I'm writing in response to the post about the woman with the supposed low IQ.

I wish I had some good advice to offer.  Instead I'll offer a few
observations.  "Normal" IQ is defined as 100 +/- 30 points.  If you have an
IQ of 70 or below, you are legally "mentally retarded."  Anyone with an IQ
over 70 may be slow, or noticeably "stupid" in common parlance, but they
aren't technically retarded.  Therefore, local social service agencies may
not be able to offer any help, as they are usually charged to serve the
mentally ill and the mentally retarded, not merely the "dim."  (I can get
away with these terms because I have a mentally retarded son!).  At the same
time, someone with an IQ of 80-90 shouldn't be noticeably "dim" in
conversation.  They may not be a rocket scientist, or able to figure out
abstract math or read Dickens, but they should be fine in normal
conversations.  That makes me wonder if the mother isn't having other
problems, such as drug abuse.  Any chance you can find family members of
this person to help, or neighbors, or maybe get a local church to take her
on as a special project to help her with the breastfeeding and early baby
care?  I wish you luck.
Kathy Dettwyler
e-mail to [log in to unmask]
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Specialist in infant feeding and growth