Re: terminology
        I have to agree with Chele on this one, that we need to stop being
so "shy" using the B word.  I also agree with her that "nursing" means
caring for the ill.  In fact, I just finishing reviewing a textbook that is
undergoing revisions for a third edition, and suggested that in the few
places he mentions "nursing" he replace it with breastfeeding, because these
undergraduates I teach don't always know that "nursing" has this other
meaning.  There is nothing ambiguous about "breastfeeding."  I had a student
several years back who honestly didn't know that women's breasts were for
feeding babies, and was rather disgusted when she found out.  So I'm all in
favor of using the term breastfeeding.

Re: nursing a 16 month old
        Sigh.  Brenda should live in our town, where one of the pedies tells
mothers that anyone who nurses past 6 WEEKS is doing it solely for her own
sexual gratification and needs counseling!  I will certainly e-mail Brenda
and offer to send her or her doc information on the health and IQ benefits
of breastfeeding, as well as copies of my chapters "A Time to Wean"
(suggesting 2.5-7.0 years as "natural" in humans) and "Beauty and the
Breast" (about this whole sexuality and breastfeeding issue).  Speaking of
which, I was frustrated to see this topic discussed in the new JHL in the
same old way -- "Why don't we all just admit that breastfeeding is
naturally/physiologically sexual and says that it's ok?"  In my chapter
"Beauty and the Breast" I try to shatter *this* myth once and for all.  End
of soapbox.
Katherine A. Dettwyler, Department of Anthropology, Texas A&M University
Mother to Miranda (14), Peter (10), and Alexander (3), wife of Steven, owner
of four wild mustangs, two Golden Retrievers, one Great Pyrenees, a litter
of GoldenXGreat Pyr. cross puppies, two guinea fowl, and three cats.