Fifth CNML Principle: Ecological Breastfeeding by Andrea Nease
Fifth CNML Principle:
Ecological
breastfeeding - the form of mothering which tends to delay the return of
fertility after the birth of a baby - benefits the nursing child, and
enhances the mother's health and well-being. Its natural child spacing effect is a
moral and healthy form of natural birth regulation and should be supported and
encouraged by families, society and the Church.
Commentary on the Fifth CNML Principle by CNML Board Member, Andrea Nease
There are two sides to ecological
breastfeeding. The first is recognizing that eco-breastfeeding is a type of
mothering, and looks very different in practice than other styles of
breastfeeding. Formula feeding, while necessary at times, has heavily
influenced our society’s views on breastfeeding, and subsequently how mothers
practice it. It is common for breastfeeding to be thought of as simply a way to
feed your baby and meet the nutritional requirements for your baby. Ecological
breastfeeding, however, embraces and helps facilitate the bonding aspect of
breastfeeding by encouraging mother-baby togetherness (frequent nursing,
avoiding separation) and a response to emotional needs through comfort nursing.
How do you bond with someone? By spending time with that person, communicating
with each other, and meeting each other’s needs. I’ve had many mothers comment
to me, while I’m nursing my [sometimes older] children, how they miss having
that “break” while nursing. These mothers who have commented that to me have
weaned at or before a year old and practiced cultural breastfeeding. This leads
me to believe, for them, it is common to not make as much time for their babies
after they have weaned. On the other hand, there are many women who have been
unable to breastfeed who are able to closely mimic the natural mothering style
in spite of supplementing with formula or donated milk.
Eco-breastfeeding draws both
people closer together, strengthening the “One Body of Christ” through
interdependence. This is very different from typical cultural ideas that leans
heavily towards independence. As Catholics, we don’t believe we can go it
alone. We rely on God and allow God to work through us. We ask for help from
the Saints and other members of our parish, our spouse, family, and friends. We
value generosity and charity, helping each other grow in virtue. These values
are modeled at the breast when mothers, in their own special way, sacrifice
their body (breasts) and blood (breastmilk made from blood). It’s okay for a
baby to need his or her mother (or father)!
The second part of this principle is recognizing the
benefits of natural infertility and child spacing that ecological breastfeeding
provides. Most women who fully practice ecological breastfeeding will average
14.5 months of infertility (1). Research has shown that tribal cultures usually
experience approximately three years of infertility (2). Recent studies have
said the optimal birth spacing, for health of mother and child, is 27-60 months
apart (3). I think it is interesting how this closely resembles God’s natural
infertility and child spacing through ecological breastfeeding. While
ecological breastfeeding can sometimes be a tall order, it is advantageous. It
helps build our relationship with our children, and gives the average mother a
short break between births, which provides all sorts of advantages for the
entire family. I, personally, have struggled over the years using other forms
of systematic natural family planning. In the past, ecological breastfeeding
has really been a life saver for spacing my own kids.
2- The
Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding by Sheila Kippley
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