“…{Breastfeeding] benefits the child and helps to create the closeness and maternal bonding so necessary for healthy child development. So human and natural is this bond that the Psalms use the image of the infant at its mother’s breast as a picture of God’s care for man…"
Pope John Paul II
Catholic Nursing Mothers League
Encouragement and Support for Breastfeeding within the Catholic Community
The Catholic Nursing Mothers League was founded in April, 2006 by Michigan childbirth educator, breastfeeding counselor and former natural family planning instructor, Pamela H. Pilch. It was inspired by the work of Sheila Kippley, author of Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing, and, more recently, Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood.
Pam’s goal in creating the League was to provide opportunities for Catholic mothers to gather in homes and parishes to learn about breastfeeding and mothering, to give and receive spiritual and emotional support, and to reach out to parishes and communities to educate about the many physical and relational benefits, and about the long-standing Church teaching in support of, maternal breastfeeding.
In its early days, CNML has been supported and encouraged by a special group of women from across the United States, who have been actively involved in planning and set-up of the organization. Several of these women will be pilot leaders of the initial CNML meeting series, which will take place during the second half of 2006. In early 2007, additional leaders will be recruited and discussion group offerings will be expanded nationwide.
We have also been advised, supported and encouraged by author Sheila Kippley and her husband, theologian John Kippley, Professor Kevin Miller (Franciscan University of Steubenville), and Fr. William Virtue (author of Mother and Infant). We have received invaluable prayers and support from so many others. We are grateful for all of this support.
Donations
The Catholic Nursing Mothers League is a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Michigan.
Donations are gladly accepted to support our work. However, because we are only just now in the process of seeking federal 501c3 status, donations to CNML are not presently tax-deductible. If you would like to donate to support our work, please contact Pam at pamcnml@comcast.net.
The Catholic Nursing Mothers League, though faithful to the Church, is an independent apostolate, having no financial ties to any other persons or groups. We are not specifically affiliated with any provider of NFP instruction, or any other breastfeeding organization. Furthermore, we do not profit in any way from the sale of Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood , Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing., any other work of their author, or the purchase of any other materials recommended by our group. Our recommendations of materials are solely the responsibility of the independent judgment of our Board of Directors.
Principles and Statement of Faith
Frequently Asked Questions