Should engaged couples learn systematic NFP prior to marriage? Or just ecological breastfeeding? Some couples have told us they would like to teaching natural family planning—but only ecological breastfeeding.
You do not have to be trained to teach generosity in having children and God’s plan for spacing babies by breastfeeding. However, the right kind of breastfeeding must be taught because only eco-breastfeeding is associated with an extended period or natural infertility. In such a course it must be stressed that the needs of the baby come first, that the physical as well as the emotional benefits of breastfeeding are very important for the baby. The benefits to the mother should also be taught.
How does one teach the engaged or newly married couple about eco-breastfeeding using the NFPI manual?
If I were teaching such a course, I would teach it in two classes. I would split the content of Chapter One; half to be taught in the first class and half to be taught in the second class. I would review the fertility signs in the fertility cycle without teaching the rules. These signs aid in achieving pregnancy and can help a couple determine whether or not they achieved pregnancy. I would review pages 68-70 (in Chapter 4) which cover additional information on achieving pregnancy and determining the due date and offers helpful information when a couple has low fertility. I would also teach the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby in the first class. Parts of Chapters 2, 3, and 6 would be used in Class 1.
In the second class I would finish Chapter One and then head into Chapter 6 with special emphasis and support for eco-breastfeeding. Some couples will be told by health-care professionals that they should never sleep with their baby. A person or couple teaching eco-breastfeeding can refer such couples to the links at the NFPI website where proper information on bedsharing between mother and baby is provided. This second class is a good time to handle any concerns that class attendees might have pertaining to exclusive breastfeeding or eco-breastfeeding.
Anyone can teach the above information in their parish or to their friends. Those couples who have a sufficiently serious reason later to avoid pregnancy know that information on systematic NFP is available in their NFPI manual.
Couples who desire to follow God’s plan by using only breastfeeding to space their babies will appreciate such a course. This course will also help couples understand Church teaching, and hopefully they will develop a deeper appreciation and love for their Church. It is hoped that these couples will be more open and accepting of children. The Catholic Church needs more babies, and generosity in having children would be well taught in such a course.
Sheila Kippley
The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor