Katherine et al,
I am disappointed in the stereotyping of LDS (Mormons), of which I am
one, that was displayed  here yesterday.  Katherine, you are correct
about the fact that we have a deep commitments to a healthy lifestyle.
We do not drink alcohol, smoke, or drink caffeinated beverages.  We are
committed to the fact that our bodies were given us to be used wisely and
thus we try to treat our bodies as temples.  We are by no means any
different than the average man. In fact we are so mainstream, that most
people don't realize we are LDS unless it is brought up.  We get married
to one person, have sexual relations for pleasure and procreation, and
yes, we even breastfeed.  We are not, as implied, prudes.  We breastfeed
in public, including in church.  We do not as an organization have a hang
up about our bodies.  We do dress modestly, but does that doesn't mean we
are ashamed of our bodies.  I would like to tell you this, I have never
met an LDS woman that does not breastfeed.  Most of us breastfeed beyond
a year.
And I have seen many an exposed breast in my circle.

When I posed the question about possible sexual abuse, I didn't realize
that this would be an LDS issue.  I don't mean to be overly sensitive
about this, but you never even stated that you know for sure that these
women are LDS.  Utah is a state that has the largest LDS population,
however only about 50% of Utah is LDS as there is a large number of LDS
servicemen in the state as well.

Even if these women were LDS, the reason why they are having this
difficulty with their breasts is not their cultural upbringing, but I
suggest, rather a sad case of sexual abuse.

Respectfully,
Heather Richards
E-Mail Address:  [log in to unmask]


>Date:    Tue, 2 Dec 1997 13:37:23 -0600
>From:    "Katherine A. Dettwyler" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: EBM in Utah
>
>My limited understanding of the situation in Utah is that most of
>these moms
>are Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and have on
>the
>one hand, a deep commitment to a healthy lifestyle, such as no
>smoking, no
>alcohol, no caffeine, healthy diets, etc., and on the other hand, a
>very
>modest attitude towards the human body.  So -- no breastfeeding out in
>public, discomfort with handling their own breasts, etc.  Nothing like
>making sweeping generalizations, huh?  But those were the factors
>mentioned
>to me.
>
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