Fourth Sunday of Advent

Have you ever had the distinct feeling that the Mass readings and homily are directed at you personally? I felt that way this past Sunday.

The Gospel was the story of the Annunciation. Mary was not expecting to become the Mother of God but said, "Let it be done to me according to Your Word." I know I need God's help sometimes to say "yes" to His plan for my life. Even many months after my life several unexpected turns, I still have trouble following Mary's example.

At my church, the homily and prayers of intercession focused on trusting God when we are afraid. I am sure Mary felt afraid of being unmarried and pregnant, traveling to Bethlehem so close to Jesus' expected birth, and then not being able to find a place for the night except for a stable. I feel afraid that I will not have enough strength to do what I need to do in so many areas of my life.

I believe God sends us people, resources, and inspirations if we ask Him for help. Yesterday's Mass, several random inspirational thoughts, a few books and Christian internet sites, and some local resources being offered this week in my town have given me renewed trust in God's loving arms, holding me, as I try to do His will.

Catholic Motherhood

Isaiah 40: 11 (NRSV Catholic Edition) says: " He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep."

This verse from today's first reading brings to my mind how a mother holds her baby in her arms to nurse. Even after the child has weaned, the mother still gathers her little lamb or lambs into her arms for snuggling, kissing boo-boos, and reading a book.

God is also there to gently mother us. On some days I feel like I need more mothering than my children do. We, as mothers, strive to be gentle with our children but we also need to be gentle with ourselves on those tough days. Give all your burdens to Jesus and He will give you rest. He will carry you in His bosom - just talk to Him about whatever is bothering you. He loves to "gently lead the mother sheep."

Advent appeal

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus who was born a precious nursing baby, please keep the Catholic Nursing Mothers League in mind among your charitable giving. CNML relies on donations to keep encouraging and ministering to nursing mothers. You can visit the CNML website and make an electronic donation via our pay pal button or mail a check to CNML, 1915 Camini Redondo, Los Alamos, NM 87544. Thank you for your generosity!

The wonders of breastmilk

Since the use of embryonic stem cells presents an ethical dilemma, what a wonderful discovery that the stem cells in breast milk may one day be used to fight various illnesses:

www.newscientist.com/article/21160-breast milk-stem-cells-may-bypass-ethical-dilemmas.html

It is also National Diabetes Awareness month and one possible use of the stem cells in breast milk is to create new pancreatic, insulin making cells for diabetics.

When you breastfeed your baby, you not only benefit yourself and your baby, but other children and people in our world. Breastfeeding our children and encouraging others in their breastfeeding journeys are beautiful ways to love our Lord and our neighbor. Remember that when you feel bogged down by the demands of motherhood. You are truly doing God's work!

The Secret of Natural Mothering

The Secret of Natural Mothering

So often, when a young mother hears about Ecological Breastfeeding, her mind jumps to ‘the cost.’ You know, what it will cost her- sharing her bed, turning down certain party invitations, being always ‘on’, and maybe the worry about how long it will go on. A mother, whether choosing eco-bf or not, does give a lot. And our society ill prepares parents for that fact.

But what a mother gives to her naturally-mothered child is only half the equation. No- it is less than half the equation. Because what can’t be properly communicated before it is experienced, is what an Ecologically Breastfed child gives back.

You give yourself to your baby unreservedly; he gives you an adoration you have to feel to believe. You give your baby your arms and breasts when he is sad, hungry, frightened, or hurt; he gives you a sense of empowerment- a sure knowledge that you and you alone are the most important being in the universe to him. You give your baby a place in your bed; he gives you hundreds of peaceful nights.

My husband and I have the privilege of knowing a wonderful Catholic psychologist. Several years ago he was working on his thesis; attachment disorder was his subject. He was talking with us about co-sleeping and bed-sharing. He was wondering how it worked for us, how we felt about all the sacrificed sleep. We looked at each other and burst out laughing. “Well, Doctor, we can’t answer that question, since we don’t sacrifice any sleep!” He was surprised, and delighted. Studies do show that while bed-sharing mothers do wake more often that their crib-using counterparts, that bed-sharing moms report feeling better-rested. Most bed-sharing mothers are back to sleep before the milk even lets down!

So often what looks like a sacrifice for the greater good of our children turns out to be a greater blessing to us than we could have fathomed. It’s actually a simple Christian concept of spirituality. The more we embrace a sacrifice, the sweeter it becomes, till it ceases to be a sacrifice and becomes, in the end, a treasure we would not trade for anything in the world.

And that, to me, is the secret of natural mothering.

Written by Maureen Armendariz
www.breadwithhoney.blogspot.com

Today's Scripture readings

Two of today's Scripture readings mention breastfeeding!

from Psalm 131:
"But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul."

Notice how the verse from Psalms talks about how breastfeeding quiets a child. Isn't that so true! When babies are hungry, sleepy, need to suckle or just need MOM, nursing often does the trick. I read in the newest issue of "New Beginnings" magazine put out by La Leche League that there are three things a baby needs: nourishment, warmth and security. Breastfeeding fulfills all three of these needs. Even older babies and toddlers need these things. How wonderful that a mother can breastfeed her child when he is feeling insecure among strangers or is having a meltdown!

from 1 Thes 2:
"We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children."

During breastfeeding, hormones are released in the mother's body that help her to relax and sometimes even want to fall asleep! I believe that breastfeeding helps mothers be more gentle with their child. How easy it is for parents to get frustrated - I know I have felt that way many times over the years. However, sitting down to nurse a baby or a toddler seems to make life feel just a little bit better. I can often handle the next crisis in a more gentle manner and behave more similarly to how St. Paul treated his fellow Christians.

Teaching an Ecological Breastfeeding class

Have you ever considered teaching an Ecological Breastfeeding class? Have/Do you enjoy breastfeeding your children and having the added benefit of extended lactation amenorrhea? Maybe there are women in your parish who have never heard about it and it would greatly enhance their breastfeeding relationship and their marriage.

The Catholic Nursing Mothers League has devised a scripted class outline for leaders to use when teaching such a class. Also, another possibility is to visit the nfpandmore.org website blog and look under "ecological breastfeeding." There is a post from just a week or two ago that suggests what material to cover using the NFPI manual.