St. Joseph, Loving Encourager of Mary Nursing Baby Jesus

(public domain)

We just recently celebrated the feast of St. Joseph on March 19. I always remembered the date of his feast day, because I attended St. Joseph Catholic School for elementary school and my school honored him each year.

St. Joseph is only mentioned a few times in Scripture: Matthew 1:16-24; 2:13. Luke 1:27. 2:4-43. 3:23. 4:22. John 1:45; 6:42. He is silent in Scripture; there are no quotes from him. However, St. Joseph was a virtuous, holy man and an excellent husband to Mary and foster father to Jesus.

Even though during that time period in history the husbands probably did not get very involved with pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding, I would imagine that St. Joseph supported and encouraged Mary in breastfeeding, especially when she gave birth to Jesus in a stable and then later they had to flee to Egypt. Yes, breastfeeding was very common and “ordinary” in those times, but I am sure Mary felt unsure at times and needed help with nursing baby Jesus. I like to think that St. Joseph, being a good father and husband, most likely helped Mary and Jesus get comfortable for nursing and he probably got her some water to drink or bread to eat. He probably also held Jesus while Mary napped. 

Maybe in addition to honoring Mary with the title, Our Lady of La Leche, we should also honor St. Joseph as Encourager of Mary Nursing Baby Jesus?

Dads are very important! Even if they aren’t reading all the breastfeeding books and websites like you are and they are not as impressed by your baby’s latest diaper output, they are important in many special ways. When you are breastfeeding your baby, he can take care of you by getting you something to eat or drink, helping you get comfortable, or even calling the midwife or lactation consultant. When you need someone to talk to, he can listen to you and encourage you. Dads can bathe and burp the baby, change baby’s clothes, and rock him or her to sleep. When you have had a long day, he can take the baby for a walk so you can read a chapter in your favorite book or rest for a few minutes. He can pray for you and the baby.

Dr. Sears is a dad of eight children and his website has some fathering articles you might enjoy. He even posted his own personal father journey that included temporarily moving his pediatric practice into his house so he could wear his last baby in a baby carrier after his wife, Martha, finished each nursing session! 

My own husband, has been a wonderful father to our children. He always supported me when I was nursing our children. He plays with our kids and tells them how much he loves them. Even though some of our kids are adults, he talks to and sees them often.

Jesus, please keep our families close to You always! Help all fathers be loving, caring dads like St. Joseph was. Help our families model the Holy Family!

Written by Gina Peterson