Morgan, I will pass onto you a paper written by the well-known and foundational attachment researcher Mary Ainsworth that describes how abrupt weaning of a toddler can have a sustained negaitve impact on the child-mother relationship. I also have a book chapter (hopefully soon to be published) describing how toddlers use breastfeeding as an attachment behaviour (the reason why abrupt weaning is so potentially damaging). However, I was wondering if anyone here might be able to assist me in tracking down more details on the Ainsworth paper? I found it via Eric and I suspect that it may be a conference paper but don't know. Mary Ainsworth may have also presented the results (describing the child's response to abrupt weaning) in one of her many papers/books so if anyone is aware of any other sources for this research I would appreciate hearing about it. The Eric ref is Ainsworth, M. D.S., and B. I. Tracey. "Infant Feeding and Attachment." ERIC ED089847 (1972). Karleen Gribble Australia ----- Original Message ----- From: "Morgan Gallagher" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Monday, January 21, 2008 11:48 AM Subject: Effects of the Abrupt Cessation of Breastfeeding > Therefore, we're seeking to find all research based and peer reviewed > literature, that deals with the various effects of abrupt removal of the > baby/toddler from the mother's breast. From the danger of mastitis and > the need for maintaining supply, through to how to then feed the baby in > order to maximise chances of a return to the breast, to the traumatic > effects of the loss of comfort and mother's skin etc. There is a real > need to be able to provide evidence of the immense psychological > impact/trauma on both infant and mother, in these horrendous situations, > specifically related to breastfeeding. *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome