What does the Bible say about breastfeeding?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

During biblical times, breastfeeding was essentially the only way to feed a baby and therefore was expected and considered normal. It is important to note, however, that breastfeeding is never a command nor are alternative methods of meeting a baby's nutritional needs counted as sin. The Bible refers to breastfeeding as a natural and essential part of nurturing infants. It also makes connections between breastfeeding and spiritual nourishment. In Isaiah 49:15, God compares His care for His people to that of a mother who cannot forget her nursing child, emphasizing the importance of maternal love and sustenance. Furthermore, 1 Thessalonians 2:7 illustrates the nurturing qualities of a mother, reinforcing the value of caring for children, which includes breastfeeding as a vital aspect of that care.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Bible mentions breastfeeding quite a few times. For example, Joel calls for the people to gather saying, "Assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants" (Joel 2:16). It was assumed that infants would be nursing at their mothers' breasts.
• Job, when lamenting the injustices in the world, said, "There are those who snatch the fatherless child from the breast" (Job 24:9). Babies were regularly seen nursing from their mothers' breasts in his community.
• The Bible also records a few specific nursing relationships. We know Sarah breastfed Isaac (Genesis 21:7–8), Jochebed nursed Moses (Exodus 2:8–9), Hannah breastfed Samuel (1 Samuel 1:22–24), and Gomer nursed Lo-ruhamah (Hosea 1:8).
• Withholding nourishment from babies is condemned in Lamentations. God declared, "Even jackals offer the breast; they nurse their young; but the daughter of my people has become cruel… the tongue of the nursing infant sticks to the roof of its mouth for thirst; the children beg for food, but no one gives to them" (Lamentations 4:3–4). God said that wild animals who nursed their young were better than those humans who withheld nourishment from their infants. So breastfeeding is a positive trait in the Bible.
• God compared Himself to a nursing mother in Isaiah 49:15: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?" The obvious answer is that it is unlikely a breastfeeding mother could forget her child because her breasts would become engorged with milk, begin to leak, and become quite uncomfortable. These signs would alert her to her missing baby and his need. However, God continues, "Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you" (Isaiah 49:15). God was highlighting the fact that as caring, attentive, and nurturing as breastfeeding mothers are to their children, God is even more so toward His people.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus warned, "Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people" (Luke 21:23). Jesus knew women would be nursing during the "days of vengeance" (Luke 21:22). Breastfeeding was the normal way to nourish infants.
• Even Mary breastfed Jesus (Luke 11:27).
• The apostle Paul likened himself to a breastfeeding mother. When writing to the church in Thessalonica, he said, "But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us" (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8). Paul used breastfeeding mothers as an illustration for how he had ministered to the Thessalonians. Nursing mothers are gentle and self-sacrificial, providing for the needs of their children and freely giving of themselves to do so. Paul had done the same.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Breastfeeding in the Bible is seen as the expected natural way to feed a baby. However, the Bible does not condemn other ways of meeting a baby's nutritional needs. Breastfeeding is not a command, nor is bottle-feeding a sin. In fact, there may be many reasons that bottle feeding becomes necessary for a particular mother and her child. Each mother must seek wisdom from God to determine the best way to meet her child's needs (James 1:5) and others must refrain from passing judgment about non-essential issues (Colossians 2:16). However, when we see a breastfeeding mother, we can be reminded of how God longs to protect and provide for us and how we can minister to those whom we are discipling.

UNDERSTAND

• Breastfeeding is seen as a natural and vital practice for nurturing infants.
• The Bible does not mandate breastfeeding but speaks about it positively.
• Breastfeeding imagery illustrates God's nurturing relationship with His people, emphasizing His protective and providing nature.

REFLECT

• How do you understand the relationship between physical nourishment and spiritual nourishment in your life?
• How do the illustrations of God as caring impact the way you view God and the way you care for others?
• How does understanding God's nurturing nature influence your view of His provision in your own life?

ENGAGE

• How does the biblical imagery of breastfeeding as a nurturing act impact your understanding of God's love and care for His people?
• How can we nourish and care for others in the church in practical ways?
• How can the church create a supportive environment for mothers to make informed choices about breastfeeding and child-rearing without judgment?