I hug my baby for the first time; his mouth is searching for something, I put the flow of milk in his mouth and as the flow starts, I feel peace and tranquility; I listen to the music of his sucks, I'm thrilled with his love...

Breastfeeding in Islam
Breastfeeding means providing milk to the baby by his mother's breast, pregnant women or a nanny. Islam has considered all aspects of social, political and family life of any individuals and breastfeeding is also considered. God says in verse 223 of surah Al- Baqarah:

''Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.''

Several orders are implied here. The suckle right is considered for mothers for two years and she can breastfeed and keep her baby during this period. Though the ''custody'' of babies are on fathers but as feeding the body and soul of the baby by mother milk cause an inseparable emotional connection between mother and baby, the right to keep and care of infants are left to mothers during this period. Mothers feeling should also be respected; a mother cannot see her baby away from her in these moments and stay indifferent. That's why the right of ''custody'' and breastfeeding is left to mothers; it's a bilateral right that is good for both babies and mothers.



The word ''borne to'' imply the father of the baby who should provide the food, clothing and costs; God has called this ''معروف'' as it should be appropriate with the financial situation of father and suitable for the mother; then it is mentioned that God charged No-one beyond his capacity. None of the parent should misuse their baby to get their benefits, if done soul of the baby is badly hurt.
Men should be careful not to ignore ''custody right'' of mothers by taking babies away from them while they are breastfeeding and women also should not misuse this right and refrain fathers from visiting their children under the pretexts of breastfeeding.
If the father is dead, his inheritors should provide the costs of baby and by inheritor, it is meant the one who inherits from the baby after his death. Here there is an argument: Ibn abi Leyli believes in discreet inheritor; Abu Hanife believes in inheritor who shares the same blood; Shafei believes that if birth occurs, the costs would be provided. Also some have mentioned that the inheritor should be from family like grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle or his children. Others believe that inheritor means the inheritor of the father that means the child himself; i.e. if the father is dead and the baby is his inheritor; it is obligatory that the costs of breastfeeding is provided from the baby inherits- if there is any- and if there is nothing left for the baby; mother should breastfeed the baby herself.
The breastfeeding and custody right of mothers cannot be prevents unless she  herself avoids doing it or there are obstacles that prevent her from doing so; here God says: لا جناح علیکم ان تسترضعوا اولادکم اذا سلمتم ما اتیتم بالمعروف
Here by the phrase ''اذا سلمتم ما آتیتم بالمعروف'' it is meant that choosing another women for breastfeeding instead of the mother; after the consultation and agreement of both sides is allowed provided that the right of breastfeeding for mother and the pains she has been through before; is not ignored; rather the costs should be paid according to traditions and norms of society.
As the challenges between wife and husband lead to the desire of revenge taking which itself put the future of their children in danger, at the end of this verse God has wanted to be afraid of God and observing their duties to Allah.
According to the analysis of this verse, breastfeeding is a valuable right for mothers, so that she can asks to be paid for; and if she refrains from doing it; there is no way to force her. The determined two year period is also based on the needs of the baby.

To be countinued...