Breastfeeding

We have a new page on the website dedicated to breastfeeding!

We are looking for an article on nursing in public for the next issue.

Many women are self-conscious about nursing in public, but it's even harder for Christian women. Churches often teach that breasts are very sexual and that sexual things are to be avoided. At worst, our bodies are made out to be dirty, shameful things to hide, and too often the best message we get is that they are beautiful, but only in the context of marriage as a "gift" for your husband.

God made breasts for nursing babies! Are they sexual too? Yes! So are mouths, hands, feet, and knees. In fact, I can think of a lot more sexual things to do with my mouth or hands than my breasts! ;) Which body part becomes the epitome of sexuality largely depends on culture. In some cultures in Africa, women walk around topless and no one bats an eyelash, but if they show off any leg, heads will turn!

Regardless of how our culture (at large and in the Christian community) views breasts, we can stand strong in the knowledge that not only are our bodies beautifully and wonderfully made, they are also useful for nourishing and comforting our children. Our babies' need for food and comfort is more important that any amount of cultural confusion.

So, nurse those babies (and toddlers and preschoolers!) where ever you are when they get hungry, even and maybe especially in church. And if anyone confronts you, remind them of two things: your state's breastfeeding laws and the fact that Mary most certainly nursed Jesus.