In a message dated 1/2/02 10:21:35 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

>Interesting....but most of the Irish who came to the US (say between
>1830 and 1930) would certainly have breastfed, Lynn.
I think we might find that feeding behaviour - more than any
other???? - adapts to the cultural norms of the place you are in at
the time. <<

Thanks Heather and I would agree but the same is true for Ireland as well.
That is, all babies were breastfed prior to the advent of formula but what is
it about the Irish (nationals or not!) that makes them less susceptible to
the more recent upsurge in breastfeeding! Here in New England, I find the
Irish to be particularly *modest* (for lack of a better word!) and reluctant
to see breasts used in that way. Now whether that is the combination of Irish
with the *puritanical* older inhabitants of this area, I don't know but it
does seem to be consistent with the *newer* Irish immigrants as well.
Thanks for the interesting discussion!
Lynn Shea Rn,Bsn,Ibclc
Franklin,Massachusetts

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