All About Ecological Breastfeeding
I’ve talked before about what others have to say about pregnancy spacing. One question that usually comes up is how to space without the use of hormonal contraceptives. Today, we’re going to talk about ecological breastfeeding.
“Ecology is concerned with the relationship between two organisms and how each affects the other. Ecological breastfeeding is the form of nursing in which the mother fulfills her baby’s needs for frequent suckling and her full-time presence and in which the child’s frequent suckling postpones the return of the mother’s fertility. Both parties, mother and baby, benefit from this relationship.” (Kippley)
Essentially, ecological breastfeeding is a synergistic process that helps mama meet her baby’s needs and is a natural form of family planning, while respecting the theology of the body.
There are 7 standards of ecological breastfeeding are:
Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months
Pacify at the breast
Don’t use bottles and pacifiers
Sleep with your baby for night feedings
Sleep with your baby for daily-nap feeding
Nurse frequently day and night and avoid schedules
Avoid any practice that restricts nursing or separates mother and baby
It’s important to note that all 7 standards must be practiced for ecological breastfeeding to work.
The return of the menstrual cycle will vary from person-to-person, depending on how long ecological breastfeeding is practiced, how long nursing takes place, as well as when natural weaning begins.
For more information, you can speak to a lactation consultant like @happy.mama.healthy.baby
A book on this topic is “The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor” by Sheila Kippley.
Please Note: This post is not a personal stance. It’s solely to bring to light a natural family planning option.
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Not medical advice.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Kippley, S.K. (2008). The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor.
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