Another Benefit of Ecological Breastfeeding

Another benefit of Ecological Breastfeeding is it allows for at least a little time off from charting your cycle and also spaces babies naturally. 

The Lactational Amenorrhea Method is 98-99% effective for avoiding pregnancy. However, if you practice Ecological Breastfeeding, the effectiveness increases more. In the first three months postpartum, the effectiveness is close to zero as long as the mother remains in amenorrhea after the first 56 days. Then in the next three months postpartum, its effectiveness is 99%. After the baby is six months old and is starting solids, the effectiveness does decrease, in general. However, the average time of return of menstruation for North American women practicing Ecological Breastfeeding is 14-15 months. 70% of the women studied - practice ecological breastfeeding - had a return of menstruation between 9 and 20 months postpartum. In more indigenous cultures, the time of amenorrhea can be even longer - 3 years. Even here in the USA, I know several women who went 21+ months (me included).

For more information about Ecological Breastfeeding, visit these pages:

Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding summary

John and Sheila’s presentation on Ecological Breastfeeding at the World NFP Congress

If you would like to receive a gift copy of Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing or The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding, please email CNML at catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com.

Written by Gina Peterson