A Return to Normal Physiological Breastfeeding aka Ecological Breastfeeding

In order to keep up my certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I need to complete a number of continuing education hours. I just finished attending an online lactation conference this week. I enjoyed most of the presentations but one really resonated with me. The talk was about the new mastitis protocol. What really spoke to me about it was the presenter’s emphasis on normal physiological breastfeeding - feeding on demand at the breast. Sometimes lactation consultants can over focus on the benefits of breast milk and neglect the importance of the breastfeeding relationship. However, this particular lactation expert, who is also a physician, spoke about “getting rid of the plastic” to help prevent and treat concerns like engorgement and mastitis.  Do you know what her message reminded me of? Ecological breastfeeding! She talked about the importance of skin to skin, responsive feeding, avoiding mom and baby separation, avoiding pacifiers and bottles, simplifying life, resting, and getting support.

Normal physiological breastfeeding or Ecological Breastfeeding is really about that special relationship between mom and baby and not letting other less important things get wedged in between their time together. Sure, not needing to buy or rely on pacifiers or bottles is a wonderful benefit. Also, not having periods for months or years is a great natural side effect! However, the whole reason moms and babies practice the Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding is to nurture that very specially designed connection between a mom and her baby that Our loving Creator has woven into the fabric of motherhood.

Written By Gina M. Peterson, BS, IBCLC