In December 2017, a study on infant feeding among infants during the first six months of life was published in the International Breastfeeding Journal. This study involved 1899 United States mothers. Sadly, at one month postpartum, more mothers formula-fed (33%), than those mothers who did direct breastfeeding or those who pumped or those who offered solid food feeding. Many moms were offering solid food at 2 to 4 months of life. Many moms who combined all three different feedings (direct breastfeeding, pumping and forumla-feeding) ended up with just formula feeding by the 2nd month of life.
The tragedy of the predominance of formula feeding in our country is the loss of the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby. Breastfeeding is not only the best nutrition, it is also part of a natural system that provides information and protection as well as nutrition.
Mixing up a variety of feedings for the baby certainly decreases or eliminates the spacing effect of breastfeeding and could reduce the milk supply. In my opinion this research once again illustrates the advantages of Ecological Breastfeeding.
Once cycling resumes for the ecologically breastfeeding mother, her cycles are very similar to those of a non-nursing woman.
Extended amenorrhea is a great benefit to the married couple because this plan of God’s requires no abstinence. It’s a natural birth spacer. But most importantly, breastfeeding saves lives and reduces the risk of so many diseases for both mother and baby.
Couples who take instruction from NFP International via classes or the home study course will receive this message.
In this season of giving, please give NFP International your financial support so that more and more couples can learn this part of God’s plan for the welfare of mothers and babies.
Sheila Kippley
www.NFPandmore.org
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