>Research into the evolutionary origin of the mammary gland suggests that >mammary glands evolved before viviparity (life birth), and the original >purpose of early proto-lacteal secretions was to kill microbes in the nest >and on the surface of eggs. Ingestion of the secretions by the young, once >they had hatched, helped establish optimal intestinal flora in the young. >Only later did the nutritional and immunological functions of lactation >evolve, including the evolution of alpha-lactalbumin from lysozyme, allowing >the synthesis of lactose. Thanks so much for adding humor to my email reading today! I'm still ROTFLOL over this post. Stating that the mammary gland evolved is ludicrous at best. Has it not occurred to the "mammalian evolutionary ecologists" that each mammal was created specifically and that while species-specific evolution may occur to some extent, cross-species evolution requires a giant leap of faith into an unproven area? There are still some us out here who believe in the proven facts of a Creator, not the unproven _theory_ of evolution for creation. >The origins of lactation >and the evolution of milk: A review with new hypotheses. Note: yet more 'new hypotheses' as opposed to facts. Hmmm. This is one good example of a time when we need to put on our 'critical reading skills cap'. Always question anything you read whether in a newspaper, magazine, professional journal, book, etc. Just because someone managed to get something put in print, that doesn't automatically make it true. Make them prove themselves with facts, studies, etc. And use caution, because a study based on an incorrect premise will come up with a wrong conclusion. And studies can be interpreted from many angles. So even then we must use the brains we were created with to analyze these facts for ourselves. Now to tie this back into breastfeeding help When a mom calls us for clarification of something she has read, we should try to help her use these reading skills herself. Of course, I can say this after having had time to think it over. If I had received that call, I'm sure I would have had trouble not reacting with laughter. Thanks for giving me time to formulate my response, since these 'news' stories tend to make their way around the country (I suppose they go worldwide, as well) over time. Still chuckling, Charlotte Esau LLL Leader Olathe, KS USA