Ecological Breastfeeding: A Gift of Love
(Madonna Litta - public domain)
Today’s Mass readings were all about love: God the Father’s love for us, Jesus’s gift of dying on the cross to expiate our sins, and how we should love one another.
Mothering and breastfeeding are ways we love our child(ren). Spending lots of time together and breastfeeding are your baby’s love languages (ways he experiences God’s love and your love). Did you know that? One way to combine both of these is ecological breastfeeding.
Ecological breastfeeding is a style of mothering and breastfeeding that encourages a copious milk supply and also space babies. However, really the heart of it is love. Exclusively breastfeeding your baby for six months because you know it is best, staying close to your baby because you know he needs your presence, comforting your baby at your breast because you know that it makes him safe and loved, and sleeping close to your baby because you know your baby might need nourishment while sleeping and because he feels comforted by your presence - that is ecological breastfeeding in a nutshell.
We were put on this earth to become more like Christ - the very definition of love - and breastfeeding in such a loving manner can help you grow as a mom and become more loving, patient, kind, joyful, peaceful, generous, self-controlled, faithful, and gentle. Ecological breastfeeding has helped me grow in the fruits of the Holy Spirt. Maybe it will help you, too?
If you would like to learn more about ecological breastfeeding, I would be happy to have you join an online session with some other moms and I can mail you a book on ecological breastfeeding as a gift. Just send me an email at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com
Written by Gina Peterson
What has been your experience practicing ecological breastfeeding? Please share in the comment section below. Thanks!
Although I have returned to work between 4 and 5 months after each of my four children, I always keep them close during the hours we’re together. We started bedsharing when my oldest was about 3 months and haven’t looked back. I told my husband that if I had to be back at work, then there was no way I could opt out of night time mothering by having the baby in another room in a crib. I find that it’s much easier to feed the baby while dozing, and I get much more sleep that way. A baby carrier is also hands-down the most essential baby item. With baby 4, I’m really enjoying my ring sling, but with the older 3 it was my Lillebaby. With each baby, I have gotten more and more confident in my choice to nurse the baby any time they seem upset. I have a fast letdown and lots of milk, so if they don’t actually want to eat, they get mad at me, but so many times, nursing is the answer.
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that you are intentionally keeping your babies close when you are home!
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