Summary of the Seven Standards by Judith

Last time we discussed the seventh standard of ECOLOGICAL breastfeeding which is to avoid any practice that restricts nursing or separates you from your baby. This week we will recap on all seven standards of ecological breastfeeding.

Firstly the definition of ecological breastfeeding: " it 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".  (see The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding by Sheila Kippley)

The Seven Standards are as follows:

1.Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months.

2. Pacify your baby at your breasts.

3. Don't use bottles or pacifiers.

4. Sleep with your baby for night feedings.

5. Sleep with your baby for a daily nap feeding.

6. Nurse frequently day and night and avoid schedules

7. Avoid any practice that restricts nursing or separates you from your baby.

It must be noted that as mothers we should never hinder our babies from developing and weaning if that is what is best for the baby. For example, if a baby or toddler is taking well to solids, we should not restrict this activity in order to fulfil a selfish need to stay in amenorrhea.

Personally speaking I have found that some days my daughter will eat all around her, and other days she just wants my breastmilk. I trust her to know what she needs. A while ago for example, with her molar teeth coming up, she sometimes nursed both for comfort and nutrition and it made me so happy to see her in less pain as a result of nursing.

Another benefit of continuing to nurse my toddler is that if she gets sick (which rarely happens-- she has only had two 24- hour tummy bugs, thank God, since she was born) but when she was off her food, I knew my breastmilk was giving her antibodies, hydration and comfort. What a gift!

Until another time, I would encourage you to look up Kippley's website www.nfpandmore.org  and/or www.catholicbreastfeeding.org for information and support. God bless, Judith!

Disclaimer: I am a breastfeeding mother who has used the Seven Standards and experienced 2 years and more of breastfeeding amenorrhea.  No claim is made that ecological breastfeeding is 100% effective in avoiding pregnancy.   For health issues, see a competent health professional.