The Lord Provides

     I have one childhood memory of observing a mother nursing her baby.  I was probably 5 at the time and  was with my mother at a friend's home.  I have probably exaggerated in my mind how quickly I was positioned to look away from the nursing couple but, whatever the speed, the action of turning me away certainly did not make me feel that breastfeeding was a normal part of mothering.  Breastfeeding was not a frequent topic of conversation in our home but if it ever came up I was left with the fear that if I were anything like my mother I would "not have enough milk".  I don't fault my mother for the fact that she felt like she needed to shield my young eyes (maybe she was actually trying to give the nursing mom privacy) or that I was formula fed because of her "lack of milk", it simply was not popular to nurse your baby in the early 70's and there was lots of misinformation out there.
     So, at 27 years old, preparing to have my first child, I chose to breastfeed. How with that oh so positive breastfeeding background did I come to that decision?  It's simple, He gave me what I needed.  By He I mean God.  My parents might not have given me breastmilk but, they certainly instilled in me what I needed to develop a relationship with our Creator and to have faith that he would follow through  on the promise that he would provide all that I require.   In regards to feeding my children He has certainly made my cup run over (ha, ha).  Here's how.
   He led me to a love of moms and babies,  he provided positions on labor and delivery units where I could work and learn, he provided me with wonderful mentors to inspire and encourage me, he made my physical body to work the way he designed it, he provided me with the desire to use his perfect tool, and he gave me beautiful, healthy children who were willing and able to nurse.  I marvel everyday at His provisions and smile at the way he works all things for good.
   You too may feel less than optimistic about the prospect of nourishing your child at the breast but, let me encourage you that even if you run into difficulty He will provide you with whatever and whomever
you need to fulfill his plan.