Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding illustrates the love of God.

Whenever there is breastfeeding:

- we witness the love of God.

- we observe God nurturing us.

- we see God provide us our basic needs.

Children's Month 2013

by Nezer A. Soriano, MD, MDiv.

Breastfeeding reduces the impact of poverty

- breastfeeding improves nutritional status and reduces risk for diseases

- family saves from the cost of buying formula milk

- health care systems save from expenditure for childhood illnesses

- breastfeeding improves school performance, increases productivity and social development

-Reference: OPHA, 2008

Breastfeeding is an act of worship.

1. Breastfeeding nourishes

2. Gives comfort

- "be satisfied from her consoling breasts..."

- whenever the baby cries, the mother's breast provides comfort

- provides enjoyment for the baby

- "nurse and be satisfied"

- milk satisfies the required nutrients needed by the baby

- colostrum provides immunity against diseases

The Bible on Breastfeeding

"Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her; that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance."

For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

- Isaiah 66: 10-13 (ESV)

3. Supplies the needs

Why Breastfeeding?

- "I will extend peace to her... and the wealth of the nations..."

- the breast is abundant with milk to provide the needs of the baby

- the Bible uses breastfeeding to illustrate how God comforts and encourages the faithful

- the Scripture says God is depicting Israel as a nursing mother

- what are the benefits of breastfeeding

4. Strengthens Relationships

The Good News

God loves us.

- "be carried on her arm... mother comforts her child..."

- the mother's embrace provides security

- the comforting relationship between mother and baby is strengthened