The following is a message from a correspondent who chooses to remain anonymous:
This is just one almost-convert’s perspective, which is probably not worth too much.
First, in any parish we have visited in this area, we are often the largest family (six children). Usually an elderly lady will come up to us and smile and say, “We had seven, dear” or, “I remember when we filled up a pew.” Anyone our age will say, “You sure have your hands full!” while they have two or three children in tow. There is a decided “closedness” to life. Since having four children, we have always been asked by strangers if we were Catholic or Mormon. The world just assumes Catholics are open to life. In general, we have not found it to be true, at least in this geographical area. I feel this is a cause of scandal. On the other hand, the families who are open to life shine brightly in the darkness.
Second, my friends who are life-long Catholics, the parents of 9, and have always lived in this area, say there is a “hands off” approach by the clergy when it comes to the topic of contraception. That is why they sent us their Bishop’s booklet on the 40th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae. They were so excited that someone had the courage to say contraception is wrong. This is sad, but at least it is a step in the right direction. I think any couple who reads that booklet and wants to learn more would easily find your website by a Google search.
And finally, (again, just my opinion), many families don’t want to hear about ecological breastfeeding because it is a lifestyle. I have to admit, it was easy for me because I already loved being with my babies. I never have felt right about being apart from them, even for a short time. My mother was that way, and I guess it is natural to me. But for the mother who is used to being apart from her baby, it seems too great a sacrifice to change her lifestyle. I feel this is sad. I agree wholeheartedly with you—eco-breastfeeding is God’s simple plan to space babies. And in many cultures, the women would probably think it was funny for us in the West to even need to discuss it; it truly is “natural mothering” and only needs explaining when “unnatural” has become the norm.
To me it is so simple. Every baby deserves his mother’s undivided attention. My oldest child is 12, and judging by the late nights we spend talking over the issues of the universe, it is obvious to me that they still need their mother. As my friend says, “Mother is a noun and a verb!” It is the verb aspect that has gone out of style.
Sadly, it seems there is a fear to proclaim this truth of natural mothering in the Church. I believe that natural mothering is God’s best for families. In our culture it is indeed controversial. But we can pray. It is truly, in my humble opinion, God’s “Plan A” for the home. If it is a facet of God’s truth, it is the job of the Church to proclaim it, but it will certainly not be easy for them in the current culture.
Whenever I consider the fact that my husband is entering the Church with me, and I listen to him explain the Faith to other people, I am reassured that prayer is a powerful weapon and God can do anything! I will make natural mothering a top priority as I pray each morning because it is so very important. It is a matter of life and death, particularly in the current anti-family mindset that is worsening all the time.
I am sorry this is so long! I have just been thinking about this today and it is all spilling over here. God bless you again and again.–Anonymous