What’s Your Super Power?
I have been blessed by my daughter in so many ways. One of the things that has specifically been special to me in a way I did not anticipate is the nursing relationship. It is also so neat that God provided this way to nourish our babies and didn’t make it just about nutrition. It is so much more than that. I read this post and loved it! I completely feel the same way and couldn’t say it better than that.
I also love all the fantastic benefits for both of us. There’s a fantastic post here about some of those wonderful benefits. It truly does feel like a “super power” I have sometimes. Some of my favorites from the post:
“Breastmilk is gourmet dining for the tiny tot set! Different foods, oils and spices you consume flavor your milk, introducing and exposing your baby to a variety of flavors before (s)he ever tastes solid food. Formula has one bland flavor. Period.”
“Breastfeeding is like the ‘magic bullet’ of motherhood. Your milk contains endorphins which soothe and calm babies during times of stress. This comes in very handy during vaccinations, injuries, illnesses, or when your baby just needs that special cuddle.”
“Like recognizes like. Grown children who were breastfed and who receive donated kidneys from their mothers or a sibling are significantly less likely to reject the organ than if they were not breastfed.”
I wanted to end with a collection of bible verses about nursing mothers. I can’t take credit for compiling these. I found them here.
“Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me.” Psalm 22:9-11
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15,16
“For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance.” For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:11-13
“But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” Psalm 131:2,3
“But we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11