Well I guess I opened up a can of worms.  I would like to clarify my
intentions of my post.  I am the one who stated something like, "I
wonder how many of the great athletes breastfed"and"Sounds were like a
good research project".  At that time I was probably the only member of
the list that did not notice that a certain athlete had facial
characteristics suggesting difficulty with breastfeeding or not
breastfeeding.  Boy do I feel sheepish.  I was interested in the
discussion that followed.  I took it as a learning experience.  As to
wasting time on speculation, I have to respectfully disagree.
Speculation has always been the root of scientific inquiry.  Someone a
while ago wondered if the earth might not be flat.

I don't think anyone was judging a certain individual's mother.  We have
explored many observations of breastfed individuals and formulated
hypothesizes. We have tested them using the best scientific method
available and have proved some benefits to breastmilk.  We have many
speculations and observations left to prove.  I was simply wondering if
breastmilk has any bearing on athleticism.  

Amy, I was struck by your struggles with your children's health issues.
By strengthening their immune systems early in life by giving
breastmilk, you may have prevented even more serious outcomes then the
ones you shared.  It is something we can only speculate upon.  My
personal experience is with my learning disabled daughter.  I am sad
that she has to struggle with academics.  How much did breastmilk help
her compensate for her difficulties? I do not know that answer either.
But I am almost sure that breastfeeding did not contribute to the
severity of her learning disability.  I would also speculate that your
breastfeeding did not potentiate any of your children's illnesses.

I am hoping we can move on and see the bigger picture in all of this and
to continue in the wondrous explorations of life,

 

Mary Westra


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