An interesting discussion. I agree that we need to make cultural changes
and those are slow--through our own children, through education of the
public, and through every tiny action that we can to put bf as the norm.
Every time we see a bf mother, complimenting and thanking her; everytime
there is a negative bf comment trying to educate, etc.

And I agree there is a conflict between empowering and affirming whatever a
woman wants and helping her to see what is possible,  maximizing her
physical and emotional health and that of her child. I liked the heart and
head comment! We do value the latter much more than the former. But here is
another thought......

A former dean at a CON where I taught did her PhD dissertation of
"mothering". She gave Meyers-Briggs personality tests to a group of I think
100+ women and then interviewed them about "mothering", their likes,
dislikes, thoughts, feelings, etc. (I can't remember exactly the details.)
Her results were quite fascinating.  She found that women mothered on a
continuum of behaviors with the very nurturing on one end and the more
analytical on the other end. The nurturing mothers loved babies and small
children and the analytical loved older children and adolescents.  Of
course, the bulk of women bell curved in the middle. I don't remember if
she published the data, but I will ask her if she has or has a copy so that
I can give you all more info if you are interested.

Relating this to women and when they wean, I wonder if the mothers on
analytical end are the mothers who wean earlier?  Could we taylor our
approach to their particular personality type. Provide them with data about
improving their child's IQ, how this child will be less dependent later if
has more nurturing and nursing now, show her how bf can make her life
easier, show her how she can do the things she wants to do and still bf.
Does this make sense?  Do we have a psychologist out there who could help
us adapt our counseling to the Meyers-Briggs personality types?????
Carol L'Esperance, RN, MSN, IBCLC
Albuquerque, NM 87106 USA

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