this mom should contact Dr. Peter Ellis of the anthropology department at
harvard university -- he would probably be able to answer her questions very
specifically.  i'm sure a search of www.harvard.edu would turn up an email
address for him.  tell him i sent her, if you wish.

it seems to me that oxytocin releases two years post-partum are probably
going to be minimal, and i would bet good money that NO ONE has ever studied
the effects of breastfeeding on luteal phase length in mothers who are
breastfeeding 2 year olds.  in other words, most of this doctors base of
information probably comes from studies done on oxytocin release and luteal
cycle phase length in women nursing young children.  just my .02 worth.

i wonder if the ivf doctors also tell mothers to be sure not to have orgasms
while they waiting for the embryos to implant.  i'll bet they don't, even
though oxytocin release during orgasm is much higher than during
breastfeeding latch-on.

finally, if the mom gets no answers, or the doctor insists that she wean
before attempting the next pregnancy, my personal (not professional) advice
would be to go for the sibling(s).  having a life-long sibling or siblings
(twins!) will be more valuable to this child in the long run than having
another six months or a year (or more) of additional breastfeeding beyond
two years.  just my .02 worth again, from the queen of extended
breastfeeding.

kathy dettwyler, not using capitols this morning for no particular reason



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