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.