Interesting take on breastfeeding

[TheRealMBJ]

Jewish parenting blog by bf-ing mum in NYC

Of note:

The rabbis of the Talmud categorized breastfeeding as a chore that women did for their husbands, just like cooking dinner or sewing clothes. As such, wealthy women could escape this task

And

Because breastfeeding was considered a marital obligation, divorced women were no longer required to nurse their children. Instead, the father became responsible either for hiring a wet nurse or for paying the mother to nurse. However, the rabbis worried that a baby old enough to recognize his or her mother would refuse milk from a stranger, and would starve as a result.

Discuss...

Cultural beliefs can really make u rhink again!!! Be nice to get paid for it though!!! although my growing baby is payment enuf

I thought it an interesting contrast as typically here, bf is seen as something you do despite the father, that the baby is taking something from the dad. As a feminist, I am uncomfortable with the idea of feeding my child as a duty to my husband BUT it does cast a very different light on bf than what we are used to doesn't it?

I guess it is coming from a cultural perspective where children belong to their fathers, not mothers.

if its a chore, does that mean it's not allowed on the Sabbath?

I'm sure it isn't restricted. The article does go on to say it is Also considered a beautiful miracle like the provision of manna etc, etc

Is that the case Rita I always thought that in Jewish tradition children are their mother's as her religion determines theirs?

how odd that it's considered a marital obligation rather than a parental one.

It is rather

just because the rabbis of the talmud (men, a very very long time ago) categorise braestfeeding an a certain way doesn't mean it's the cultural belief in the jewish community now. Actually judaism is very positive about BF.

Oh, I actually think that this is quite a positive view of breastfeeding, just different to put own, and therefore interesting.