Relying on Jesus during the Routine and Challenging Times of Mothering and Breastfeeding

(public domain)

Mothering and breastfeeding can provide some of the most joyful parts of life! It can make our hearts feel so full that it feels like they will burst with love and happiness! However, there can also be challenging times and routine, everyday times. Our husbands, family, and friends are tremendous comforts and companions throughout all the joys, challenges and "regular" days, but there is one Person who we need even more - Jesus.

There are so many ways to meet Jesus each day. We can go to Mass and receive Him in the Holy Eucharist. We can go to adoration. We can read the Gospel reading of the day or just choose a Gospel and read a chapter or two a day. We can sing praise songs to Jesus. And we can talk to Him throughout our day as we do our daily routine of nursing the baby, feeding the toddler, homeschooling or helping our kids with their homework after school. 

One of my favorite books on this topic is The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. In the short book, Brother Lawrence talks to God daily as he goes about the routine household chores at the monastery where he lives. The type of relationship Brother Lawrence has with Jesus is really the whole point, isn't it? This is the type of relationship Adam and Eve had with God in Eden. This is the relationship the Apostles had with Jesus when He was on earth. And the best part? You, too, can easily have this same relationship with Jesus as part of your busy life as a nursing mom!

Written by Gina Peterson