Resource Guide for Starting a CNML Group

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Resource Guide for

Starting a CNML

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This resource guide was written to assist women who would like to start a CNML group in their parish. It contains a sample group meeting format with discussion starters in various areas, book discussion questions for the books Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing (2008 classic edition) and Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood both by Sheila Kippley, and a ecological breastfeeding class curriculum. It also contains a mini-retreat schedule, and a sample bulletin announcement and info cards.

Steps to Starting a CNML Group

1. Copy and paste the CNML statement of faith found at the CNML website

(www.catholicbreastfeeding.org) and on pg. 6 of this Resource Guide into an email, add your name and date and send to [email protected].

2. Also, send written agreement to CNML that you will read the Disclaimer and Official Statement of CNML (p.5 of this Resource Guide) and will provide a copy of it at the top of you sign in sheet at each meeting.

3. Copy and paste the CNML Leader Policy (p. 5-6 of this Resource Guide) into an email, add your name and date, and send to [email protected]. 4. Email CNML with your contact info and what contact info you would like to have

listed for your group on the CNML website and blog.

History of CNML

CNML was founded in April 2006 by childbirth educator, breastfeeding counselor and former natural family planning instructor, Pamela H. Pilch. It was inspired by the work of Sheila Kippley, author of Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing, and, more recently,

Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood.

Pam’s goal in creating the League was to provide opportunities for Catholic mothers to gather in parishes and other meeting places to learn about breastfeeding and mothering, to give and receive spiritual and emotional support, and to reach out to parishes and

communities to educate about the many physical and relational benefits, and about the long-standing Church teaching in support of, maternal breastfeeding. We have been advised, supported and encouraged by author Sheila Kippley and her husband, theologian John Kippley, Professor Kevin Miller (Franciscan University of Steubenville), and Fr. William Virtue (author of Mother and Infant). We have received invaluable prayers and support from so many others. We are grateful for all of this support.

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Gina Peterson, BS, IBCLC became the new executive director of CNML in the summer of 2009. She was part of the original CNML advisory team and has helped with CNML since its beginning. She home educates her 4 sons and one daughter and is a volunteer lactation consultant. She is also the author of the book, Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers which is available from amazon or CNML for a discounted price.

Sample Meeting Structure 1) Read CNML disclaimer at start of meeting.

2) Introduction - Have the women take turns introducing themselves and their children. 3) Discussion - After everyone is acquainted with one another, you can open with a

discussion starter and discuss the topic. One idea is to follow a 4 meeting rotation of general topics such as: meeting 1 – Breastfeeding (and possibly Ecological

Breastfeeding), meeting 2 – NFP (and Ecological Breastfeeding, too, if you would like), meeting 3 – Catholic Motherhood, meeting 4 – Gentle Parenting. Another idea is to choose a topic area based on your own personal experiences and the

circumstances of your meeting attendees. For example, if you have several pregnant and nursing moms, you might want to pick a breastfeeding or ecological

breastfeeding discussion starter. If you have several moms who have weaned their babies, you might choose an NFP or Gentle Parenting discussion starter. If you want to choose the night beforehand, you might ask the Holy Spirit to help you choose a saint from A Book of Saints for Catholic Mothers or use one of the other Catholic Motherhood discussion starters. If a particular breastfeeding issue tends to come up often at your meeting, you could print out some info on the topic from

www.askdrsears.com. Dr. and Mrs Sears are reverts to the Catholic faith. 4) Prayer - Your group may choose to share prayer requests and possibly pray one

decade of the traditional rosary or Fr. Sauppe’s Madonna Rosary (found in

Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood by Sheila Kippley and in Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers by Gina Peterson), or the prayer at the end of the section you chose in A Book of Saints for Catholic Mothers by Lisa Hendey. 5) Fellowship - Last but not least, the meeting attendees will more than likely want to

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Disclaimer and Official Statement of the Catholic Nursing Mothers League (to be read at the start of each CNML meeting, book discussion session, and ecological breastfeeding class and also listed at the top of your sign in sheet for each CNML function) The Catholic Nursing Mothers League (CNML) does not train or accredit breastfeeding counselors or insure its group leaders. Any info obtained through a CNML leader or group should be verified with a health care provider or other appropriate licensed professional and does not constitute medical, legal or professional advice. CNML is not responsible or liable for any info shared in a group or in any communication with its group leader. The role of a CNML leader is to share personal experience and resources they have found helpful in their personal experience and to facilitate the sharing of info, experiences and support by mothers attending the group.

(If you have a breastfeeding credential, add this as the next paragraph of the disclaimer:) Sometimes a CNML group will be facilitated or led by an individual who holds a

professional credential related to health care or bf (MD, RN, CNM, CPM, IBCLC, certified bf counselor, certified childbirth educator, etc). If she offers any info or support that is within the scope of her credential, she does so on her own authority and under the coverage of her own liability or malpractice insurance. CNML does not endorse any specific

credential, and individuals attending CNML meetings or communicating with CNML leaders rely on the professional advice offered entirely at their own risk.

About the Catholic Nursing Mothers League: The organization was founded in April 2006 for three purposes: 1) to provide opportunities for Catholic mothers to receive encouragement from experienced nursing mothers; 2) to enjoy the fellowship of other nursing mothers; and 3) to discuss breastfeeding, ecological breastfeeding, and mothering in the context of their Catholic faith. The League groups also hope to reach out to parishes and communities to educate their members about the long-standing Church teaching in support of breastfeeding as well as its many physical and maternal benefits.

CNML Leader Policy

CNML leaders may share 1) personal bf experiences, 2) info they have obtained about

breastfeeding from a reliable source (if they are able to identify the source on request), and 3) experiences other mothers have shared with them, in the course of leading CNML meetings and communicating directly with mothers ( and others).

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should CNML leaders give medical advice, including but not limited to, advice about the safety of particular drugs while nursing (prescription or non-prescription), herbs, supplements or other substances, advice about whether a baby's weight gain is sufficient, or whether a baby should receive supplemental formula. Any advice that could affect a baby or a mother's health should be referred to an appropriate health care provider. The same policy applies to legal or other types of professional advice.

