Published: March 25, 2008 09:56 am            

Mom's breastfeeding in church makes member lactose intolerant

Got a problem you'd like to share with Sidney? Write to her at: The Meridian Star, P.O. Box 1591, Meridian, MS 39301 or e-mail her at sidneycovington@comcast.net. All submissions are confidential and go directly to Sidney.



Dear Sidney,



I saw something in church a while back that really has me wondering. I am from the old school and I mean "old school."

In my day, ladies were discrete about being in the family way, and even more careful of how they presented themselves in public after the baby was born. A few Sundays back, I witnessed something I never thought I would see. A woman nursing her new baby in the sanctuary, and she was not using a bottle. Guess how quickly I lost track of the sermon.

Is it me, or have we lost a little too much discretion? I understand we are not in the Dark Ages anymore, and it is a perfectly natural thing, but I, and especially my husband, didn't want to witness it on the pew next to us. Am I being prudish? Should I join this century?

Her mother and grandmother who is close to my age were sitting next to her smiling from ear to ear. It didn't seem to phase her at all. Maybe it's just me.



Signed,

Missin' the Good ol' days!



Dear Missin' ...



Yep, things have changed ... and boy have they!!!!

Remember not being able to purchase hose on Sunday? Remember not even considering wearing slacks to the morning church service? Ladies would never be "caught" at church without her gloves and hat!! I can remember when we sang all the verses of the hymn and even sang the "amen."

To phrase a country song, it now seems to be, "Come on in! Sit right down! And make yourself at home!" ... And, in some ways, ya know, that's not bad, is it?

Shouldn't we want the house of the Lord to be inviting to all, regardless of their clothing, their smell, their particular sin? Yes, we should. However, I think we should always remember to revere the Lord in all we do –- not just in the sanctuary.

While I understand that even little babies must receive nourishment in a timely manner, there are ways to handle this. I'm all for breastfeeding and sometimes one must do it in public. However, it should be and can be done so discreetly that no one but momma and baby needs to know. That's not what sounds like happend to you! Why the young mother decided to allow those around her to see "the buffet from which her child dined," is beyond my comprehension. Same with the beeming grannies. If nothing else her display may have nourished her child, but it prevented you from spiritual nourishment.

You haven't asked me for advice, so I'll offer none to you. However, I will say this to those young moms who want the world to know "what's on the menu:" Please respect those around you, remembering that while we share in the joy of your child, we're not interested in the post-natal peepshow.

On another note: Thank you to the many, many people who've contacted me on behalf of the woman from last week's column. She's heard from people as far away as Texas and you've been a huge help. Thank you!

And, finally ...

On this Easter Day ... May your hearts and homes be filled with the hope that is ours through His glorious resurrection. Peace.



Love, Sidney



• Sidney Covington has a master's degree in counseling. She is a patient advocate and public relations representative for Riley Hospital.

        

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