Breastfeeding and the patriarchy argument

Sir, – Jacky Jones (Health & Family, August 9th) mulls whether Ireland's breastfeeding rate – the lowest in the world – is a "form of protest against patriarchal authority".

Countries which achieve enviable breastfeeding rates at 12 months include Australia (30 per cent), Germany (23 per cent), Japan (60 per cent), Switzerland (28 per cent) and the US (27 per cent).

Whatever else these high-income countries have in common, absence of patriarchy is not among them.

– Yours, etc,

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Dr JOHN DOHERTY

Gaoth Dobhair,

Co Dhún na nGall.