Can you explain.....

[LadyGodiva]

What is ecological breast feeding?

What other nuances of breast feeding are there?

[foreverinbluejeans]

I think the term ecological breastfeeding was first used to describe a breastfeeding style that delayed the return of fertility and could be used as a way to space babies so that they were 3 or more years apart (I'm not certain about the number of years).

It has to do with studying humans and other mammals and their babies. Biologically, human babies are designed to wean somewhere between 2.5 and 3 years. Mothers in cultures that have extended breastfeeding (beyond 2 years) have babies 3-5 years apart.

Babies are fed on cue, nurse many times a day, are worn on mother or other family members, and sleep with mother. It is about meeting all of your baby's needs through breastfeeding and continuing to breastfeed as long as the child has interest.

[DaryLLL]

Originally Posted by foreverinbluejeans

It has to do with studying humans and other mammals and their babies. Biologically, human babies are designed to wean somewhere between 2.5 and 3 years.

Between 2-7 yrs, actually.

Otherwise I agree w/forever. I would add, no bottles, no pacifiers, no water until 6 mos.

If a baby chooses to suck her thumb or fingers, this might encourage a return of feritilty if it interferes with "comfort" nursing.

A gap of 4 hours or more with no nursing in the day (or night) will encourage cycling too. Co-sleeping encourages more nursing and production of more bfing hormones.