The quality of a mother's milk and the health of her child: beliefs and practices of the women of Mithila

Reissland, N.; Burghart, R.

Social Science and Medicine 27(5): 461-469

1988


ISSN/ISBN: 0277-9536
PMID: 3227354
DOI: 10.1016/0277-9536(88)90369-3
Document Number: 361482
Among Maithil women there is an understanding of the relation between a mother's milk and the health of her child. Their understanding is supported by the Ayurvedic tradition. Characteristic is the way in which breast-feeding condenses so many meanings--nutritional, medical and moral--into one act. The mother not only nurses her child but also forms his character, fulfills her own personhood and perpetuates her husband's family.

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The quality of a mother's milk and the health of her child: beliefs and practices of the women of Mithila