We have just entered a new era on the IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING!

I have just returned from Washington where I attended a sleep disorders
conference and also had a chance to evaluate skulls at the Smithsonian.

For 2 1/2 days I evaluated as many skulls as I could at the Smithsonian.
 Also had  great discussions with the anthropologists about what I was
looking for - and they got excited also.  Took 10 rolls of slides.  Found
what I expected to find.  The Smithsonian computer is hopefully turning out
data right now - which will get you excited.

What I have posted in the past about oral shape and airway size is standing
up to the test of the skulls.  At this point I can comfortably say that
breastfeeding does not cause tooth decay.  I still need to see the data that
is coming before I can make a stronger statement.

At the sleep disorders conference three papers where presented which all had
significant statistical reliability - which stated oral shape is a risk
factor in sleep disorders.  None of the researchers addressed why the mouths
were shaped the way they were.  All of you know the answer - and I have the
skull research to prove it!!!!!

The main paper is so new it has not yet been published.  I just received an
email post from the main researcher of the study today.  He has received the
"researcher of the year award" for his research.  I had discussed my research
with him a little.  His comments - "your area of study is fascinating".  The
model for his research was developed through "observations that patients with
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome tended to have high arched palates and
narrow and retroposed mandibles".  His research center is the "gold standard"
for other research centers.  Interesting isn't it?  All of this will be
explained at the ILCA conference.

Also convinced another researcher out of Milwaukee to add "were you breastfed
and for how long" on his screening questionnaire for people with sleep
disorders!

A Pediatrician out of Chicago who has written two books on pediatric care and
is currently writing his third, made me promise him three time during our
conversation that I would send him a copy of the video of my presentation as
soon as I could.

See why I got a little excited last week!

My presentation has been sitting on the shelf gathering dust for a few years
- maybe ahead of its time, but with the introduction of this new research by
others in the field of sleep, the timing for my presentation could not have
been better.

Due to a time element, I will not be able to contribute much to Lactnet until
after the conference but  I will continue to sit on the side-line and skim
your posts.  You are also welcome to email questions if needed.

See you at the conference in sunny KC in 5 weeks.

"We only see what we know, therefore we must know to serve"!

Brian Palmer D.D.S.
eMail - [log in to unmask]