I have followed with great interest the discussion of breastfeeding as
referenced in the Bible and Koran and appreciated the informative links
to biblical references posted recently.  I am curious to know if anyone
has any knowledge of biblical or other religious/cultural traditions
specifically relating to issues of modesty and propriety in
breastfeeding.

Where and when were women advised/permitted to nurse?  Anytime?
Anywhere?  What sort of clothing was prescribed, if any, to cover the
breasts?  Does anyone know how traditional clothing from biblical or
other early times was opened up or removed to nurse?  Any restrictions
on breastfeeding in the company of men, in public, in church, etc?

I am curious about all religions and cultures, but particularly
Christianity since that is the religious background of the overwhelming
majority of my patients, many of them from fundamentalist sects who
interpret the bible literally.  I find that most of these conservative
Christian women breastfeed their children, but only at home in privacy,
and will bottlefeed elsewhere, usually formula.  The moms then tell me
that the babies 'weaned themselves' at early ages.

--
Catharine Decker, MD, FAAFP
Tandem nursing mama to Charlotte (04-11-97) & Clarissa (07-28-99)
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