Here we go again.  No one has the right to tell a mother she MUST stop
breastfeeding, unless there is *unequivocal* evidence that nursing
would be very dangerous for the child.  These instances are extremely,
underline extremely rare.  It certainly does not fit this mother's
situation.  Even if the baby had a mouth full of cavities, he could
advise her, but not order her.  Breastfeeding is more important than a
few cavities, for crying out loud.

It has been estimated that babies nursing during the second year of
life get about 30% of their calories from breastfeeding.  This
obviously varies from child to child.  Please don't ask for a
reference, I don't remember, though I think it comes from a UNICEF
publication.  Even if breastfeeding is a habit and of no nutritional
value, the psychologic value is important.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC