Thanks, Magda, for your clarification.  I realize that in many locales, religion plays a
very small role in everyday life.  I have spent the last few years, however, working
primarily with observant women from a couple of major world religions.  Again, I hope
to not over-generalize, but devout adherence has rarely been a hindrance to
breastfeeding, in my observations; on the contrary, I have seen it usually motivate a
mother to breastfeed.  The one exception being weaning a toddler for the sole
reason of restoring the mother's fertility, which I rarely see, but have read about in
Lactnet posts from other areas of the world.

I now understand that you were saying that religion in general plays a role in culture,
and people's acceptance or rejection of their cultural expectations, along with many
other influences.  Perhaps historically, some of these influences may have had a
stronger or more subtle pull than at the present.  The importance of religion, in many
communities, has changed over the past centuries, so that what's evident today may
have little relationship to the time of our grandparents.

My concern that one religion was singled out as perhaps unfriendly to breastfeeding
has now been put to rest.  My experience has been that official Catholic doctrine
promotes breastfeeding.  If any newcomers wish to search the archives, there are
previous posts that link to religious references related to breastfeeding.  There were
some actually fascinating discussions a couple of years ago that I don't wish to take
up time for now, but will encourage you to search for if you are interested.

Thanks again for the wonderful, positive tone of this discussion.  Is Lactnet a great
place, or what? I'm so glad I asked for clarification, and not just quietly fumed in
ignorance.  That way, I can still remain a fan of Magda's!

Diana Hatch Denton, TX       Magda said: > So, returning to your point -- whatever
the influcence of the catholic
> church in different parts and ways in Ireland and France, I think it
> is something to consider in the historical cultural production of
> current breastfeeding rates.
>
> Magda Sachs
> Breastfeeding Supporter, BfN, UK

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