Two American studies found that menstruation returns, on the average, between 14 and 15 months postpartum for mothers doing eco-breastfeeding. In the larger study of the American mothers doing ecological breastfeeding, 93% were in amenorrhea at 6 months postpartum, 70% experienced the return of menstruation between nine and twenty months postpartum, 56% were in amenorrhea at 12 months postpartum, and 33% were still in amenorrhea at 18 months postpartum (page 74).
Sheila Kippley
The nursing mothers who ovulated later continued to give night feedings, nursed more often, introduced other foods slowly, and reduced their nursing times gradually. Dr. Howie concluded that “the effectiveness of suckling as an inhibitor of ovulation is certainly dependent upon breastfeeding practice. The resumption of ovulation may be dependent upon other factors as well, but certainly we would suggest that suckling is a major variable, if not the major variable in the control of postpartum ovulation and fertility” (emphasis in the original) (page 23).
Sheila Kippley
One of the best options for natural family planning is ecological breastfeeding. Why? Because it is a natural—and abstinence-free—way to space babies. Those interested in breastfeeding infertility research should read my book on this topic: The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor. For World Breastfeeding Week I will cite some of this research. Page numbers refer to The Seven Standards.
H. William Taylor, PhD, worked with a group of breastfeeding mothers who would be inclined to follow the mothering practices typical of traditional breastfeeding cultures. The 72 American mothers in the study averaged 14 months of postpartum infertility. Dr. Taylor’s research reaffirmed a very important conclusion for natural child spacing: what is important for breastfeeding infertility is short intervals between feedings (page 47).
Sheila Kippley
The book sale continues this week:
NFP Sale: During NFP Week and World Breastfeeding Week (July 24 to the end of August 7th), only the following print books will be on sale at a fantastic 50% discount at lulu.com.
Natural Family Planning: The Complete Approach (coil binding only)
The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor
Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing
The discount will be given upon ordering any of the 3 above print books at www.lulu.com.