Breast-feeding

As far as possible, mother's milk is best for child (unless she falls ill or runs dry)

"The child must, from the day of his birth, be provided with whatever is conducive to his health; and know ye this: so far as possible, the mother's milk is best for, more agreeable and better suited to the child, unless she should fall ill or her milk should run entirely dry...."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, from a Tablet - translated from the Persian, in Health, Healing, and Nutrition, no. 15)

Breasts as gift of God through provision of milk

"O SON OF BOUNTY! Out of the wastes of nothingness, with the clay of My command I made thee to appear, and have ordained for thy training every atom in existence and the essence of all created things. Thus, ere thou didst issue from thy mother's womb, I destined for thee two founts of gleaming milk, eyes to watch over thee, and hearts to love thee. Out of My loving-kindness, 'neath the shade of My mercy I nurtured thee, and guarded thee by the essence of My grace and favor. And My purpose in all this was that thou mightest attain My everlasting dominion and become worthy of My invisible bestowals. And yet heedless thou didst remain, and when fully grown, thou didst neglect all My bounties and occupied thyself with thine idle imaginings, in such wise that thou didst become wholly forgetful, and, turning away from the portals of the Friend didst abide within the courts of My enemy."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Hidden Words, from the Persian, no. 29)

Nursing women exempted from fasting

• Fast - exemptions

In past Dispensations

Mothers (upon divorce) to breast-feed for two full years, though not obliged beyond her ability and may wean before two years if by consent; may provide a wet-nurse if she is fully (and fairly) paid

"Mothers after they are divorced shall give suck unto their children two full years, to him who desireth the time of giving suck to be completed; and the father shall be obliged to maintain them and clothe them in the mean time, according to that which shall be reasonable. No person shall be obliged beyond his ability. A mother shall not be compelled to what is unreasonable on account of her child nor a father on account of his child. And the heir of the father shall be obliged to do in like manner. But if they choose to wean the child before the end of two years, by common consent, and on mutual consideration, it shall be no crime in them. And if ye have a mind to provide a nurse for your children, it shall be no crime in you, in case ye fully pay what ye offer her, according to that which is just. And fear GOD, and know that GOD seeth whatsoever ye do."

(Qur'án, George Sale translation, no. 2:232 (or 91:232) per Rodwell numbering; 2:233 per traditional)

See also

• Breast