Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing

by Sheila Kippley

In the ecology of natural mothering, mother and baby help each other. Mothers who adopt this natural pattern of breastfeeding enjoy 14 to 15 months of having no periods, on the average, and have a special relationship with their babies. Counter to the culture, mothers take their babies almost everywhere. The author deals with this sympathetically, and thus many moms have said that this book truly liberated them to follow their maternal instincts.

Genres: Parenting, Health, Nonfiction, Reference

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Sheila Kippley, mother of five, has been active in the natural family planning movement since 1969. Her teaching of ecological breastfeeding for natural child spacing has helped many mothers enjoy a natural form of mothering. She has spoken on the importance of the mother during the early years, natural child spacing, and the spiritual aspects of breastfeeding. Her latest book is Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood, and she and her husband are co-founders of NFP, International.

John and Sheila Kippley founded the Couple to Couple League in 1971 for three purposes:

1. To meet the need for a nationwide, independent, and organized way of delivering NFP services;
2. To provide instruction in NFP that includes moral and religious values along with physiological and scientifically accurate information;
3. To train volunteer married couples to be proficient counselors and teachers in a 99% effective method of NFP, and at no cost to those who generously undertake this training.

With the assistance of Konald A. Prem, M.D., then a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, a plan was developed to meet those needs. The CCL concept has proven successful, not only in the U.S., but in countries throughout the world. Each year sees new areas opening up to being served by CCL.

The Couple to Couple League (CCL) is an international, interfaith, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching Natural Family Planning (NFP) to married and engaged couples. It is essentially a volunteer organization because services are provided by professionally-trained volunteers who are supported by a relatively small staff at the international headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Local Chapters of the organization consist mainly of certified Teaching Couples and Promoters, along with other supportive members.

Reviews

[Rachel]

The truth, as described in the book, is that if you do the form of ecological breastfeeding explained by the author than you will remain in lactational amenorrhea (period free and infertile) for at least six months and up to two years or more. I'm living proof that you can go at least 17 months! The main guidelines to follow if you don't want to achieve pregnancy or have periods while nursing your baby are the following: Nurse as often as baby needs including for comfort (no pacifiers or artificial nipples) throughout the day and night and sleep with your baby. She explains more requirements in the book and she also explains why exclusive breastfeeding, which is not to be confused with ecological breastfeeding, doesn't always have the desired results of amenorrhea.
I believe the book is written for a Catholic audience but of course applies to every nursing mother. It's refreshing to read a book that mentions God and assumes the reader is Christian. So far this is my favorite book about breastfeeding because it states the facts with the research, it is very concise, and it is most in line with my ideas including religion although I'm not a Catholic.

[Kaetlyn Anne]

God’s design is so fascinating! Not to be confused with exclusive breastfeeding, ecological breastfeeding considers multiple other factors required to prevent the return of fertility. Very different from the western version of mothering!

[Mimia The Reader]

Interesting to read as a if you do this, things probably will be this way. There's a very judgy undercurrent for people who choose to do differently, like it's a moral obligation to "natural mothering".

[Abbey]

Listen - there is no doubt that some attitudes in this book are completely outdated. However, as a EBF mother and one that is looking to foster secure attachment with her child, this book is incredibly validating. I also read the 1980’s version found in a charity shop, it was pretty eye opening to hear
about some of the wacky advice that was previously given to parents. I would actually completely recommend this book to any family looking to breastfeed.

[Leigh]

This book illustrates the concepts that I have experienced in the spacing of all my children. I have followed all of her principles, and I am grateful for the spacing in my children of 3.5 years between our first two children and 2.5 years between our second and third children. I believe and agree with her that laying down for a nap to nurse and allowing unrestricted nursing at night truly help to delay fertility along with not starting solids until at least six months, no pacifiers or supplements, and no schedules of nursing by allowing the baby/child to nurse at their discretion. I think I would've experienced a longer spacing between my second and third child like I did with the first two if I would've allowed her to nurse more often after she turned 18 months instead of hoping she was moving more towards weaning herself. Child-led weaning really is best, in my opinion.

[Natalie Pheifer]

I consider myself to be super crunchy. If I could do everything in the most crunchy way possible, I would. I only mention being crunchy because I have never really heard anyone in the crunchy community talk about this before! You hear of “exclusively breastfeeding,” and how “it didn’t stop me from getting my period __ weeks postpartum!” But wow are they missing so much or what! Sheila Kippley presents such a great argument for ecological breastfeeding or what she calls “natural mothering.” Through this book, I have discovered the path that I am definitely taking, and have been taking, with my firstborn son. I have been able to use this book as a primary source when presenting such wants to my husband, and he is totally on board with the whole plan! I am also loving the fact that Sheila is a Christian as well, and presents such facts from a truth-filled, loving, and graceful space. I don’t consider myself alone in doing the things mentioned in this book in the midst of a bottlefeeding culture because of all the testimonies included and, furthermore, because of prayer behind my decision-making and my husband’s sweet backing of such decisions. I am currently 5 months postpartum and have done everything Sheila recommends to a T: currently, no period is in sight! Sure, it is just a piece of anecdotal evidence, but it is seriously working out well for us! I am so excited to continue on this journey and to love my baby well as God intended with natural mothering. Thanks Sheila! I can’t recommend this book enough!

