Natural Family Planning International

Fifth Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding

Sleep with Your Baby for a Daily-Nap Feeding

This is probably the most ignored Standard, but it helps a mother avoid fatigue which may affect her milk supply and may interfere with her natural infertility.  An analysis of those mothers doing ecological breastfeeding and yet claiming to have an early return of menstruation were found not to have taken one daily nap with their nursing baby.  Mothers get that much needed rest when they take a short nap or rest with their baby.

“We have 5 children in 5 years even while using ecological breastfeeding (except the nap). We co-slept and breastfed on demand. I wish I read [your manual] earlier other than the fact that we might have not been blessed with our children if I had. This had the clearest information on NFP that I have read. I made it to a first birthday party without being pregnant for the first time. I tried to take a nap when possible, used extended breastfeeding and added the cervix recommendations (which are the clearest in your book). My fertility didn’t come back until 10 months this time instead of the usual 2-3 months. The longest I nursed before was 19 months and I am still nursing my 1 and almost 2 1/2 year old this time. I have recommended this site to tons of people. I was tempted to give up because we just couldn’t afford any more kids and were really struggling with homeschooling and having so many kids so close together so I really appreciate your help!”

Sheila Kippley
The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor
Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood

Fourth Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding

Sleep with Your Baby for Night Feedings

Nighttime nursings are important for maintaining a steady milk supply and for natural child spacing, and co-sleeping greatly assists both effects. 

Research has shown that nursing during the night is a most important practice in delaying a return of menstruation.  Bedsharing has many benefits other than the benefit of amenorrhea.  Twenty (20) other benefits are listed in The Seven Standards.

“Our little girl wakes at night to be nursed and sometimes nurses often at night.  We have a king-size bed so it really doesn’t bother our sleep.  We have relied entirely on nursing for postponing pregnancy.  It is the most enjoyable method of spacing babies.  I just regret all the years that were completely safe or could have been and we didn’t know it.”

Sheila Kippley
The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor
Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood

Third Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding

Don’t Use Bottles and Pacifiers

This Standard seems redundant, but it is important in an age where mothers pump and place their milk into bottles and when a few mothers exclusively breastfeed but never put the baby to their breast. 

In the age of pumps and bottles, the early return of fertility for mothers is common.  We must remember that it is the mother who is the most important person to her baby.  Breastfeeding by the mother is the natural way and the preferred way by the baby over breast-milking. 

“Our baby would not take a pacifier or any bottle.  She would only nurse.  Therefore, she went everywhere with us.  This was fine with my husband and me, and our baby was happy and content.”

Sheila Kippley
The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor
Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood