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1/13/2015

Ecological Breastfeeding Makes Breastfeeding Easier, Spaces Babies

27 Comments

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What is Ecological Breastfeeding?
Picture
See below for photo attribution.
"Ecological Breastfeeding" is a term originally coined by Sheila Kippley, the co-founder of the Couple to Couple League, (now with Natural Family Planning International) to describe straight-up breastfeeding as it has been done since the beginning of time.  Kippley was a La Leche League leader who was studying and writing about the effects of breastfeeding on fertility back in the 1970's when ecology was the rage.  Had she needed to pick a term today, she probably would have chosen something like "green breastfeeding" or, as I call it, natural breastfeeding.  Ecological breastfeeding is more than "exclusive breastfeeding"--although feeding a baby only breastmilk until he naturally starts solids around six months of age is part of ecological breastfeeding.  It also includes six other "standards" to make it clear if a particular mother is (or is not) practicing ecological breastfeeding.
It must be noted that ALL breastmilk and any way a mother feeds her baby is good.  Whether directly from the breast, from an eye dropper, dripped from a spoon, squirted with a syringe, dribbled out of a cup, or sucked out of a bottle--as the saying goes, "breast is best."  The Seven Standards aren't intended to be a measure of whether or not you are "mom enough" (as the now famous TIME magazine cover challenged).  There are seven "standards" because ecological breastfeeding is a means of spacing babies.  As such, there are rules ("standards") to be followed.  If the standards are followed, most women will experience completely natural infertility (for, on average, about 14-15 months after birth) as her body focuses on growing her babe in arms.  She will neither ovulate nor menstruate during this time of natural infertility.  Until mature eggs are released, there is no chance of pregnancy.  As more time passes from birth, the more likely it is that a mother will begin to ovulate again.  Studies of ecological breastfeeding mothers have shown that the actual rates of pregnancy are virtually zero from 0-3 months; 2% from 3-6 months, and about 6% after 6 months, assuming the mother has not experienced bleeding or spotting on two or more consecutive days.  Eventually, full fertility returns and in the natural order of things, within the context of a normal marital relationship, and with nothing but ecological breastfeeding, babies will come about every two to three years.  ...But if natural infertility--babies spaced without charting, abstinence, barriers, medications or devices--isn't something you desire, then ecological breastfeeding isn't for you.
Picture
My two older sons: their births were spaced 37 months apart.
Ecological breastfeeding isn't a litmus test for "good" or "bad" mothering.  However, it is a completely natural way that babies and pregnancies are spaced, allowing the mother's mineral stores to be replenished.  Meanwhile, the older (ex utero) baby is growing, learning to eat, crawl, walk, and talk, so that when the next baby does come along, Mother can concentrate on him or her, without depriving the older toddler or preschooler of vital nutrition, as may happen with a closer spacing (if her milk supply drops during the pregnancy).  Furthermore, big brother or sister no longer requires the intensive attention that a newborn or infant does, so mother's job is a little easier.  The older sibling is old enough psychologically to understand that the new baby needs mama.  These are significant advantages to ecological breastfeeding that no method of "family planning" can approach.
Kippley’s Ecological Breastfeeding Program sets the stage as much as possible for successful breastfeeding.  While it is not for every family, it certainly would benefit some families who are unlikely to hear of it.  Unfortunately, natural breastfeeding continues to be viewed not only as a countercultural relic of the days of the cave woman, but it is also the best kept secret as a means to naturally space children, even in natural family planning circles.
When I first heard of naturally spacing children through breastfeeding, I had never had a baby.  But after being blessed with our eldest child, I followed Kippley’s “Seven Standards” faithfully.  While everything didn’t turn out exactly as Kippley suggested (O Pediatric Dental Bills, you seem so unjust), there is one area that turned out spot on.  Kippley stated that if you followed all seven standards, and had no bleeding episodes after the first 56 days postpartum, your children would (on average) be spaced two to three years apart.  She was totally right.  After seventeen years of marriage, our six children are all spaced two to three years apart--and this was not due to any underlying infertility as I became pregnant the first time I ovulated several times.  (The only departure from this pattern is between babies four and five, who would have been spaced within that range, but two early pregnancy losses extended the spacing to a little over three years apart.)
Picture
The Hagen Family. Children's ages: 1, 3, 6, 9, 11, and 14 years.
A Real-Life Example: 
Christelle's "Periods" since 2000*

2000: 0
2001: 0
2002: 1
2003: 0
2004: 0
2005: 0
2006: 0
2007: 0
2008: 0
2009: 1
2010**: 8
2011: 0
2012: 0
2013: 1
2014: 0

*2000: the year our oldest child was born
**2010: two of these "periods" were early pregnancy losses
“Who cares?” you may wonder.  “If you hadn't noticed, Christelle, you have a gigantic family...so what's the big deal that your babies are spaced two to three years apart?”  Allow me to explain.  During the past fourteen plus years, I have had exactly eleven "periods".  Other than that--no menstrual bleeding, no cramps, migraines, PMS, or pads; and no ovulations—for years on end.  My husband and I have been free of what others call the “fear” of pregnancy, that is, free to enjoy each other intimately for years without any concerns or even thought given to preventing pregnancy.  No potentially contentious discussions about whether to try for another baby.  No need to chart.  No need to take temps.  Simply letting God plan our family.  By the time my fertility has returned, we have been mentally in the place where another pregnancy and another baby seemed…well…natural!  After all, the next oldest child could walk, talk, and feed herself or himself.  There was space in the family for another baby.
It is not easy to share this most unusual (though completely natural) form of baby spacing with others.  Many are suspicious about how "effective" it really is.  I have heard of many women being told by their health care provider that breastfeeding can't be "trusted" to space babies.  And this is partially true, because assuming a particular mother is following all of the standards, her own length of natural infertility may be shorter than average, depending on her baby's nursing patterns, her own biology, and other factors outside of her control.  While I have no doubt that having normal anatomy and physiology have certainly been in our favor, I suspect that my determination (okay, stubbornness would probably be more accurate) has played as much of a role in our success.  Just as I’ve witnessed when it comes to natural childbirth, those women who are going to “try” to birth naturally frequently do not; so also with those who are going to “try” ecological breastfeeding.  ‘Trying’ means you know you should do it the "natural" way, and if there are zero problems you will do it, but if anything gets tough with the birth or with breastfeeding, you plan to quit.  It’s okay.  Using pain meds during a birth, choosing combination feeding or formula feeding your baby, or using a binky doesn’t make you a "bad" mom.  There are times when these things are necessary.  Just not as often as people think.  More often, they are simply wanted.  This is where the guilt comes in because we Americans don’t allow mothers to want things that aren’t ideal.
Am I adding to the guilt?  I hope not.  My aim is to let mothers and couples know about the most natural form of breastfeeding so they have the option of choosing it, if it is right for them.  
Picture
The first time I got to hold my son in the hospital, 4 days old.
“Ecological breastfeeding” could just be called “easy” breastfeeding.  Not because the lifestyle it requires is necessarily easy (because sometimes it’s not) but because it makes breastfeeding easier.  I know breastfeeding has been easier for me because of following the seven standards of ecological breastfeeding.  As I discussed in my review of the movie Breastmilk, when our sixth baby arrived, I had already successfully fed five babies without a bottle or pump in the house.  However, my sixth baby required special care after his traumatic birth, and if he was to get any of my milk, I was going to need to learn how to pump.  When I sat in that uncomfortable hospital chair, with a sliding curtain providing the only semblance of privacy, I had the unique position of having successfully nursed five beautifully chubby babies before ever needing to use that pump.  I had the perspective of knowing I can and have produced a supply of milk abundant enough to plump up a baby when I was told by the NICU nurse that I am a “below average” pumper.  I feel sad for first-time moms who hear comments like this and assume that being a “below average pumper” means that they don’t make enough milk.  Feeding your baby, not a pump, sets all the right hormones in motion. Producing milk directly for a baby and producing milk for a plastic pump are two completely different things, and really have no correlation at all.
I encourage pregnant moms and new parents to learn about natural breastfeeding, as described by Sheila Kippley in her books Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing and more recently The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor which you can purchase through the Breastfeed {Naturally} shop, if you wish.  Even if you are one of the rare women for whom breastfeeding according to the seven standards does not produce natural infertility, a choice to parent according to these standards, if made because it feels right for your family to parent this way, will produce a harvest of love and joy, as it has in our family.  …It’s time to present the alternative to the technological form of breastfeeding which has become commonplace in America: natural breastfeeding.  Not to create another ideal that we expect all women to want, but to inform mothers and families of a wonderful set of steps to follow that make breastfeeding easier for many, and have the side benefit of naturally spacing babies without any other knowledge, charts, devices, barriers, medications, or procedures.
It's time to present the alternative to the technological form of breastfeeding that has become commonplace in America: natural breastfeeding.  Ecological breastfeeding makes breastfeeding easier and naturally spaces babies.
Natural breastfeeding moms need to come out of the closet, or more accurately, get out of the house! …and let the world know about this most beautiful way to space babies.  To that end, in the coming weeks, I will describe in detail each of Kippley’s Seven Standards and present evidence-based information and personal anecdotes about each of them.  I will follow this up with a series of posts explaining what moms, dads, relatives, employees, employers, clergy, and others can do to promote and support breastfeeding within your walls.  Make sure to come back in the coming weeks to learn what you can do to encourage the spread of information about natural breastfeeding, to help promote healthier and happier families, mothers, and babies.  Or get my posts directly in your email inbox by subscribing to them in the box in the side column of this blog!