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or written formulations:

1) personal experience - if you have personal experience with a breastfeeding question or concern, share your experience prefaced by "in my own experience, I found that..." 2) info you have read - if you have read or heard info you feel would be helpful ( from a reliable source), share it prefaced by "my information is that..." and be able to state where you found the info. You may consider having a breastfeeding book handy in case you want to read info from it when a question comes up. Some possibilities: The Baby Book (updated and revised edition 2013) by The Sears family; Sheila Kippley's three breastfeeding books: Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood, Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing, and The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor; Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers by Gina Peterson)

3) Info you have learned from other mothers sharing their experiences - if you have encountered other mothers who have dealt with the same issue, share it prefaced with "I know some other mothers who have found that..." Or " many mothers find..." Be careful not to share confidential info. If you are sharing another mother's experience, be careful to protect her identity and privacy. Share in a generic way, as in "I once knew a mother who found that..."

NEVER give advice, ie. never tell a mother "you should do X" or " You should not do X." CNML leaders are only authorized to share info they have read or heard from reliable sources (if they can identify the source) and personal experience or the experiences of other mothers shared with them.

Questions related to weight gain, formula supplementation, medications, or possible health problems of baby or mother - even if they seem trivial - should ALWAYS be referred to a health care provider. Questions related to divorce, custody, or other legal matters should always be referred to a lawyer. Questions related to postpartum depression or other mental health issue can be shared and discussed in the manner described above but should also be referred to a health care provider or mental health provider.

If CNML leaders limit their sharing to personal experience, info obtained from reliable (and Identifiable) sources, and the experiences of other mothers they have known (while

protecting confidentiality and privacy), they should not exceed the limits of CNML as a Catholic ministry/support group which does not accredit and insure breastfeeding counselors.

If you are a credentialed professional, you will need to draft your own disclaimer form describing your scope of practice and stating whether or not you are insured. In the CNML forum, you may act within the scope of your credential as long as you are doing do on a volunteer basis (not using CNML for profit-making purposes) and as long as you made the full CNML disclaimer, as well as your individual informed disclosure document available to all who are in contact with you through CNML.

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Principles of the Catholic Nursing Mothers League, Inc.

God the Creator has a plan for all men, women and children and this plan applies to every area of our lives. The Catholic Church's authoritative teaching helps us to know this plan. God's plan includes conception, childbirth and the nurturing of babies.

Breastfeeding is the natural continuation of the childbearing cycle which begins with conception, pregnancy and childbirth. As such, it forms an important part of God's plan for mothers and babies.

Breast milk is the best nourishment for babies and the act of breastfeeding provides the best nurturing environment for both mothers and babies.

Breastfeeding is a special way in which a mother makes a sincere gift of herself to her baby. Breastfeeding is also a special way in which mothers are called to serve life in one of its most vulnerable stages. In the breastfeeding Madonna, Catholic mothers have a special exemplar.

Ecological breastfeeding - the form of mothering which tends to delay the return of fertility after the birth of a baby - benefits the nursing child, and enhances the mother's health and well-being. Its natural child spacing effect is a moral and healthy form of natural birth regulation and should be supported and encouraged by families, society and the Church.

Children deserve to be raised to appreciate the equality and complementarity of men and women in the context of life-long marriage. Fathers offer essential spiritual and emotional support to their breastfeeding wives, and they provide for and protect the nursing couple. These early acts of service lay the groundwork for fathers' unique and irreplaceable role in their children's lives.

Women have a right to be truthfully informed about the benefits of breastfeeding for themselves as well as for their babies. Families, parishes, communities, governments and society have a responsibility to protect and strengthen cultural support for breastfeeding practices.

Children need their mothers' presence, especially in the first three years of life. With or without breastfeeding, motherhood is an important and valuable way in which women live in accordance with their nature as persons created in God's image.

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Statement of Faith of the Catholic Nursing Mothers League, Inc.

· The Catholic Nursing Mothers League acknowledges that the Catholic Church was founded by Christ, and the League assents to all that the Church authentically teaches

through the Magisterium.

· The teachings of the Roman Pontiffs and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are accepted by CNML as authoritative.

· In particular, the Catholic Nursing Mothers League assents to the following specific teachings that bear on our work as supporters of breastfeeding mothers:

1. We respect the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. We oppose all forms of abortion, both surgical and via abortafacient devices and drugs.

2. We believe that marriage is between one man and one woman and that children are the supreme gift of marriage. We believe that married couples are called to be generous in the service of life and to exercise responsible parenthood.

3. We reject all unnatural forms of birth control, and we reject as contrary to God’s plan all means of seeking conception in which technological interventions are substituted for the marriage act. We accept the morality of natural means of birth regulation for couples with a serious reason to space their children.

MEETING TOPICS AND DISCUSSION STARTERS

Note: BF & NCS stands for the book Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing (2008 classic edition) by Sheila Kippley. BF & CM stands for the book Breastfeeding and Catholic

Motherhood by Sheila Kippley. PWG stands for the book Parenting with Grace (most recent edition) by Dr. Popcak. Information for discussion of each question can be found on the corresponding page numbers listed.

Breastfeeding – Meeting #1

1) Discuss what exclusive breastfeeding means. What are some practical tips to help

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2) What are some important factors in getting breastfeeding off to a good start? How can health care professionals better support pregnant and nursing women? BF & NCS pps. 77-95

3) Why do so many health and breastfeeding authorities recommend exclusive

breastfeeding for the first six months of life? What are some advantages of delaying solids until around six months and/or when baby shows signs of readiness?“ BF & NCS pps. 96-105

4) What are some signs that a baby is ready for solids? Have any moms nursed while pregnant? Why/why not? How can one tell if a child is ready to wean from the

breast? BF & NCS pps. 52-64 5) Name some reasons to nurse an older child. If you have nursed an older child, please

share your experience. If you have not nursed an older child, what is your reaction to it? How does our culture view extended nursing? BF & NCS pps. 106-121

6) In what ways does breastfeeding follow natural law and the design of our Creator? Do you see your child(ren) as “icon(s) of Jesus Christ” and if so, how does that influence the way you mother your child(ren)? BF & CM pps. 3-6

7) What are the health benefits of breastfeeding for the mother? Are there any reasons in particular based on your family’s health history and/or genetics that breastfeeding is important for your health? The divine Creator richly reward those that follow His natural plan. How has the Creator rewarded you? BF & CM pps. 11-14

8) In what ways has breastfeeding your child helped you become more in tune to her/him and more sensitive/compassionate? Discuss what “nature’s answer” to childcare entails, especially with regards to mother-child togetherness. BF & NCS pps. 65-70

9) What are some parallels between breastfeeding and the marriage act? BF & CM pps. 47-53

10) Discuss the differences between “adult centered” and “child centered” daycare. What creative solutions have you discovered to be able to attend trips, gatherings, etc. with a breastfed baby? BF & NCS pps. 37-51

11) How does Scripture portray breastfeeding? How does that encourage you in your mothering? BF & CM pg. 22

12) In what ways does breastfeeding contribute to a child’s” uninterrupted, intimate and continuous connection with his/her mother?” BF & CM pps. 18-20

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13) In what ways has the Catholic Church supported mothering and breastfeeding? BF & CM pg. 14 last paragraph; pps. 31-40; pg. 16 first paragraph; pg 27-29

14) What are some ways we can support/encourage pregnant and nursing moms at our churches? BF & CM pps. 40-41

15) Do you feel supported in your mothering/breastfeeding in your parish? If not, how can we help change that? pg. 68 BF & CM fourth paragraph – the inspiration for starting CNML; pps. 80-81

16) Bring in a lactation consultant, medical doctor, or dentist to discuss some aspect of breastfeeding.

