What is Ecological Breastfeeding?

The term, ecological breastfeeding, was first coined by Sheila Kippley in her book, Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing. Ecological breastfeeding is a beautiful exchange of love between mom and baby that involves the mother staying close to her baby, nursing on demand day and night, comforting baby’s at the breast, and sleeping close to her baby.

What are the specifics of ecological breastfeeding? 

There are Seven Standards that comprise this type of breastfeeding lifestyle: 

1. Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of baby’s life without the introduction of liquids and solids

2. Pacifying or comforting the baby at the breast

3. Avoiding pacifiers and bottles

4. Sleeping with your baby for night feedings (following safe bedsharing/co-sleeping guidelines)

5. Sleeping with your baby for a daily nap feeding

6. Nursing frequently day and night and avoiding schedules

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

What is the effect of ecological breastfeeding on fertility?

About 70% of mothers who practice ecological breastfeeding experience their first menstruation between 9-20 months postpartum. On average, in the North American culture, mothers experience 14-15 months of breastfeeding amenorrhea. 

Are there any other resources about ecological breastfeeding?

Yes, there are! Here is a very succinct yet detailed summary of ecological breastfeeding. 

Also, the Catholic Nursing Mothers League compiled an extensive list of different resources a few years ago.

Here are the posts on our website related to ecological breastfeeding. 

I would love to hear about the experiences of those who practice ecological breastfeeding.

You have come to the right place! We have a Facebook group devoted solely to ecological breastfeeding. Several of the moms who regularly attend our online meetings live this lifestyle. I am sure they would be happy to talk with you! Most of the complimentary books we offer to nursing moms have personal stories about ecological breastfeeding. Also, you can read about my own personal experience here. 

What are some challenges and blessings of ecological breastfeeding?

As with any part of motherhood, there are challenges when practicing ecological breastfeeding. Sometimes you have to miss certain events where babies are not welcome. However, I have found over the years that my baby was welcome at quite a few places. You just need to ask! Maybe others will not understand why you always have your baby with you. When you live counter-culturally there is a bound to be at least a few people who do not approve. I have learned to be okay with that. Just try to get support from your husband and like-minded friends. Read books for inspiration. Look at your baby and see how happy she is to be with you! Ecological breastfeeding can feel tiring sometimes. However, even if you feed your baby in a different way, it still takes time. Try to get extra rest when you can. You can get a little extra rest by lying down with your baby for a daily nap nursing. Do something you enjoy each day - like a hobby - even just for 15 minutes. Another possible challenge with ecological breastfeeding is spending time with your spouse. I wrote a post on this particular challenge a few years ago with some ideas to try.

The blessings are well worth it: extended child spacing, less need for feminine hygiene products, no need for bottles and pacifiers, reduced impact on the environment, money savings, health benefits, and best of all - that special bond between you and your baby.

Written by Gina M. Peterson, BS, IBCLC

Would you like to share your experience with ecological breastfeeding? We would love to hear it! Leave a comment below or email us at catholicbreastfeeding(at)yahoo(dot)com.