Natural Family Planning International

Second Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding

Pacify Your Baby at Your Breasts

Pacification at the breast is important for breastfeeding infertility. 

Regular use of pacifiers has been shown by research to interfere with natural infertility.  The mother interested in natural infertility will use her breasts to comfort her baby and to satisfy his need for non-nutritive suckling.  This closeness is very special to both mother and baby.

“I love your coverage of real, natural mothering.  People tell me I hold my baby too much, feed her too often, should give her a pacifier, and should not sleep with her.  I ignore it all.  How can my family possibly be happier.”

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

First Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding

This is the first of seven daily blogs for World Breastfeeding Week.  The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding are maternal behaviors associated with the natural spacing of births.

Breastfeed Exclusively for the First Six Months

Exclusive breastfeeding means the baby receives nothing but mother’s milk directly from her breasts. 

Research has repeatedly shown since the mid-1950s that the introduction of early solids and early liquids to the baby is associated with a very early return of fertility.  Exclusive breastfeeding is an important step for a mother to take if she is interested in maintaining natural infertility after childbirth.  It is the best step to take for the health of her baby.

“This was the first baby exclusively breastfed for six months, and also a true baby-led weaning…I am currently nursing our 17 month old without a return of my periods.”

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