Ecological Breastfeeding – Meeting #1 or #2

1) Have a discussion about the Seven Standards. Many women may not have heard of them, so it may be a good idea to go through the whole list and talk about each point. Maybe ask the moms if they follow all of them, would like to follow them but have had a difficult time say getting that daily nap in or not using a pacifier. BF & NCS pps. 168-169

2) What artificial soothers have you found to be unnecessary as you have your own particular mothering style? BF & NCS pps. 30-34

3) What has been your personal experience of breastfeeding amenorrhea? What particular breastfeeding/parenting practices do you believe have contributed to its length? Have you seen the Kippleys’ research on this topic? If many women have not seen the research, you could present it or talk about it. BF & NC pps. 131-140

4) Discuss the difference between the “togetherness lifestyle” and the ‘’lifestyle.” What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? In practicing the “togetherness

lifestyle,” have you had to give some things up? How have you dealt with this? BF & CM pps. 81-83

Natural Family Planning – Meeting #2

1) Have a discussion about the various options of moral family planning, ecological breastfeeding, systematic NFP (charting one’s fertility signs), not actively using any form of natural child spacing. What are women’s feelings/thoughts about this topic? It may be helpful to bring along a copy Catechism of the Catholic Church and Humanae Vitae for this particular discussion. Remember that not all women are on

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board with the Church’s teaching on child spacing, and there are also some women who feel NFP should not be practiced at all. It is best to just read from the Catechism and encyclical so that the Church’s true position is presented. Please also refer meeting attendees to their local parish priest for guidance in this matter. BF & NCS

ps. 164-167

2) What is the Catholic Church’s position on natural child spacing? Where are you on your spiritual journey with regards to its teaching on the subject? Have you found the practice of ecological breastfeeding and NFP easy, difficult, somewhere in between? Do you and your spouse agree on this issue? BF & CM pps. 63-65

Catholic Motherhood – Meeting #3

1) Choose a saint from the book, A Saint Book for Catholic Mothers by Lisa Hendey. Photocopy the pages (as long as photocopies are minimal, used for educational purposes, and not sold they are legal to use at your meeting), pass out to the mothers at your meeting, and ask them to read the saint story and personal narrative. Then use the discussion question listed on the photocopy or mention some points you found valuable in the reading to get the discussion flowing.

2) What sorts of spiritual practices do you think mothers can realistically incorporate into their days? BF & CM pps. 84-87, 91-92

3) What sort of arrangements have you and your husband made so you can stay home with your baby? Did you know that the Catholic Church supports stay-at home mothers and at least one pope has offered encouragement publicly? Does your parish support stay-at-home and work-at-home mothers? If not, how can your priest and fellow church goers do better in this regard? Is this something with which CNML can help? BF & CM pps. 72-74

4) Discuss the author’s statement, “Raising children in the Lord is the most important work we do as parents.” What practical steps have you taken in this regard? BF & CM pps. 16-17

5) Discuss an account of a married saint.

6) Ask a priest or religious to talk to the meeting attendees about integrating spirituality into the vocation of married life and motherhood.

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Gentle Parenting – Meeting #4 Gentle Discipline

1) Discuss different discipline strategies mentioned in Parenting with Grace. Ask the attendees if they have tried them and which ones work best for their family. Possibly photocopy pps. 105 and 137 – these contain lists of all the discipline techniques discussed in the two chapters – and give out at your meeting. Another fun idea is to photocopy one of the quizzes (pps. 82, 97, 103-4) and discuss everyone’s results. Lastly, there are discussion questions on pps. 104-5 of Parenting with Grace that you may want to use during your “gentle discipline” themed meeting. PWG pps. 79-140 2) Discuss the difference between discipline and punishment and how Scripture does not

condone spanking. PWG pps. 363-374

Teens

1) How can parents help teens, in particular, grow in their spirituality? What if your teen does not want to attend Mass or confirmation class? The Popcaks say that 4 things should be obligatory: Mass on Sundays and holy days, daily prayertime, family dinner each night, and one family day per week. Do you agree/disagree? PWG pps. 251-2

2) How can parents help their teens feel the faith, defend the faith, and apply the faith? Explain what is meant by each of these. PWG pps. 252-7

3) What are your teens involved with and passionate about? How did he/she find that passion? How can parents help their teens try new things and find their passions? PWG pps. 249-50

4) In what ways is your teen searching for his/her identity? Do you find yourself being helpful for interfering? PWG pps. 246-9

Complimentary Items available from CNML to give out at meetings 1) Gift bags which include a one decade mother rosary, Our Lady of La Leche prayer

card and medal, a Holy Family Institute holy card, a CNML business card, Fr. Sauppe’s Theotokos Chaplet card, and Our Lady of La Leche shrine info booklet 2) CNML brochures to which you can add your groups contact info

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3) Seven Standards Summary – see Ecological Breastfeeding class curriculum in this Resource Guide

4) Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers by Gina Peterson

5) Sheila Kippley’s books: Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood, Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing, and The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor

6) Fr. Virtue’s chapter on breastfeeding in his graduate dissertation

Gentle Communication

If you communicate with meeting attendees in a gentle, sensitive, and

understanding manner, mothers are more willing to listen to what you have to say. Even Scripture tells us that if we need to inform someone about God's Truth, we should handle it in a gentle manner. We can never really know another person's life experience or thoughts, so we should be respectful in how we word things. You want mothers to feel welcome and encouraged at your meetings, so they will want to return. Every woman is in a different place in their faith journey and personal journey as a mother.

