And sometimes, perhaps, a thousand insults.
Several people have emailed me about the photo that accompanied my recent article at InsideCatholic that discusses how I prayerfully came to the decision that I should not feel ashamed of nursing discreetly at Mass.
While I don’t personally see it as obscene, I can see why the photograph might have caused some of the commotion, especially since a few people assumed it was me nursing. (Although it is pretty obvious that the woman in the photo is not nursing in church. It looks like she has a hospital wristband on for goodness’ sake.)
I had nothing to do with the selection of it and did not see it until my article went “live.” I’m sure some people could not get past the photo (or what was intended to be a humorous and conversational intro) and never even finished reading the article before posting their angry comments.
No, if I’d had any say, I’d have been an obnoxious mom and sent pictures like these of my own little nursling. Of course, I have to add (for anyone out there who thinks I support exhibitionism in Mass) that these photos were taken at home, not in church or anywhere public where I would use even more discretion and either nurse in a sling or use my nursing cover.
Busily nursing… (Yes, she is nursing. Really.)
Satisfied to her heart’s content. Now, really, how could this act between a mother and a child ever be considered anything but innocent and beautiful?
Beautiful … and brave, too! That little tooth on her lower jaw must make nursing a REAL joy at times!
Such a cutie pie!
Thanks for your contribution at “Behold Your Mother” today … Such a beautiful prayer for nursing moms: http://beholdyourmotherbook.blogspot.com
Blessings,
Heidi
I tried to get a photo of my son nursing, but they always blurred! He’s fond of ‘eating on the fly’! Your nursling is so sweet. Anyone who can see wrong in that face getting that nourishment should re-examine their conscience! You go girl! :-)
Their beautiful pictures and ones you’ll treasure. I can’t comment on the “comments” from your post on nursing at Mass. I can, however, understand people’s hang-up. My grandfather left the room anytime I nursed for the first 5 months I had my oldest son. He was embarassed (even though we were completely covered, and usually in a sling. Just knowing what I was doing embarrased him.) But, my son won him over. My son was not a quiet nurser. He talked to himself. Plus, he “climbed” while he nursed. He would slowly walk his feet from one side, up over my head, to the other side. This amused my grandfather so much that he started staying to watch this exhibition. By the time I had my second son, he was not at all embarrased by nursing.
I loved your article and totally empathise with your feelings.
Momma’s milk must be sooo good to get a smile like that!! :)
Adorable. That second photo reminds me of my little one, now 4 months, who just loves to pop off the breast just to give me a huge milky smile before going back to her meal.
If I could master the art of getting her to nurse discreetly, I would definitely nurse during mass. As it is the last few weeks have found us rushing to the chapel, where at least I can be restful in the presence of the Blessed Eucharist. She’s a little too screamy, too squirmy, too tugging-at-shirts-and-blankets, and too prone to pop off unexpectedly to either cry or smile to make me comfortable. I envy the moms who can nurse with ease and comfort such that no one would notice a thing. Good for you.