Lenten Guidelines for Pregnant and Nursing Moms

(Picture from the Catholicmom.com website)

Lent is almost here again! Did you know that according to the USCCB pregnant and nursing moms are exempt from fasting and abstinence during Lent?

It is not required, but if you feel called to give something up for Lent here are some ideas:

• Give up social media
• Limit what you look at online (except for the Catholic Nursing Mothers League website, of course!)
• Eat less sugar or give up treats
• Be kind in your thoughts and words (even when you feel like complaining)
• Pray while you nurse your baby (if you would like help with this one, email me at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com for a nursing mother gift bag that has a one decade rosary and prayer cards - I have “Our Lady of La Leche”, “Infant of Prague/Nursing Baby Jesus”, and “Surrender to Jesus” themes)
• Attend our online meeting (we discuss breastfeeding and mothering in a Catholic and Scriptural context and also pray)
• Call another mom who may be feeling lonely or isolated or go visit her
• Bring dinner to a new mom
• Go to daily Mass. If you find it difficult to attend a daily Mass, watch it online and make a Spiritual Communion
• Read the devotional, Give Up Worry for Lent. If you buy it from Ave Maria Press, use the discount code ZIMAK10 to get 10% off.
• Do the Lenten study, Rescued, by yourself or with a friend.

Even if you do not feel called to give up anything for Lent, know that your work as a nursing mom is your prayer and your gift to God!

Written by Gina Peterson