What if a mom asks a breastfeeding management or NFP charting question at a meeting and you are not a trained breastfeeding counselor, IBCLC or certified NFP instructor? Let mothers know they should not rely on the information gained at a meeting but should seek competent lactation, NFP or medical support if they have a serious concern. If,

however, a mother should ask a routine breastfeeding management question, such as what to do about sore nipples or a plugged duct, you may want to share your own experience,

encourage other mothers to share their experiences, or suggest a resource for the mother. The book, Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers by Gina Peterson, is a possible resource for you to use at meetings to help you answer basic breastfeeding questions.

Examples of questions that should be referred to a lactation consultant or a physician include medication use while breastfeeding, Vitamin D supplementation, use of nipple/ breast shields, slow weight gain, failure to latch on, hypoglycemia, low milk supply, and others. If these topics come up at a meeting, suggest the mother contact her physician, a lactation consultant or trained breastfeeding counselor. Have a referral list of LCs and the number of the local breastfeeding counselors handy at meetings. If you are an LC/IBCLC or

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Faithful to the Magisterium

CNML is completely faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. There may be

instances at your meetings when topics other than breastfeeding come up or statements made that are contrary to what the Church teaches. Please read from the Catechism at these times. You may have

strong feelings about certain topics such as homeschooling, home birth, immunizations, nutrition, head coverings at Mass, the Latin Mass etc. The Catholic Church may or may not have an official position on these topics. If there is an official teaching, please read the pertinent passages from the Catechism. If there is not, please be careful not to present your own personal opinion as Church teaching. Because you are leading the group and

representing CNML, some mothers may be inclined to accept your opinion as Divine Truth. CNML aims to uphold the truths of the Catholic faith in an honorable manner.

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Book Discussion Questions for Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing

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Chapter 1

1. How is the production of milk in the mother’s body regulated?

2. What are some ways to satisfy a baby’s desire to suck? Is there a natural way to do this without artificial aids? How do you feel about comfort nursing?

3. What 2 practicalities of nursing are needed to maintain breastfeeding amenorrhea? 4. What is “natural mothering?”

Chapter 2 1. What is exclusive breastfeeding?

2. The author mentions that a woman will almost invariably experience the side effect of natural infertility if she does what two things?

3. Is it possible for a mother to experience breastfeeding amenorrhea after her periods have already started up again post partum?

Chapter 3

1. Why are night feedings important for both mother and baby?

2. What are some reasons parents try to encourage their babies to sleep through the night?

3. What are some ways to make bed sharing safe?

4. Discuss the advantages of night feedings and bed sharing? 5. What effect do night feedings and bed sharing have on fertility?

Chapter 4

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2. Why do some parents give their babies artificial pacifiers?

3. What are some of the potential drawbacks/dangers of using artificial pacifiers? 4. Discuss why some babies suck their thumbs and how physical closeness and natural

mothering can help reduce/eliminate this.

5. Were you surprised at the effect of different mothering styles on fertility? 6. What other items do parents use as mother substitutes? Has reading this chapter

challenged your previous ideas about mother substitutes?

7. Is it possible to parent a baby without ever using a bottle? What have you done/plan to do with your own children?

Chapter 5

1. Name three indications of adult-centered baby care.

2. A baby needs a continuous loving relationship with one mother figure. Do you agree that breastfeeding ensures that?

3. Do you believe babies can be spoiled? How can you distinguish between baby’s needs and wants?

4. How often do babies nurse? Is it normal for babies to nurse more than every 4 hours?

5. Discuss Dr. Lambo’s findings with regards to breastfeeding and mothering in Africa, particularly the African mother’s enjoyment of her child.

6. What is Dr. John Bowlby’s parenting advice for mothers with children under three years old? If it is best for a baby to be with his/her mother almost exclusively for the first three years, what should a mother do if she wants to attend a social gathering? 7. Do you feel comfortable nursing your baby in public? Can you share any other tips

besides the ones in the book that may help new mothers feel better about nursing in public?

8. Where have you taken your breastfed baby? On a plane? Camping? Mass? Did you find your baby portable and easy to bring with you? What challenges did you face?

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9. At the end of the chapter, the author talks about the benefits of a parent being at home when the child(ren) are teenagers. Is that something you will consider?

Chapter 6

What effect does abrupt weaning have upon natural child spacing through breastfeeding? 1. What constitutes natural weaning and why is it good for both mom and baby?

2. How can you tell when your baby is ready for solid food?

3. If a child was allowed to wean when truly ready, how long would he/she breastfeed? 4. What causes the return of menstruation in the breastfeeding mother?

5. What is the risk of pregnancy prior to the first menses assuming random marital relations and no systematic periodic abstinence?

6. Can a mother continue breastfeeding while pregnant? Have you nursed a baby while pregnant?

7. What are the seven standards for ecological breastfeeding?

8. Do all mothers following the seven standards experience a lengthy amenorrhea? 9. Based on the Kippley’s research, what is the average length of time mothers do not

have periods while breastfeeding? Are you definitely fertile if your periods have returned?

Chapter 7

1. Name some consequences of a child not having a mother or mother or mother substitute.

2. In what ways does breastfeeding benefit the health of the mother?

3. How has the decline in breastfeeding and the promotion of bottle feeding helped the “women’s liberation movement?”

4. In what ways does natural mothering and ecological breastfeeding truly liberate women?

5. Why should those who are environmentally conscious take an interest in breastfeeding advocacy?

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Chapter 8

1. How does the birth experience influence whether or not a woman successfully breastfeeds her baby?

2. Can a mother who is unable to breastfeed her baby still follow some of the suggestions in this book?

3. How can doctors support breastfeeding? In what ways do some doctors actually hamper breastfeeding success?

4. Name some ways for getting breastfeeding off to a good start in the early postpartum period.

5. Does breastfeeding, particularly ecological breastfeeding, seem like something the clergy should encourage?

Chapter 9

1. Discuss the many good reasons for waiting to start solids. Are any of the reasons given in the book new to you?

2. What are the risks of not breastfeeding?

3. Is breastmilk really that much better than formula? 4. How does breastfeeding save time and money?

5. How long do the major health organizations, the American Academy of Pediatrics and La Leche League recommend that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies? 6. Besides nutrition, why else are mothers so enthusiastic about breastfeeding? Do you

enjoy breastfeeding?

Chapter 10

1. What are some reasons a child may need to nurse past a year?

2. Do you agree with Eda LeShan who wrote, “Children of any age do not continue to behave in certain ways unless there is a need.” Have you ever thought of that with regards to breastfeeding?