Photo Attribution

"Kabala mother" by John Atherton - originally posted to Flickr as New baby and proud mother, Kabala, Sierra Leone (West Africa). Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kabala_mother.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Kabala_mother.jpg

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27 Comments
Katherine Lauer link
1/14/2015 07:25:34 pm

I have been ecologically breastfeeding for eight years and four babies, I have read all of Kippley's major works, and I think this may be the best article I've read on the subject. Your overview is comprehensive, but most important is that you are so loving and charitable. Normally this subject matter is fraught with guilt and competition, and I thank you for writing with such care.

Reply
Christelle Hagen
1/15/2015 08:09:03 am

Thank you for your kind words, Katherine! You have encouraged me! And I'm glad to hear that you are nursing all those babies. Good for you; good for them.

Reply
Mary Ellen Leners
1/16/2015 07:07:26 am

I'm a 78 year old mother of 6 that ecologically breastfed before that's what it was called. Your article is as informative as it is sensitive and I'll be sharing it.

Reply
Thomas Phoenix
11/19/2020 11:47:22 pm

Our family reaps great benefits from breastfeeding.
The better health of my wife
Save on family expenses
The benefit rests on our twin daughters.
Currently 4 years 8 months old.
Both of them are still breastfed at regular intervals every day.
Our family has one more benefit from breastfeeding.
Natural contraception
My wife was able to enjoy sex together without worrying about getting pregnant again while breastfeeding. It worked well and was wonderful for our family.
My wife
Returning to menstruation again after delivery
When both our daughters were 4 years old
Spaced Natural Childhood as Our Family Desires
Today I am returning to my wife.
I'm trying to get pregnant for the second time.
We both hope
Will have a chance
Have breastfeeding
With a child who will be reborn to us in the future
As well as her two sisters
And family, we hope
Will benefit from breastfeeding
Just like the past in the past and now.

Reply
Christelle
11/20/2020 07:52:04 am

Thomas,
Thanks for sharing your experiences with ecological breastfeeding! Best wishes and many blessings for conception, a healthy pregnancy and birth of a beautiful, healthy baby (or babies!). :)

Reply
Thomas phoenix
6/28/2022 12:16:41 pm

Our family has good news to inform you.
My wife has now completed her second pregnancy and is now 24 weeks pregnant.
It is an unexpected miracle of our family.
to have up to 4 daughters at the same time this time
This has happened to me before when my four sisters.
It is the happiness and pride of everyone in the family this time.
My two daughters, in particular, seemed to be happier than my wife and I during this pregnancy.
From the last time I spoke to you after my wife resumed her postpartum period when our daughter was 4 years old.
Due to the influence of lactation, my wife's postpartum menstrual periods were in the past.
It can't be predicted at all for each month.
My wife and I had to wait for this pregnancy for many years.
But when it was accomplished, it was a great joy and exhilaration in our family.
We are looking forward to the birth of her four in the very near future.
We have prepared a plan to breastfeed and raise them in the most natural way we have done with our first two daughters.
And we will breastfeed all of you equally and in the highest quality for the benefit of all of our families.
and the natural contraceptive effect we had expected.

