Responsive Breastfeeding Part 1

God created the means for mamas to naturally obtain a temporary period of infertility after the birth of a child: responsive breastfeeding. The hormone prolactin not only tells mama's body to make milk, it also suppresses ovulation. This allows mama's body to focus on nourishing baby before getting pregnant again (and then needing to nourish an even smaller baby in the womb). Because prolactin clears quickly from the blood, the key to keeping prolactin levels high (both for a good milk supply and for suppressing ovulation) is to nurse frequently - at least every 2-3 hours during the day and 4-5 hours during the night. As prolactin is the most concentrated between 1:00 and 6:00 in the morning, middle of the night nursing sessions are incredibly beneficial. In order to gain the maximum benefit from this natural contraceptive, mama must practice responsive breastfeeding:

• Respond to baby's cues by nursing whenever baby wants, without restrictions on frequency. (Nursing baby in a sling, wrap, or carrier is super helpful when mama is out and about or simply needs to get things done around the house!)
  
• Respond to baby's cues by nursing as long as baby wants, without restrictions on duration.
• Respond to baby's cues by nursing in the middle of the night, without restrictions. (This is a piece of cake if mama and baby sleep in the same bed together!)
• Respond to baby's cues by allowing baby to meet all his sucking needs at the breast. Use the breast for comfort instead of a pacifier, and use the breast for nutrition and hydration instead of a bottle. Do not supplement with water or other liquids during baby's first year, and introduce solid food no earlier than six months. Between 6 months and 1 year, baby should get at least 75% of his nutrition through breast milk - food should not replace breast milk, but rather should be in addition to breast milk as baby's caloric needs increase. Between 1 year and 2 years, baby should get at least 25% of his nutrition through breast milk.

Mamas who practice responsive breastfeeding are period-free for an average of 14 1/2 months. My baby is 15 1/2 months and I started my period today for the first time in almost 25 months!

Furthermore, responsive breastfeeding is 98% effective at preventing conception in the first 6 months after baby is born. This is as effective, if not more effective, than artificial birth control methods.