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3. Has breastfeeding made your job of mothering easier? Has breastfeeding helped you find joy in taking care of your child(ren) instead of seeing him/her as a nuisance? 4. Name some characteristics of the older nursing child. If you are nursing an older

child, do you have a code word for breastfeeding?

5. If you have breastfed and weaned a child, did your child nurse for less time than you expected? Longer than you expected?

6. Do you know other mothers who are nursing an older child? Do those friendships encourage and support you in your practice of extended breastfeeding? Do you have the support of your husband?

7. Do returning to work and/or hospitalization necessitate weaning? What are your thoughts?

Chapter 12

1. Do supplementary feedings during breastfeeding reduce infertility?

2. Have studies shown a vast difference between the breastfeeding amenorrhea

experience of Asian-Indian women and women of North American-European culture? 3. What is the main factor behind lactational amenorrhea?

4. Does “natural mothering” provide the sucking stimulation at the breast necessary for inhibiting ovarian and menstrual activity?

5. What was the range of months of amenorrhea among women who breastfeed 4 months to 3 years in the total breastfeeding sample listed in this chapter? 6. What has been your experience of breastfeeding amenorrhea?

7. Based on Remfry’s notes, Dr. Prem’s research, and the Kippley’s research, what are the chances of pregnancy during amenorrhea?

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Chapter 15 1. What are the 2 forms of natural family planning?

2. Discuss what is meant by the “technological invasion of human sexuality, love and procreation.”

3. Why is the Pill considered an abortifacient?

4. What is the relationship between the Pill and breast cancer? 5. What are 2 ways to decrease your chances of breast cancer?

6. How are systematic NFP and ecological breastfeeding “green” solutions? 7. According to a 2007 German study, what is the effectiveness of the

symptom-thermal method of NFP?

8. What 3 signs are observed in the symptom-thermal method of NFP?

9. Can a breastfeeding woman detect the onset of ovulation should it occur before the first menstruation or must she wean her baby?

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Book Discussion Questions for Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood

Chapter 1

1. Name some of the ways that following God’s design or motherhood contributes to positive benefits for mom and baby.

2. Which church documents discuss the biological laws of which breastfeeding is a part?

3. What is the definition of exclusive breastfeeding?

4. How long do the AAP, WHO and UNICEF recommend a baby breastfeed? Are you planning on following some/all of the current recommendations?

5. What are some of the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding the baby? What are some of the differences between breast milk and formula? Did you realize that some of the positive effects of breastfeeding are dose-related?

6. What are some of the health benefits of breastfeeding to the mother?

7. If the mother cannot directly breastfeed, what are the next best options in order of preference?

8. How does breastfeeding contribute to the child’s emotional development? 9. Do you see breastfeeding as a pro-life endeavor?

Chapter 2

1. Do you think society tells women that they can have it all – motherhood and a career? 2. In what ways are mothers, especially those that practice full-time mothering, heroic? 3. Why should raising children be our top priority?

4. Why are those first 3 years of life so critical?

5. What qualities of breastfeeding help mothers be good mothers? 6. Is breastfeeding mentioned in Scripture?

7. Why are fathers also very important? What are some ways your husband bonds with your baby?

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8. Discuss some of the statements Pope John Paul II made about breastfeeding during his pontificate.

Chapter 3

1. Were you surprised to read of Pope John Paul II’s strong endorsement of exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months and nursing up to the 2nd year for beyond?

2. According to the late Bishop James T. McHugh, what factors discourage women from the important practice of breastfeeding?

3. There has been a decline in breastfeeding around the world due to many social factors. One of them is the marketing of formula. Did you know that there are international guidelines for the marketing of breast milk substitutes but that many companies violate them? Have you bee negatively influenced by them?

4. Have any parish priests and/or nuns publicly supported breastfeeding? Sheila Kippley wrote an article for the journal Homiletic and Pastoral Review about how important it is for priests to support breastfeeding. Also, she mentions in the book we are discussing that a layman can say something and have little impact, but that a priest saying the same thing can have the impact of 1000 laypersons.

5. What can church leaders and Catholic mothers/couples do to encourage breastfeeding?

6. Discuss Alfonso Cardinal Lopez Trujillo’s statement on the benefits of breastfeeding. Do you agree?

Chapter 4

1. How is breastfeeding a continuation of pregnancy?

2. What is Kangaroo Mother Care? Current research has shown that KMC can stabilize a newborn’s body temperature faster than an incubator.

3. Does Scripture support the view that breastfeeding is a continuation of pregnancy?

Chapter 5

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2. How do breastfeeding and the marriage act positively impact the family and society? 3. Discuss how the natural order and personal order of the sexual relationship between

husband and wife are also present in the breastfeeding relationship between mother and baby.

4. Where in Scripture are breastfeeding and the marriage act compared to God’s love for His people?

5. Does breastfeeding a baby detract from a woman’s relationship with her husband? 6. How does breastfeeding fit into the Pope’s teaching of the theology of the body?

Chapter 6

1. What are the 2 basic forms of Natural Family Planning? 2. What aspects of breastfeeding inhibit ovulation?

3. What mothering practices are key to breastfeeding infertility? 4. Is breastfeeding amenorrhea a normal occurrence?

5. What are the 7 standards of ecological breastfeeding?

6. Is vaginal bleeding in a breastfeeding mother during the first 8 weeks postpartum considered a sign of fertility?

7. If a woman is practicing ecological breastfeeding, what is the chance of pregnancy during the first 3 months? During the next 3 months?

8. If a couple experiences an early return of fertility while breastfeeding and wants further spacing of children, what can she do?

Chapter 7

1. Even if a mother is unable to breastfeed, how can she provide some of the nurturing benefits of breastfeeding?

2. What are some ways husbands, parish communities, caregivers and La Leche groups can support breastfeeding mothers?

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3. Why should mothers plan to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first 6 months?

4. What are the advantages of breastfeeding for at least one year and possibly longer? 5. What are some practical ways mothers can make it possible to stay home with their

children during the early years?

6. Do you agree that a mother’s care is the best care?

Chapter 8

1. What are some common breastfeeding difficulties? What are some ways of overcoming those difficulties?

2. What are some ways mothers can nurse modestly?

3. How can breastfeeding mothers and mothers of small children cultivate holiness and prayer in this season of their lives?

4. Can breastfeeding mothers who choose to limit separation from their babies still take part in activities outside the home?