[Sandy Reenders]

Loved this book for the valuable research, Christian perspective, and practical examples
Recommended to me by my midwife when I asked the chances of getting pregnant before a first period while breast-feeding. I appreciate the Christian perspective This book is written from. God’s plan and design are referenced often. This is a very welcome perspective after all the other books I’ve read referencing evolution, and nature
The love you invest in a child is returned 1000 fold do you and the world when they mature
The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
Chances of becoming pregnant while ecologically breastfeeding
0-3 months = 0%
3-6 months = 1%
Before 1st period = 6%, can be reduced to 1% w natural family planning
Average return of fertility 14.5 months
The myth of getting pregnant while breast-feeding comes from people who drop night feedings, use pacifiers and/or schedules,
pump, give solids, and are not with their babies all the time
I liked the short post script for husbands at the end
Loved the inclusion of the actual study data in the back, learned a lot from it!
Top 3 to delay fertility= 1. no pacifier 2. Feed at night 3. Sleep w baby
Biggest factor is exclusive breast for 6 months
Babies average 2 years apart with this system
Short, frequent suckling is the key

[Ariana Seary]

I would rate this 6/5 if I could. I never felt more encouraged as a new-time mom. I felt alone in motherhood in the beginning. I walked into motherhood with instincts that didn’t match what everyone else was saying to do in regard to caring for my newborn. I didn’t want to give a pacifier. I didn’t want to feed my baby formula. I didn’t want to pump. I wanted contact naps. I felt it was best to cosleep. I let my baby nurse when she wanted. I picked up my baby when she cried. I rocked and sang my baby to sleep. All of these choices seemed like it was best but I couldn’t put my finger on all the why’s until I came across this book which explains all the why’s (God’s providence!). Not only does the author Sheila share her opinions on all the topics I listed, she also backs everything up with statistics. I am thankful that she shares how the way I nurture are natural, the best way for baby and the way God designed it to be so.
It is a sad thing that this culture is strongly opposed to all of these ways that were instinct to me. The Western world has destroyed and separated the mother-baby bond. The Western world wants families broken. The Western world has worked hard to kill motherhood to its very roots. On the contrary, God designed it that the mother should always be with her baby and not use inventions or cold-hearted techniques that separate mother and baby. Not only are these ways forgotten, they’re discouraged when a mother feels inclined to do them thus leaving a mother starved of her natural mothering instincts God gave her.
If you are pregnant, read this! It will change your whole perspective on motherhood, beyond just understanding exclusive breastfeeding, natural family planning, and the reasons to be against the wave of Western culture on infant caregiving. She guides you like an older wiser woman teaching a younger woman how to tenderly love and sacrifice for your infants in practical ways. It’s the kind of knowledge you wish a mother told you before you became a mother yourself.
PS. Don’t let people discourage you from breastfeeding your children. Make an informed decision always when it comes to your children. That is a way of loving them tenderly and intentionally.

[Dan Reger]

It was a book promoting natural breastfeeding. I felt maybe it could have been shorter and was pretty over it by the end. My rating is based on this being a book and not really about the subject matter. My opinion is not of much value here though.

[Amber Kraft]

Would recommend this book to every single mother I know! A short read, and written with a catholic perspective - this is a wonderful confirmation that the way god intended for us to live is perfectly aligned with our biology & how mothers and babies are already wired. ❤️

[Christine]

I read this book because I happened to see it on a Goodreads list and because I was interested in reading about breastfeeding/attachment parenting, not because I was particularly interested in natural child spacing. I agree wholeheartedly with the author on many of the benefits of what she calls "ecological" breastfeeding (which differs from how breastfeeding is typically practiced in the United States). Much of the book focuses on attachment parenting more generally, with natural child spacing as almost incidental. As much as I agree with this general parenting philosophy and even many of the details of the book, I found it to be outdated in a number of respects, including a somewhat sexist tone at points. The book is written from a religious perspective that didn't apply to me. I also disagree with a number of the author's points including the suggestion that breastfeeding mothers cater to others' unreasonable expectations by going out of their way to cover up and by hiding the fact that they are nursing toddlers. That message seems quite counterproductive to the cause of promoting "ecological" breastfeeding. I also take issue with her suggestion of using an infant seat at the grocery store (really an anti-attachment practice) and with bribing kids to achieve good behavior. I do agree with the author that breastfeeding in a more natural way would lead to longer intervals between pregnancies than we often see in the U.S.

