Hi guys, sorry a bit behind on the posts.
I think that pacifiers are definately used much more here in Israel.  I
have no idea if this is cultural- it is not only in my Orthodox clientel-
that has nothing to do with it.  But I will say that I have a much harder
time saying blanketly across the board no pacifiers in this group.  I have
mothers that simply cannot always stop to BF.  Imaginge sending 5 or 6 kids
off in the morning (assuming the others are older and getting off by
themselves)... sometimes you need something to make the baby wait those 20
minutes or whatever.  I tell them don't use it in the first month for sure.
 After that, I find that most would not breastfeed at all without it.
In terms of modesty, this group is definately more modest.  I have seen the
range.  Those who even in front of family will always go into their bedroom
to BF and lock the door- (imagine what that does to the other kids) to
those that will tie a cloth diaper or wear a nursing "bib" to cover
themselves while they feed, to those that will casually lift their shirts
and make sure no skin is showing, but ONLY in front of women, NEVER men.
They would in a situation of neccessity on the bus or something cover with
a blanket discreetly and try to sit in a less obvious seat.  This is pretty
much the range, and I work with the most "ULTRA ORTHODOX" that there is
(although I hate that termanology, because it sounds so crazy and extreme).
What is interesting and frustrating to me is as follows:
someone mentioned that according to Jewish law a women is not allowed to
touch casually or have relations with her husband the entire time she has
her period and for a week after that.  So it comes out you basically have 2
weeks out of the month, and this is always the most fertile time.  Many
women are relieved to nurse, as they do not get their periods, and
therefore do not have to worry  about the whole issue.  But what I see
pretty often is that these women nurse for a few months but then tell me
they got their periods, so since it is "doing nothing" for them now, they
just wean.
I may sound crazy here, I mean I am in this business, but didn't they enjoy
the BF?  How can they just give it up so easily?
I speak alot about health benifits to the mother and baby so they realize
even if it is "not doing anything" for them, it is still so worth it.
There are many people in the world, and I guess our job is to try to be
caring and understanding to them all....
Regards,
Jessica Billowitz, IBCLC
Israel

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html