5. Are their people in a breastfeeding mother’s life who can support her when she is criticized for nursing an older baby or toddler?

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Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding class curriculum

Approximate time frame for class: 2 hours

Notes to instructor:

Welcome everyone to the class. Introduce yourself, how many children you have and how many you have breastfed. Also say if you have practiced ecological breastfeeding yourself.

Let the attendees know that nursing babies and toddlers are welcome and also husbands are welcome. Tell them where the restroom is and that they are encouraged to get up to take care of their child in the room or outside the room so as to allow everyone to hear the instructor and the other participants.

Introduce the topic of the class – ecological breastfeeding. Hand out the “Seven Standards Summary” for the women/couples to take home. These can be found at http://www.nfpandmore.org/The%20Seven%20Standards%20Summary.pdf. It must be printed out in its entirety with the author’s name and copyright at the bottom of the page. Be sure to have a copy for yourself too! I have also provided a copy of it on the next page.

Tell the attendees that there are seven standards that are each an important part to this practice and that each one will be introduced and discussed during this class. Attendees can purchase a copy of The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor by Sheila Kippley if they would like more detailed info. However, the class will cover the basics women/couples need to practice ecological breastfeeding. The instructor can have copies available of the book if she chooses or just direct the attendees to lulu.com or

amazon.com or maybe a local bookstore. Also, attendees may be interested in purchasing the book Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing by Sheila Kippley which also covers this topic.

The following is a scripted curriculum for teaching the ecological breastfeeding class. There are also notes to the instructor interspersed within the script.

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The Seven Standards Summary

ECOLOGICAL BREASTFEEDING AND NATURAL CHILD SPACING PROGRAM

Basic Principles

1. Frequent and unrestricted nursing is the primary factor in producing natural lactation amenorrhea and infertility. (Lactation amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation due to breastfeeding.)

2. Ecological breastfeeding (EBF) according to the Seven Standards almost always provides this frequent nursing and natural infertility. It is that type of baby care which follows the natural mother-baby relationship. It avoids the use of artifacts and mother substitutes; it follows the baby-initiated patterns. EBF is the norm and offers many built-in benefits, one of which is extended natural infertility. A lengthy postpartum amenorrhea is the norm.

3. The following Seven Standards help to ensure the frequent nursing.

The Seven Standards: Phase 1 of Ecological Breastfeeding

This phase almost invariably produces natural infertility as long as the program is complete.

1. Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life; don’t use other liquids and solids, not even water. 2. Pacify or comfort your baby at your breasts.

3. Don’t use bottles and don’t use pacifiers. 4. Sleep with your baby for night feedings. 5. Sleep with your baby for a daily-nap feeding. 6. Nurse frequently day and night, and avoid schedules.

7. Avoid any practice that restricts nursing or separates you from your baby.

Phase 1 is the time of exclusive breastfeeding and thus usually lasts six to eight months.

The Six Standards: Phase 2 of Ecological Breastfeeding

• Phase 2 of EBF begins when your baby starts taking solids or liquids other than breast milk. • You begin to give liquids when your baby shows an interest in the cup, usually after six months.

• Aside from Standard #1, the other Six Standards of Phase 1 will remain operative until the baby gradually loses interest in breastfeeding. Phase 2 is a situation in which the frequency and amount of nursing is 1) not decreased at all at first, and 2) lessened only gradually at baby’s pace. Phase 2 is frequently longer than Phase 1 with regard to natural infertility if EBF continues with frequent and unrestricted nursing.

Return of Fertility

The First 6 Months. The first 8 weeks postpartum for the exclusively breastfeeding mother are so infertile that in 1988 scientists agreed that any vaginal bleeding during the first 56 days postpartum can be ignored for determining amenorrhea or fertility for the exclusively breastfeeding mother. This rule applies to the EBF mother.

During the first 3 months postpartum, the chance of pregnancy occurring is practically nil if the EBF mother remains in amenorrhea. Because of the above paragraph, this means the mother has no menstrual bleeding after the 56th postpartum day.

During the next 3 months postpartum, there is only a 1% chance of pregnancy if the EBF mother continues to remain in amenorrhea.

After 6 months. For the nursing mother there is about a 6% chance of pregnancy occurring prior to the first menstruation. This assumes no fertility awareness and unrestricted intercourse. This risk can be reduced to close to 1% through the techniques of systematic natural family planning—observing the signs of fertility and abstaining accordingly.

Natural Spacing by Breastfeeding Alone

About 70% of EBF mothers experience their first menstruation between 9 and 20 months postpartum. The average return of menstruation for EBF mothers in the North American culture is between 14 and 15 months. For those couples who desire 18 to 30 months between the births of their children, ecological breastfeeding will usually be sufficient.

Copyright © 1972, 1999, 2008 by Sheila Kippley, author of The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding; Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing; and Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood and co-author of Natural Family Planning: The Complete Approach. Permission is given to copy this sheet provided it is reproduced in full.

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First Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding: Breastfeed Exclusively for the First Six Months Exclusive breastfeeding means nothing other than breast milk for the first six months of the baby’s life.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), World Health Organization, La Leache League International (LLLI) and the Catholic Nursing Mothers League all endorse exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. The AAP states the following on their website: “During the first 6 months of age, even in hot climates,waterand juice are unnecessary for breastfed infants and mayintroducecontaminants or allergens.” They also state: “Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparationsdiffer markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superiorfor infant feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is the referenceor normative model against which all alternative feeding methodsmust be measured with regard to growth, health, development,and all other short- and long-term outcomes. In addition, humanmilk-fed premature infants receive significant benefits with respect to host protection and improved developmental outcomescompared with formula-fed premature infants.”

(http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496#SEC6)

If one were only to follow this standard of ecological breastfeeding in addition to the child being under six months of age and no presence of bleeding in the mother after 56 days postpartum, she would be following what is known as the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM). There should also not be more than 4 hours between nursings during the day and 6 hours between nursings at night. This method is 98-99% effective in avoiding pregnancy. However, some women who only follow this standard will begin menstruation before the baby is 6 months of age and thus will not be able to follow LAM any longer.

Breastfeeding is not just for nutrition; there is an emotional aspect to breastfeeding too. Plus, babies need lots of sucking time which is easily met through breastfeeding. Frequent breastfeeding is good for mom’s milk supply and delaying the return of fertility. It provides comfort, lots of skin-to-skin time, and bonding between mom and baby.

