I have been following this thread, praying that somehow this family,
especially the mom/child relationship, would heal, and that maybe the media
would stay out of it.  I have been greatly bothered by the tone of many of
the posts on this subject.  The facts  seem scarce as far as the general
public is concerned, yet there seems to be much speculating as to the
possibility of sexual abuse.  The original Wall Street Journal article said
that the judge's comment was that breastfeeding was not the issue, if I
remember right.  My initial and current reaction (without knowing anything
other than media reports), is supportive of the mother.  I'd at least like
to give her the benefit of the doubt based on a couple of things.  First of
all, somewhere locked away in my mind, I remember an article I read
(research?) that stated that breastfeeding mothers are less likely to abuse
their children (while they are breastfeeding) than non-breastfeeding
mothers.  This kind of makes sense when you think about it.  Secondly, I
have had experience (LLL) with older breastfeeding children, and it is true
that they may indeed deny the relationship to others.  They know, even at 3
or 4 years of age, who is "breastfeeding friendly".  They are also well
aware that most of their friends are not nursing any longer.  Maybe the
truth will come out, and we'll all know what happened and why.  Since we are
all just speculating, why not show support for extended breastfeeding and
the special relationship it fosters between mother and child?  Goodness
knows that breastfeeding moms everywhere need it from society in general,
and especially from "professionals".

Thanks for listening!
Lisa Huntze, IBCLC

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