disordered.
In light of this, perhaps it would be pertinent to begin with discussing the natural order. Breastfeeding is natural. God gave women the ability to feed their babies whenever and wherever the need arises. The natural function of breasts is lactation. It is actually what is expected to happen.
It is normal. Although there were some years during the 20th Century when formula was touted, it has historically been the norm to breastfeed. Nowadays, research shows that the old ways were beneficial in ways we didn’t really understand, and mothers are highly encouraged to breastfeed. The vast majority of humans have nursed at the breast, whether their own mother’s, or with a relative or wet nurse.
Looking at it through a spiritual lens, I think there is something that God reveals to us through this wonderful design. Breastfeeding is both nourishing and nurturing. It provides necessary nutrients to keep infants alive but also is a source of comfort and security. God himself does this for us, too. Grafted to Him, we are spiritually nourished, and He soothes our soul and assures our safety. Taking it further (and I wrote about something very similar in my post on the Precious Blood for July), there is this magnificent thought from the Venerable Fulton Sheen:
There is no reason to be embarrassed or ashamed of feeding, especially in church. If women are uncomfortable baring a lot of skin to nurse, there are ways around that, whether it involves purpose-built nursing covers or even some good old clothing hacks (stretchy tank top under another shirt, anyone?).
Breastfeeding is beautiful. It is a gift of self from mother to child, and helps to strengthen the unique bond between them. It nourishes and sustains life and perhaps can turn our thoughts to God who nourishes and sustains us. And if it was good enough for Mother Mary to give to baby Jesus, surely He won’t mind if we give to our babies in His house, too.
Until next time, let’s pray for each other. And remember, we can do Mom things through Christ who strengthens us!
Mom Things Through Christ 