Mamma’s Manna: A Celebration of Motherhood & Breastfeeding for Spiritual Leaders.

Written /copyrighted 1995 updated, Dec. 2000 

By; Mechell Turner, M.Ed. IBCLC, CCE

GOD continually pursues a love relationship with us, which starts at eternity, conception and birth, spiritually and physically and continues to eternity again. God provides both physical and spiritual nutrition for his children in His Word. Breastfeeding is a loving act that provides optimal nutrition for his children and is that very place they first taste of God’s provision, goodness, His love, His Statutes and His Grace. For his Son’s Grace there is no substitute: for mother’s milk there is, but it is not always sufficient. It is far inferior to the REAL Thing. For example formula is a substitute for mother’s milk, but is deficient in antibodies, fatty acids and other micronutrients. It is made from another animal’s milk. As religion- another man’s way to get to God -is a poor substitute for a PERSONAL Relationship with God through Christ.

According to research and nature Breastfeeding is the preferred method of infant feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics, The office of the US Surgeon General and the World health Organization all recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months and thereafter with culturally and physiologically appropriate complementary foods up to two years and beyond. The average age at weaning worldwide is about 4.2 years. Similarly biblically was around 3-4 years of age. Yes, paps, gruels and artificial or alternative infant milks/foods were available but with disastrous results. Synthetic infant nutrition has it place, but puts infants at risk; there are some, though few medical indications for formula, but breastmilk can be acquired safely through Donor

Human milk banks (see references).

All the Biblical references I know of cannot be contained in this small brochure/ web brochure but here are some examples of principles of his relationship with us as they relate to breastfeeding. Remember that a metaphor is a comparison. Beware of parenting programs or books that make lots of promises, state that parenting, infant feeding, sleep training is done one way, observes excessive strictness (legalism) or laxness in discipline (which should be teaching) punishment or feeding practices. These feeding and parenting practices may do harm, including dehydration, and long term feeding, sleep or trust issues. These practices not only kill a child’s will, but harm his spirit, causing him to cause doubt and distrust, unable to distinguish kindness and compassion or manipulation to do harm. Grace and mercy do not delete the law, but exist before and after the law. God does not work contrary to the laws of nature he created.

Great care has been taken not to take the scripture out of context.

Genesis 49:25, Psalms 127:3-5, Psalm 128:3-4

God is and attached and watchful parent; he knows and responds to our needs and cries. We have a spiritual umbilical cord. Hosea 11:4, Psalms 121:3-5, Numbers 11:12, Psalms 34:15 Psalms 56:8

God is a loving and responsive father. St. John, 14:6, Luke 18:15-17 Psalms103;13, Isaiah 49:23, Psalm 40:1, 143:8, Romans 8:15

God know us intimately before conception, at birth and at breast: Job, 22:9,10, Jeremiah 1:5-7

OF the messiah’s nursing, God’s will for women: Luke 11:27, 1Samuel 1:22-23, Acts 7:20-21

Children are taught the Law and Grace at the breast: Deuteronomy 11:18-19, 1^st Timothy 1:5, Isaiah 60:4-5

Child’s praise, and personality enhanced:  Psalm 8:2, Matthew 21:16, Psalm 131

Mother’s milk is the infants life and optimal nourishment for growth and antibody protection: Job 3:12, Job 21:24, 1Peter 2:2-3

Breastmilk like manna is a living, viable and perfect nutrition in proportion to man’s need/ desire and is able to sustain life: Exodus 16:4, Numbers 1:6-10 St. John 6:31, 34

Nursing Relationship is to be protected: 2Kings 11:2, 1st Thessalonians 2:7

Public Nursing is Acceptable and NORMAL: Ruth 4:11, 16, 1Samuel 7:9 Genesis21:6,7

Late Weaning is the Norm (3-4 years). Extended nursing provides for optimal brain growth and antibody protection. If we wean ourselves From the word we stunt our spiritual growth. note: The American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health assembly and World Health organization recommend 6 months exclusive breastfeeding with breastfeeding continued to at least 1 year (AAP) and 2 years (WHO-WHA). the old testament custom is 3-4 years. 

Genesis 21:8, 1Corinthians 3:2; Exodus 2:9,10 1Samuel 1:23,24

Weaning means the Return of Fertility: 1Samuel 2:21, Hosea 2:2

God's comfort is like that of a nursing moms comfort: Isaiah 66:11: 60:16

Helps moms personality and bonding: Lamentations 4:3,4

Dry breasts and barrenness is a spiritual reproach- a sign of the rejection of God's grace and provision.  Granted there are many spiritual couples today are not reproached. There are medical conditions which prevent conception. Both male and female have conditions and exams may be done. However many women and men undergo procedures that may also hinder further conception or cause miscarriage. 

Remember though the prayers of Hannah, Sarah and Elizabeth

God's Willingness for Restoration of the Relationship:  St.John 1:14,3:16, 14;21,27, Isaiah 53:3

The results of Restoration of that Relationship: Isaiah 66:9-13, Romans 10:9-10

WHAT CAN I DO AS PASTOR, RABBI, DEACON, BISHOP OR CHURCH LEADER TO ASSIST BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT BREASTFEEDING, BENEFITS TO MOM AND CHILD, AND THE RISKS OR HAZARDS OF ARTIFICIAL BABY MILKS. 

2. PROVIDE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE NURSING MOMS. DO NOT  RELEGATE THEM TO A BACK ROOM SO THEY FEEL LEFT OUT OF SERVICES OR MINISTRY.

3. ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO GET ASSISTANCE FROM AN INTERNATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANT, (IBCLC) LA LECHE LEAGUE LEADER OR OTHERS TRAINED SPECIFICALLY IN BREASTFEEDING.

4. ALLOW NATURAL CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING CLASSES TO BE PART OF THE CHURCHES/SYNAGOGUES MINISTRY. CAREFUL THOUGH THERE ARE SOME THAT ARE DIVISIVE, AND NOT OPEN TO OTHERS OUTSIDE THEIR GROUP. Avoid these types of classes, Know the content and medical accuracy of the classes that are being taught in your facility.

5. ENCOURAGE THE WHO- UNICEF TEN STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL BREASTFEEDING

6. DISCRETE, PUBLIC NURSING IS OT SINFUL, NOT DOES IT CONCEIVE SIN. SEE MATT. 15:16-20 1TIMOTHY 6:20,21

7. ADOPTIVE COUPLES MAY WANT TO TRY TO NURSE DEPENDING ON TE CHILD'S AGE. ENCOURAGE PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE, WITH INITIATION OF LACTATION AND MILK SUPPLY. DONOR HUMAN MILK OR ARTIFICIAL BABY MILKS MAY BE NECESSARY.  ROMANS 8:15, EPHESIANS 1:5

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