In a message dated 6/12/00 12:40:43 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< I do disagree that sucking a thumb or finger is a survival technique vs. a
habit.  Take some virgin primitive cultures that still use mom for dry
suckling, i.e. mom is the pacifier....you won't see a finger or rubber
"dumby" in those baby mouths.  What you will see is well developed dental
arches and NICE SMILES. In the U.S. and many nations that have been
modernized, you see very severe dental crowding and malocclusion.  >>

This makes perfect sense to me. My dd was only 3 1/2 when I completely lost
my milk supply due to a miscarriage and subsequent hemorrhage. She continued
to nurse "dry" for the next 1 1/2 years. I am convinced she would have sucked
her thumb if I had weaned her so early as she clearly needed to suckle. She
is now 8 and has the most perfectly spaced teeth coming in.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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