Christelle link
6/29/2022 07:56:57 am

Thomas,
Congratulations on your wife's second pregnancy and your growing baby (or babies??!!)! How exciting and I wish you all the best! Thank you so much for sharing this great news and I am so happy to hear how well ecological breastfeeding has worked for you!
--Christelle

Thomas Phoenix
7/12/2022 10:52:17 pm

I would like to ask you the following information.
since you had a child
Do you remember how many months were the shortest period to resume your menstrual periods and the longest?
And how many times did you get pregnant while breastfeeding and not having your period?
Have you added any more members to your household since this article was written?
(your children)

Christelle link
7/13/2022 08:23:39 am

Thanks again for your follow-up question. Since I wrote this post in 2015, I had 2 more children. The shortest length of natural infertility for me was about 12 months, with my youngest (and presumably last, given my current age) child. I was unable to practice ecological breastfeeding with her because she was born 10 weeks premature and required a feeding tube and I pumped my milk. However, she also breastfed, so I had a partial delay in fertility. I know for sure I became pregnant once while breastfeeding without a period first, but we were charting and hoping to become pregnant again at that time so it was a welcome event for us. I can't recall if there were other times, and I don't have my charts with me at the moment, but it is possible. In any event, all of our children are spaced at least two and a half years apart completely naturally and this was good for our family.

Thomas phoenix
7/16/2022 03:12:20 pm

I would like to receive useful information from you directly, do not know which channel I can follow from you.

Thomas phoenix
7/16/2022 05:06:53 pm

Thank you very much for your valuable answer.
My father and mother had one experience of breastfeeding with a premature baby.
(It's me)
Back at 34
last year
I was born prematurely at 24 weeks and 5 days of gestation due to a severe gastrointestinal infection.
(Food poisoning from E. coli in cockles)
At that time, there was no education or promotion of breastfeeding for babies born prematurely or requiring long-term hospitalization.
Fortunately, my mother learned about breastfeeding from a friend in Germany.
And I sent a total of 3 books to my mother to read while she was pregnant to prepare for breastfeeding.
All three books have given my family a guide to natural breastfeeding so that they are well prepared to breastfeed in any situation.
I stayed in the hospital for 6 full months during which my mother made a lot of efforts to breastfeed me. In the past there were no breast pumps available and had to use a hand squeeze to produce milk.
During the first 3 months, many problems with milk production, whether it's not expressing the milk on time, inflammation of the mammary glands and many other problems. Enough efficiency makes milk production not so smooth.
Fortunately, during the last 2 months of my stay in the hospital I was able to self-absorb breast milk even though it was small and uneven.
But it's a great start and brings great joy to my parents and hopes that I can get out of the situation more quickly.
It took several months for my family to actually breastfeed me.
I have to respect the efforts of my mother and father in this matter with the intention of natural breastfeeding.
When everything in breastfeeding was in my way.
There are no obstacles to prevent breastfeeding. Be careful with mom and me anymore.

Thomas phoenix
7/16/2022 05:10:59 pm

Message 2
Another thing that my parents intended to breastfeed me was.
(effect in natural contraception)
Which was a great benefit for my family at the time.
My mother's reproductive cycle started back when I was about 18 months old.
By starting with the lubricant in the vagina first.
When I was about 2 years old, my mother became pregnant with my first sister.
Without having a period after giving birth to see
It was such a joy to my father and mother and to treat breastfeeding as a natural and perfect spacing of each child's birth.
But during my first year of reassurance that I wouldn't get pregnant with another child too soon.
My father and mother added another contraceptive. 1 format is included.
(withdrawal)

Thomas phoenix
7/16/2022 05:24:03 pm

Message 3
During my mother's pregnancy, my sister was very fortunate that I was able to continue to breastfeed during pregnancy without any problems or obstacles to all family members.
When my sister was born
I was also going to breastfeed with my sister at the hospital so there was a photo of me with my sister that day.
Taken as a souvenir
In breastfeeding this time with my sister and myself, there are no obstacles at all throughout the breastfeeding this time.
which my father and mother intended to be like this for as long as possible
For the good health of me and my sister
When my sister was about 1 year old.
My mother's reproductive cycle quickly started to return.
which greatly surprised my father and mother.
The first signal detected was
ovarian mucus
It was first detected on my sister's 1 year old birthday.
and detect this on a regular basis every month
(without seeing menstruation after giving birth)
So my mom and dad used contraceptive withdrawal to increase the effectiveness of contraception by one level.
which is considered to be good at a certain level

