I apologize in advance if this has already been dealt with, but could
whoever posted about exclusive bfing for 6-9 months reducing risk for
osteoporosis by 73% explain: is the time period (6-9 mo) cumulative - as
in "having in her lifetime nursed exclusively 6-9 months", or is it one
lactation period (one baby) only. Oh, dear, I didn't ask that well. Does a
mom have to exclusively bf at least one baby for 6-9 mo. in order to
reduce her risk? Or can she reduce her risk by having say 3 babies and
exclusively bfing *each one* for only 3 months? This is important for me
to know, since I think I have a pretty good shot of persuading a lot of
moms to nurse exclusively for 3 months, while if I tell them that 6 months
is really a spiffy idea, they'll be appalled....

Also, is there any knowledge or speculation as to *why* this reduced risk
happens?
Fascinating stuff!
Judy Knopf