Note to instructor: Ask if anyone in the class would like to share a personal story related to this standard or if they have any questions/comments. If no one wants to share, consider reading a personal account from one of Sheila Kippley’s books or telling a quick personal story related to exclusive breastfeeding.

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The Second Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding: Pacify the Baby at Your Breasts. Sheila Kippley says in The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding, “The extra non-nutritive or comfort sucking at the breast is nature’s way of providing those extra hormonal surges in the woman’s body that help to maintain natural infertility.” It has also been found by Ingram et al. that pacifier use results in an earlier return of menstruation. There are many advantages of using the breast to pacify instead of a pacifier:

1) Babies love it!

2) more frequent nursing 3) better and earlier speech

4) better facial and dental development 5) longer duration of breastfeeding 6) increased contact with mom

7) possible reduction in finger sucking and thumb sucking

8) comfort, love, and closeness between mom and baby (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 10)

Pacifiers may contribute to breastfeeding problems and reduce suckling time, number of breastfeeding sessions, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and total duration of

breastfeeding (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 10).

Note to instructor: Since the AAP has released a statement about pacifiers and the reduction of SIDS, this may be a concern of women in the class. La Leche League International has made a statement on the AAP’s policy on pacifier, bed sharing and SIDS. You may consider either reading LLLI’s statement at the class or printing it out as a handout. It can be found at http://www.llli.org/Release/sids.html

Pacifiers do not even need to be present in the house. However, the rare use of a pacifier on say a short car trip to comfort a crying baby, should not interfere with

breastfeeding’s natural infertility effect (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 11-12).

Note to instructor: Ask if anyone in the class would like to share a personal story related to this standard or if they have any questions/comments. If no one wants to share, consider reading a personal account from one of Sheila Kippley’s books or telling a quick personal story related to pacifier use.

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The Third Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding: Don’t Use Bottles or Pacifiers This standard exists because there are some women who pump their breast milk and feed their baby exclusively by bottle. However, in terms of encouraging breastfeeding infertility, this would not be considered exclusive breastfeeding (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 15).

Sometimes a baby truly needs to suck and in that case, offering the breast pacifies him/her quite nicely. However, in other situations, the baby may want comfort and may enjoy being close to mom in a sling or other baby carrier. This use of a sling can be an alternative to a pacifier (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 16).

Working mothers will not often experience the same type of breastfeeding infertility that a stay-at-home mom will who nurses on demand and follows the Seven Standards. This is because a pump is less efficient at getting milk out of the breast and also less efficient at stimulating the breasts than an actual baby. Also, many working moms are separated from their babies for 8-9 hours if they work full-time. Fortunately, working women whose babies nurse often during the night or women who work from home will often have longer periods of amenorrhea. Another possibility to help delay the return of fertility is for the mother to pump slowly in order to mimic the baby’s sucking (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 17).

Note to instructor: Ask if anyone in the class would like to share a personal story related to this standard or if they have any questions/comments. If no one wants to share, consider reading a personal account from one of Sheila Kippley’s books or telling a quick personal story related to pacifier and bottle use.

The Fourth Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding: Sleep with Your Baby for Night Feedings Note to instructor: You may consider pointing the class attendees to the LLLI FAQ entitled “Should I Sleep With my Baby?” (http://www.llli.org/FAQ/cosleep.html) or James

McKenna’s website: http://www.nd.edu/~jmckenn1/lab/faq.html if cosleeping seems to be a “hot topic.” The NFP International website (www.nfpandmore.org) also has some info in the link section.

Night nursing assists both the mother’s milk supply and natural child spacing. It is associated with extended breastfeeding. Research has shown that babies who co-sleep nurse three times longer than babies who sleep separately (Kippley, The Seven Standards of

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have babies that practice “reverse cycling” (where they nurse more often in the evenings and during the night than during the day) can benefit from breastfeeding’s child spacing effect.

Dr. Howie found that those mothers who ovulated later continued night nursings, nursed more often and introduced solids and weaning gradually. Those who ovulated earlier nursed little during the day, introduced solids more quickly and gave up night nursings quickly (Kippley, , The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 23).

Cosleeping involves mother and baby sleeping in close proximity to each other, but not necessarily sharing the same bed. Here are some more advantages of cosleeping: 1) Mother’s presence helps regulate the baby’s breathing.

2) Babies learn to trust that their mother will attend to their needs during the night quickly and thus cry less.

3) It is indispensible in cases of fire or other emergency, especially if the parents are blind or handicapped.

4) It helps the mother get more sleep – this has been shown through scientific study - and the breastfeeding hormones help her to relax.

5) Breastfeeding in bed almost always leads to babies sleeping on their backs which is the safest position for reducing the incidence of SIDS.

6) Breastfeeding reduces SIDS (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 24-25).

The SIDS rates are very low in countries where cosleeping is widely practiced (Kippley, , The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 26).

Remember that no place of sleep is 100% safe.

Bed sharing is a form of cosleeping where mother and baby share the same sleeping surface.

Ways to practice bed sharing safely: 1) Sleep on a firm surface.

2) Avoid a headboard or footboard where baby can get trapped between the mattress and furniture.

3) Use a king size bed if possible (for more room for everyone in the bed) or you can get a sidecar to attach to one side of the bed.

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4) Keep pillows, heavy blankets, siblings and pets away from baby. 5) Do not smoke. Smoking is a high risk factor for SIDS.

6) Do not bed share if anyone in the bed is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.

7) Do not overdress baby (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 29-30).

Note to instructor: You can mention Dr. James McKenna’s book Sleeping with Your Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Cosleeping to the class attendees if you wish.

What if baby is a heavy sleeper and doesn’t wake up to nurse during the night? One idea is for mom to drink a large glass of water before bedtime. After getting up to use the restroom during the night, she can offer the breast to her baby (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 33).

Note to instructor: Ask if anyone in the class would like to share a personal story related to this standard or if they have any questions/comments. If no one wants to share, consider reading a personal account from one of Sheila Kippley’s books or telling a quick personal story related to cosleeping.

The Fifth Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding: Sleep with Your Baby for a Daily Nap Feeding

Reasons: 1) Fatigue can potentially decrease the milk supply. A nap refreshes mom and helps slow her down.

A nap contributes to breastfeeding’s natural infertility due to extended period of unrestricted nursing (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 37).

This nap is meant for both mom and baby. Even if the mom doesn’t fall asleep, she is taking the time to rest while baby sleeps and nurses.

