from the lll web page:
In the 1981 edition of THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING under a section called "Elective Surgery for You or Your Baby," there was mention of circumcision as well as tubal ligation. However, it was omitted in all subsequent editions because these issues were considered mixing causes. We consider circumcision to be outside the realm of our expertise in La Leche League. Other organizations can do a better job of educating parents about circumcision than LLL. (See reference list below.) Because it is not, in and of itself, a breastfeeding issue, LLLI does not take any position on it, nor does the Board of Directors plan to issue any sort of policy statement about it. We see a distinction between making published statements in LLLI publications distributed worldwide and responding to mothers' concerns in the context of informal discussions at Series Meetings.
This is an important point to bring out at Series Meetings if mothers voice strong opinions on the matter. There are no specific rules about what to say or avoid about circumcision at an LLL Series Meeting. It is natural that this topic might come up as part of a discussion about childbirth decisions and the early days after birth. La Leche League welcomes all mothers who want to breastfeed, regardless of decisions about circumcision - and we rely on Leaders to present material and facilitate discussions with this idea in their minds and hearts. We want parents to be able to hear our message about breastfeeding without being sensitized by other issues. Each Leader knows the sensitivities of the mothers in her Group best. We rely on the Leader to bring the discussion back to the issue of breastfeeding and helping the mother decide what is best for her family.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Sherar
LLLI Board of Directors
Mahtomedi, Minnesota, USA
Judy Minami Western
United States Division,
Professional Liaison Editorial Advisor
Portland, Oregon, USA
Too bad 'mixing causes' doesn't apply to supporting circumcision as well as opposing it.
