Here's my response to K. Gibbons of the Record-Eagle.

Dear Ms. Gibbons,

I was so disheartened to read your recent piece on the pictures in
National Geographic and saggy breasts.  While I could identify with the
children searching the pages for pictures of nearly naked people, my
amusement quickly turned to dismay.

One of the unfortunate reasons many women choose *not* to breastfeed
their babies is the *erroneous* idea that it will make their breasts
sag.  The reality is that pregnancy, gravity and heredity determine how
much our breasts will sag.

As I read your piece it was obvious that you enjoyed breastfeeding your
baby.  I am happy for you and your baby.  How sad that the other words
you wrote will misinform some and reinforce the misinformation of others
- perhaps even cause a mother to choose *not* to breastfeed her
child(ren)!

I urge you to consider a foloow up to your column.  Perhaps capitalizing
on the truly beautiful and funny things that happen between a
breastfeeding mom and her baby.  My favorites are:
- my twins holding hands while they nurse
- the beautiful way a baby looks at mom when they are nursing
- the peaceful look on the face of a baby who has just fallen asleep at
        the breast
- my three year old son saying "here mom, she needs to nurse"as
he carried my daughter to me after she fell
I'd be pleased to supply you with even more ideas along these lines.

Another idea for a column might be to share another perspective on
breasts and breastfeeding with your readers.  Many of the women I know
are so amazed and empower to know that their breasts and their bodies
alone produced milk that nourished and nurtured their children as they
grew and thrived.  Many other women have shared that breastfeeding was
an experience that help them truly appreciate their breasts for the
first time, no longer concerned for their appearance, they now marvel at
their functioning.

I look forward to hearing more from you.

Sincerely,

Kym C. Smythe, M.Ed