Jeanette: Can you use Miriam Labbok's schema and framework for breastfeeding definitions when you collect your statistics? I have always thought that if this were used in defining the breastfeeding and nonbreastfeeding groups, we would see far more dramatic differences in all the research studies. The schema is meant to be used at any one point in time, and differentiates between breastfeeding as "full" (exclusive or almost exclusive), "partial" (high, medium or low) and "token" (minimal, token or irregular). It is diagrammed in an easy-to-use format, like a flow chart. "Exclusive breastfeeding" is defined as no other liquid or solid being given to the infant. "Almost exclusive" is defined as "vitamins, minerals, water, juice, or ritualistic feeds given infrequently in addition to breastfeeds." The schema does not ask whether the breastmilk is given by feeding at the breast or as pumped milk via bottle, cup, or other means. That would be interesting information, too. The flow chart used to be available through the Institute of Reproductive Health at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Labbok is no longer there, I believe. It was published as "The Lactational Amenorrhea Method: A Postpartum Intorductory Family Planning Method with Policy and Program Implication." in Advances in Contraception 1994; 10:93-101. Perhaps another lactnetter will know how to more easily obtain copies of this chart. It would be really nice to see it published some time in JHL. Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, WI