Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Breastfeeding

You will not get a Christmas card this year showing Mary breastfeeding Jesus.

But did you know that for over a thousand years, paintings of Mary breastfeeding were very common. But according to this article, the invention of the printing press made porn possible and sexualized women's bodies and breasts. And paintings of Mary breastfeeding were no longer considered appropriate. And the crucification -- and I would say the Resurrection -- became the dominant religious themes.

It's also interesting that in our times, bottle feeding became very popular but now there is a trend for women to go back to breastfeeding and for working women to use a pump to keep a ready supply of breast milk. Interesting how times change.

Anyway, here's the link to the article along with a series of pictures of paintings about Mary breastfeeding.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/11/mary-breastfeeding-jesus_n_2274119.html?ref=topbar#slide=more269060

FD 

6 comments:

  1. my decision to breast feed three of my children was purely financial. When we moved to Japan, US military stationed overseas could not get WIC and I couldn't afford to purchase formula. It sure made international travel easier. No bottles, no cooler and much less mess.

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    1. Sounds like breastfeeding worked very well for you.

      FD

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  2. I breastfed both of my children, my mother breastfed all of us and with all of the health benefits and the convenience I never saw the need to use bottles and formula only.Our bodies were designed to feed our children. I think it's sad that society has sexualized something basic and natural and makes women feel there is something wrong or dirty about breastfeeding.

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    1. Yes it is sad when women feel like there is something dirty about breastfeeding when it is such a natural thing and seems to create a good bonding experience.

      FD

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  3. My wife brestfed our three sons. Today, I believe it is more common for a mother to breastfeed their children vs. a bottle. The breast milk is healthier for the baby.

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  4. I breastfed my child in public and never made a fuss about it. Thank You for the post.!

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