A Letter Slipped Under My Door Inspired a Workshop

By Sara Chana Silverstein, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)

Over the past 30 years, I’ve assisted over 45,000 babies and mothers with nursing. My training was rigorous, requiring 2500 clinical hours in the hospital while juggling a household full of children. 

What surprised me then, and continues to puzzle me now, is the widespread misunderstanding about how nursing, a creation of Hashem, functions and its benefits for both mother and child. 

Unfortunately, the proliferation of information on the Internet and social media has only exacerbated mothers’ confusion. Much of the available advice is biased, often aimed at selling products, and some of it is outright misinformation, leading to unnecessary struggles for many women. 

While formula can be a lifesaver in certain situations, misinformation leaves too many women grappling unnecessarily with nursing their babies.

Over 20 years ago, a woman slipped a letter from the Rebbe about nursing under my door, and it profoundly impacted me. Regrettably, she didn’t include the letter’s date. 

The Rebbe responded to a woman seeking a blessing to not nurse her baby. Here is part of the Rebbe’s letter “… with regard to breastfeeding the child, this is a very, very correct thing. Especially in recent years, even American doctors have begun speaking about how beneficial it is for both the mother and for the child… It is a normal thing, and that is the way it should be, as it is written, ‘G-d made man right…'” 

Three key points from the Rebbe’s words stand out for me:

• He emphasizes that nursing is “very, very correct.”
• He prioritizes the benefits for both mother and child, placing the mother first.
• He humorously acknowledges that even American doctors are catching on to the benefits.

I am excited to invite women to join my Zoom workshop on “How To Push Off Your Cycle While Nursing.” This workshop will delve into the benefits of nursing, the challenges women may face, and practical tips for successful nursing.

It took me two years to develop this class. After finalizing the outline, I sought approval and received endorsements from Crown Heights Rabbonim and many communities worldwide.

This information, known to midwives for centuries, was traditionally passed down from bubbies to the younger generation of Jewish women. I am thrilled to share Hashem’s design of women, hoping it will once again be transmitted through generations.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday evening, May 29th, at 8:30 EST. Sign up at sarachana.com or leave a message at (646) 481-5787‬ with questions. If you can’t make it live, we will send you the replay to watch at your convenience.