Thomas phoenix
7/16/2022 05:27:02 pm

Message 4
When my sister was 18 months old, my mother conceived my sister again.
This time it really surprised my family as I had 4 sisters at the same time.
(4 twin girls)
But in this pregnancy, my sister and I had to temporarily stop breastfeeding because my mother had severe morning sickness and was unable to breastfeed my lambs during the pregnancy.
When my four sisters were born
My sister and I are very fortunate to be able to continue to breastfeed even though it is not as large as when we were babies.
I myself breastfed until about 7 years old.
My experience of natural breastfeeding has always impressed me and brought it to my family's side.
When my four sisters were about 4 years old.
My mom's postpartum period came back for the first time.
About 3 months later my mom was pregnant for the 4th time.
Unfortunately, the baby died at 12 weeks.
After the stabbing, my mother got 3 more pregnancies but lost all the babies.
And when I was about 10 years old, my father died in a car accident.
Our family didn't have any new members since then.
And my mother had no intention of remarrying after that either.
My eldest sister breastfed until about 6 years old.
The other four sisters stopped breast-feeding at around 5 years and 10 months of age.

Thomas phoenix
7/17/2022 10:52:54 pm

Message 4
When my sister was 18 months old, my mother conceived my sister again.
This time it really surprised my family as I had 4 sisters at the same time.
(4 twin girls)
But in this pregnancy, my sister and I had to temporarily stop breastfeeding because my mother had severe morning sickness and was unable to breastfeed my lambs during the pregnancy.
When my four sisters were born
My sister and I are very fortunate to be able to continue to breastfeed even though it is not as large as when we were babies.
I myself breastfed until about 7 years old.
My experience of natural breastfeeding has always impressed me and brought it to my family's side.
When my four sisters were about 4 years old.
My mom's postpartum period came back for the first time.
About 3 months later my mom was pregnant for the 4th time.
Unfortunately, the baby died at 12 weeks.
After the stabbing, my mother got 3 more pregnancies but lost all the babies.
And when I was about 10 years old, my father died in a car accident.
Our family didn't have any new members since then.
And my mother had no intention of remarrying after that either.
My eldest sister breastfed until about 6 years old.
The other four sisters stopped breast-feeding at around 5 years and 10 months of age.

Christelle link
7/18/2022 10:12:29 am

Hi again, Thomas!

Thanks so much for sharing all of your stories of your family of origin. It is amazing your mother had quadruplets! Wow! Thanks also for sharing how you were born prematurely and how much your mother persevered to help you breastfeed. What a wonderful woman and mother!

I know there are differences of opinion, but just so you know, since you mentioned it, I don't recommend withdrawal during sex as a method of family planning. It has very low effectiveness for preventing pregnancy, and has moral concerns as it attempts to separate the procreative and unitive aspects of sexuality, and can feel exploitative as a woman. Of course, this was your parents' decision and it's not my place to judge, but I feel obliged to mention my thoughts, as many people are unaware that there even could be moral concerns with this practice.

I also want to express my sadness about your siblings who passed away so early in pregnancy. I am glad you are aware they existed and I thank you so much for sharing with me.

You asked how you can connect with me; I don't know what platforms you are on, but you can find me on Instagram @christellehagenwriter and Twitter @ChristelleHagen (though I don't use Twitter very much!) and I have a Facebook page called Christelle Hagen. You are welcome to follow me if you are on any of those platforms. God bless you and your family!

Reply
Thomas phoenix
7/18/2022 12:04:07 pm

Thanks again for your experiences and comments that are invaluable.
I will try to get back to you via facebook and instagram.
For the withdrawal method for contraception
My wife and I used it during our newlyweds a few times.
Both of us had a bad experience using that method.
Getting pleasure from having sex with each other not fully.
After that, my wife and I opted for another birth control method.
The method we both choose to use is
Observing cervical mucus
and abstaining from time to time
This gives us a natural birth control effect that is very good for both of us, especially when we are determined and ready to have a child.
After our family had a child, my wife and I have never used any form of birth control to this day.