Some suggestions for places to nap are on a firm quilt on the floor or on the

Based on Sheila Kippley’s experiences with breastfeeding moms, not taking a daily nap may be the key factor for some women who experience an early return of menstruation and fertility (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 38).

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Note to instructor: Ask if anyone in the class would like to share a personal story related to this standard or if they have any questions/comments. If no one wants to share, consider reading a personal account from one of Sheila Kippley’s books or telling a quick personal story related to the daily nap.

The Sixth Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding: Nurse Frequently Day and Night and Avoid Schedules

Frequent nursing is what prolongs infertility after childbirth and helps a mother successfully breastfeed.

Dr. Short, a researcher in the field of lactation, believes that the biochemical

composition of human milk fits into the need for frequent nursing. Human milk is low in fat, protein and dry matter.

Dr. Taylor worked with American mothers who breastfeed frequently and keeping their babies close - similar to mothers in more traditional cultures. He found that mothers who had shorter intervals between feeds tended to ovulate later. Long intervals between feeds was associated with an earlier ovulation. Thus frequency is important for natural child spacing (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 47).

Note to instructor: Ask if anyone in the class would like to share a personal story related to this standard or if they have any questions/comments. If no one wants to share, consider reading a personal account from one of Sheila Kippley’s books or telling a quick personal story related to frequent nursing.

Seventh Standard of Ecological Breastfeeding: Avoid Any Practice That Restricts Nursing or Separates You From Your Baby

The World Health Organization and others describe the mother and baby as a “biological and social unit.” Many breastfeeding experts also describe mom and baby as a “breastfeeding dyad.” These terms point to the type of relationship nature intended for moms and babies (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 53).

A study conducted in Rwanda demonstrated that it is the closeness and inseparability of mom and baby that influences when fertility will return. When comparing breastfeeding mothers in urban and rural Rwanda, the researcher found more separation between moms and babies in urban areas. Seventy-five percent of the women in these areas conceived between 6

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and 15 months postpartum. Conversely, the breastfeeding mothers in rural Rwanda stayed close to their babies and conceived between 24 and 29 months postpartum (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 54).

Even Maria Montessori encouraged extended breastfeeding of 1.5 to 3 years so that mom and baby would stay near each other (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 54).

Society tells mothers that they are replaceable. However, science attests to the fact that the mother’s (or father’s) continual presence is crucial to the child’s healthy

development especially during the first three years of life (Kippley, The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 55).

Should you leave your baby to go on a multiple day trip? Babies have no concept of time so will not understand. As Sheila Kippley says in her book, it would be similar to your husband taking off for a few days without telling you where he is going. The time of

babyhood and breastfeeding is relatively short. There may be times you need to turn down an exciting opportunity but there will be other wonderful opportunities in the future you can pursue. What about leaving the baby for a couple only trip? Why not just take baby with you? Be creative. There are ways for husband and wife to take children along on a trip while still having special couple time.

How does one know when it is okay to leave baby for a few hours with Grandma or a babysitter? There are four factors you might want to consider when making the decision: the age of the child, the length of separation, the frequency of separation, and the temporary mother substitute. Each baby and set of circumstances is unique. Keep in mind that just because your first child was fine to separate for 2 hours when he was 15 months old doesn’t mean your daughter will be ready at that same age (Kippley, The Seven Standards of

Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor 67).

Note to instructor: Ask if anyone in the class would like to share a personal story related to this standard or if they have any questions/comments. If no one wants to share, consider reading a personal account from one of Sheila Kippley’s books or telling a quick personal story related to avoiding separations.

At conclusion of class:

Your class attendees will probably be interested in the practice of Ecological Breastfeeding after the 6-9 month postpartum mark. Read aloud that section of the “Seven Standards Summary” and also the section about the return of fertility. Ask if anyone has any questions or comments. Thank the class attendees for coming. Invite them to your nursing mothers group or book studies if you have them.

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Nursing Mothers Mini-Retreat

5:30 PM Attend daily Mass together 6-6:45 PM Sandwich dinner

6:45-7:30 PM Inspirational talk by layperson or priest/religious person 7:45-8 PM Eucharistic Adoration

8 PM Closing

Some points to mention during the inspirational talk

1. Jesus was born into a family. He lived at home with Mary and Joseph for 30 years before beginning His public ministry. However, his life ministry of saving the human race began before/at birth. His time was not wasted but a necessary part of his

mission (taken from the Holy Family Institute’s monthly publication, Concord, November 2012 issue). What mothers do for their families in the home is also important work.

2. Mary most likely breastfed Jesus for 3 years as was the custom of the time. When mothers breastfeed and even go beyond the western cultural norm and breastfeed into toddlerhood, they are following the example of the Blessed Mother. You can’t find a more holy or ideal role model to follow!

3. Mention ways for moms to enhance their spiritual lives and to grow closer to God while taking care of little ones – see chapter entitled “Spirituality” in Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers.

4. Scripture mentions breastfeeding in a positive light many times, so it must be considered holy and something for which to strive. See chapter entitled “Scriptural Meditations” in Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholics Mothers for a few examples.

5. The Catholic Church supports breastfeeding. See chapter entitled “Breastfeeding and Church Tradition” in Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers for specific examples. Also, Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood by Sheila Kippley contains quite a bit of information.

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Sample Church Bulletin

Catholic Nursing Mothers League of <Your Parish’s Name>

Please join us for prayer, fellowship and discussion of topics such as breastfeeding, NFP, gentle parenting, and Catholic motherhood. We meet on the 2nd Monday of the month at 10

AM in the parish nursery. Children are welcome! Contact Jane at 555-5555 for more info.

Sample cards to advertise your group

Print them out on cardstock and give them out after Mass to potential attendees or leave them in the lobby of your church

CATHOLIC

NURSING

MOTHERS

LEAGUE

Meeting location, day and time

CATHOLIC

NURSING

MOTHERS

LEAGUE

CATHOLIC

NURSING

MOTHERS

LEAGUE

CATHOLIC

NURSING

MOTHERS

LEAGUE

Meeting location, day and time PRAYER,FELLOWSHIP,

DISCUSSIONOFTOPICSSUCH

ASBREASTFEEDING,NFP, GENTLEPARENTING, CATHOLICMOTHERHOOD Children are welcome! Your name and phone number [Email] PRAYER,FELLOWSHIP,

ASBREASTFEEDING,NFP, GENTLEPARENTING, CATHOLICMOTHERHOOD Children are welcome! Your name and phone number [Email]

Resource Guide for Starting a CNML Group