Sorry if this is late on this thread  but...
In a message dated 06/26/2001 4:45:35 AM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< Montagu quotes from the original researchers (Harlow and Zimmerman,
 1958): "These data make it obvious that contact comfort is a variable
 of overwhelming importance in the development of affectational
 responses, whereas lactation is a variable of negligible importance. >>
I would argue that a cloth-covered fake monkey with  a bottle of milk
attached is not lactating any more than a human father holding a bottle. I
wonder if there was even real monkey milk in the bottle. Point is, I think
this research shows that nurturting touch will outstrip hunger except when
absolutely necessary. But I wouldn't say it shows that lactation is of
negligible importance. This is not mothering through breastfeeding as normal
primates live it.
Judy LeVan Fram, Brooklyn., NY

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