Thomas
10/1/2022 08:51:05 pm

CHRISTELLE
darling
All 4 children have already arrived in our family.
Mother and children are fine. It is a great happiness and joy in our family.
01/10/2022

Madison H link
1/11/2021 05:58:57 pm

Thanks great bblog post

Reply
Christelle
1/12/2021 08:37:46 am

Thanks for the encouragement, Madison! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me / us privately if you have specific questions about eco-breastfeeding, or anything else!

Reply
Thomas phoenix
6/28/2022 12:21:34 pm

Our family has good news to inform you.
My wife has now completed her second pregnancy and is now 24 weeks pregnant.
It is an unexpected miracle of our family.
to have up to 4 daughters at the same time this time
This has happened to me before when my four sisters.
It is the happiness and pride of everyone in the family this time.
My two daughters, in particular, seemed to be happier than my wife and I during this pregnancy.
From the last time I spoke to you after my wife resumed her postpartum period when our daughter was 4 years old.
Due to the influence of lactation, my wife's postpartum menstrual periods were in the past.
It can't be predicted at all for each month.
My wife and I had to wait for this pregnancy for many years.
But when it was accomplished, it was a great joy and exhilaration in our family.
We are looking forward to the birth of her four in the very near future.
We have prepared a plan to breastfeed and raise them in the most natural way we have done with our first two daughters.
And we will breastfeed all of you equally and in the highest quality for the benefit of all of our families.
and the natural contraceptive effect we had expected.

Reply
Christelle link
6/29/2022 07:59:00 am

Thomas,

As I said above...
Congratulations on your wife's second pregnancy and your growing baby (or babies??!!)! How exciting and I wish you all the best! Thank you so much for sharing this great news and I am so happy to hear how well ecological breastfeeding has worked for you! I am so excited for you and your wife!
--Christelle

Reply
ทศพล วรพุฒ
7/16/2022 05:16:11 pm

Message 3
During my mother's pregnancy, my sister was very fortunate that I was able to continue to breastfeed during pregnancy without any problems or obstacles to all family members.
When my sister was born
I was also going to breastfeed with my sister at the hospital so there was a photo of me with my sister that day.
Taken as a souvenir
In breastfeeding this time with my sister and myself, there are no obstacles at all throughout the breastfeeding this time.
which my father and mother intended to be like this for as long as possible
For the good health of me and my sister
When my sister was about 1 year old.
My mother's reproductive cycle quickly started to return.
which greatly surprised my father and mother.
The first signal detected was
ovarian mucus
It was first detected on my sister's 1 year old birthday.
and detect this on a regular basis every month
(without seeing menstruation after giving birth)
So my mom and dad used contraceptive withdrawal to increase the effectiveness of contraception by one level.
which is considered to be good at a certain level

Reply
Tami
2/5/2025 03:56:29 pm

Informative!

Reply
Christelle link
2/18/2025 06:54:10 pm

Glad it was helpful for you, Tami! I am developing an ecological breastfeeding course to help more mothers understand how to naturally space their babies with breastfeeding! Feel free to contact me if you're interested to learn more about the course.

Reply
Jalaine Henry
3/6/2025 06:51:20 am

Hi! This was a great article. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been practicing ecological breastfeeding with our first son and still no menstruation at 22 months postpartum. I’m eager to conceive again, however I’ve come to a point where surrendering to this mothering way keeps us all so happy and I figure since I’ll want to do the same with the next child, perhaps its best to allow the spacing be what it is :) I wish more women and family’s were aware of this biological process. I share with others and find it frustrating that that some do not appreciate the differences in mothering which allow this to be. .

Reply
Christelle Hagen link
3/6/2025 07:38:28 am

Thanks so much for your comment, Jalaine! It is wonderful to hear your experience with ecological breastfeeding and the peace and joy it has brought to your family. It sounds like you've reached a beautiful place of accepting your body and providence with the natural spacing due to ecological breastfeeding. You're right; this is still (sadly) the best kept parenting secret. I aim to change that; I am currently developing an ecological breastfeeding course! Feel free to reach out to me if you'd be willing to share your experience with other mothers.

Reply



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    Christelle J. K. Hagen, BfNAE, ICI, SBD is a certified birth doula, certified Baby Signs instructor, Certified Birth & Bereavement Doula, fertility educator, and the President and Founder of St. Croix Birth & Parenting. Christelle helps mothers develop strategies to get pregnant naturally, give birth with confidence, and succeed when they breastfeed!
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    "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit." ~Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NRSV-CE)

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