Mother’s Day: A Celebration of the Gift of Breastfeeding

Becoming a mother profoundly changed who I am. I was fairly young when I became a mom for the first time. I was still figuring out life. My husband and I had been married for 3 years and our son was dearly hoped for and wanted. However, new motherhood was challenging! It is challenging no matter how old you are! 

When I was pregnant with my son, my dream was to breastfeed him. Breastfeeding was difficult those first few weeks. Although I had pain when nursing my son, I thought breastfeeding was going well. A nurse came to our apartment during the first week and weighed my son. She said he had gained weight. We were happy to hear that. However, when visiting our family doctor, we then found out that she had misread the scale and our son had actually lost almost 10% of his birthweight! However, thankfully we were able to work with a lactation consultant and things quickly improved! Just by helping me with my son’s latch and position, recommending a nipple shield temporarily (I only used one for just a few days), and encouraging me and supporting me, everything turned around! I went on to nurse my son for three years. My experience with breastfeeding led me to start helping nursing moms. 

Breastfeeding and motherhood have been a big part of my life. I think that is why Mother’s Day is so special to me. It is like a celebration of my life’s work. This coming Mother’s Day is a celebration of your life’s work, too, as a mom! It is also a celebration of the beautiful gift of breastfeeding.

It makes me sad how our culture downplays the importance of motherhood and womanhood. However, as Catholic moms we are called to be counter-cultural in a way. We are called to show the world - just by lovingly taking care of our child(ren) - that women are not replaceable and that the world is a better place with dedicated mothers! Your vocation of motherhood is supremely important and valuable!