[Brandy]

I really loved this book, and so much of my parenting has been based on the concepts of ecological breastfeeding. I completely agree that for the first three years of a child's life (and beyond!) they need to have a steady caregiver that is there for them. I also agree with Kippley that so much of what is marketed to parents today is simply gadgets to replace mom's (or dad's) loving embrace. However, I don't agree with her that there is anything wrong with putting the baby in a swing or a bouncy seat every once in a while so they can sleep and mom can have a rest. I also think it's a little overboard to say that the primary caregiver should never leave a child under three with someone else. I think it depends on the child. I couldn't leave my son until he was well over two, and I respected his needs as best I could; however, my daughter is Miss Independent and a Daddy's Girl, so she has no problem spending a night with Dad while Mom goes to Book Club. But even with that, this book is filled with such wonderful and thorough information that flies in the face of our cultural norm of parenting. I definitely recommend it!

[Eva Seyler]

A very interesting concept. I did, however, feel that even in the author's own admission, this method isn't a guarantee of anything. I think I would be better able to relax if I DID start having my periods again and could again closely monitor my temperatures and other things as I did before. I guess I'm a bit of a control freak that way. Also, it successfully makes you feel like you're a bad mom if you don't make like an African and carry your baby with you everywhere 24/7 for the first two years of life.

All in all... not super thrilled with this read. I want to be a good mom, but I don't believe that I have to live like an African woman in order to be one. I am home with her all the time and I'm happy to hold and love her, but my shoulder won't put up with carrying her everywhere. I'm not 14 any more. I could do that with Jacob... but not now.

[Eve]

Great book. I read this when I had Eirik and it opened my eyes to an alternative to pills and other forms of contraceptives (birth control). It actually worked! Doctors usually say breastfeeding does not prevent a woman from becoming pregnant, and they are right. UNLESS you know the 7 components of breastfeeding Sheila teaches you in this book. By practicing these in such a way that delays a woman's fertility, all three of our boys are spaced at least two years apart using this method It's benefitted our lives and relationships and my health and sanity!

[Anjanette Barr]

Already a classic in the world of "natural parenting." Very interesting to see clearly how many positive changes women have experienced since the 70's. I'm sure this book had something to do with it!

No new information here for me, but a good primer if you are new to the idea of ecological breastfeeding - for fertility management or as a parenting style. We have nurtured our four children with these standards and can vouch for the benefits. They would be worthwhile even if they hadn't amounted to a total of 42 months of breastfeeding amenorrhea so far.

[Sally]

Yes, you can use breastfeeding to space children. Breastfeeding is one piece of the pie, though; there are other considerations. When understood, LAM (lactational amenorrhea method) is reliable. This book is a great introduction, with the focus on breastfeeding, whereas Taking Charge of Your Fertility is a bulkier book (more information) and does not focus on the breastfeeding part of the picture.

[Kimberly]

This book gives a mother all the information she could possibly need to successfully space babies with breastfeeding. It deserves careful consideration. I have used her method of Ecological Breastfeeding for 5 years now and have had 3 boys, spaced 20 and 27 months apart. My third son is almost one and I have yet to see a return of menstruation. It keeps getting easier and easier. I LOVE this book. It changed my life in priceless ways.

[Brittney]

I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't read it for the purpose of spacing my children, but to learn more about this beautiful process designed by an all-wise Creator. The book outlines many scientific studies done on the benefits of breast feeding. It also teaches mothers how to be nurturing to their children. She also sheds light on the benefits of extended nursing, something our culture would typically consider taboo.

[Heather]

Very clear and well written. I don't agree with everything she says, but what book do you ever agree with 100%? I don't know how far apart I really want to space my children, but this does help if you want a good amount between your children.

[Karen]

Don't agree with everything, but this book was very helpful in understanding the subject!!!

[Kat Smyth]

I don't like the self-righteous tone in some parts of this book. Especially the part about discreet breastfeeding.

[Andrea]

Just about everything you could want to know on the subject. And for me, it certainly proved to be true!

[Kirstin]

Practical and informative. A good resource for Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) and how to extend its use. Also a resource for information on attachment parenting of newborns and young babies.

[Julia]

I pretty much agree with the Kippleys' whole schtick, but the anecdotes and sort of scolding tone wasn't all that enticing.

[Colette Child]

This book taught me how to mother

[LLL USA Breastfeeding Support]

This informative book explores an aspect of breastfeeding often misunderstood and underrated--its contraceptive effect. With factual information based on scientific research and personal experience, the author explains the difference between "ecological" and "cultural" breastfeeding and how each method affects fertility.