Is Ecological Breastfeeding Solely About Child Spacing?

(A Mother’s Embrace - public domain)

A few weeks ago I was talking with a friend about ecological breastfeeding. I mentioned that there are seven standards and that it tends to delay the return to fertility. My friend asked if it is a way to use breastfeeding as birth control. I was so surprised by her question. I then said, “ No, lactational amenorrhea is just a natural side effect.” However, that conversation has been on my mind since then. Maybe I need to emphasize the beauty of ecological breastfeeding before mentioning the child spacing effect?

Recently, I came across the loveliest of descriptions of ecological breastfeeding from Rachel N.:

For me, ecological breastfeeding feels like embracing the most natural rhythm between a mother and her baby. It’s not about clock-watching or fitting feedings into a schedule—it’s about responding to my baby’s cues and trusting that closeness is what both of us need. Nursing becomes more than just nourishment; it’s comfort, bonding, and a way of keeping my little one close to my heart.

Ecological breastfeeding is about following the natural rhythms that our loving Creator has put into place where each mom follows her baby’s cues for nourishment and comfort at the breast. It is also about seeing our role as showing God’s love to our little one through this beautiful relationship. This really is the essence of ecological breastfeeding! 

Yes, there may be a natural side effect of lactational amenorrhea. However, that is part of God’s plan, too. A baby’s continual need for nursing at the breast is sending a message to our bodies that mom and baby need more time together before another child joins the family.

Honestly, I don’t think most moms would nurse on demand, not leave their babies for very long, and sleep with their babies solely for child spacing reasons, especially when there are several highly effective natural family planning methods available. I really believe that nursing moms choosing to mother their babies in this manner enjoy the closeness of their babies and are pursuing it for “heart” reasons. 

If you would like to learn more about the beauty of ecological breastfeeding, send an email to CNML at Catholicbreastfeeding@yahoo.com and request a copy of Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing or Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers.

Written by Gina Peterson

What are some of your reasons for practicing ecological breastfeeding? What do you tell others about it when it comes up in conversation? Please leave a comment below. Thank you!