They all believed that breastfeeding more frequently would result in spoiled babies that ruled the household and later, toddlers and young children who were needy and demanding. All seemed sincere parents, wanting to do what was right.

"Medically, if you look at any textbook on breastfeeding -- just pick one -- you aren't going to find one that suggests this kind of limited feeding," said Kearney, president of the Florida Lactation Consultant Association, an organization of experts on breastfeeding.

The course, called "Preparation for Parenting", sprang from the pen of Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo, founders of the Chatsworth, California-based Growing Families International, a ministry devoted to parenting and child-care issues.

Ministry officials estimate more than 100,000 people are enrolled in one of the Ezzo courses at any one time in the U.S. About 2,500 have taken one in Manatee and Sarasota counties, and possibly hundreds, maybe thousands, more have received their books second-hand.

The Ezzos' courses are taught in 15 languages and 95 countries. About 40 local churches have taught one of their courses, ministry officials say.