Cai - Yes, the Irish are very good at laughing at themselves, like many people are (regardless of extraction), so are Jewish people from those that I know. Trust me, in Ireland, a lot of the terms we take for granted (including calling something 'Irish' when it is illogical) are not heard of and those who have heard the terms take great offence. The ones who don't are younger and haven't thought about where the 'jokes' originate. Being laughed at (for reasons of racist origins borne of subjugation) is very different from laughing at oneself and accepting jokes made about you that are a bit rude and very unfounded. I'm first gen, too, with all my relations living in Ireland (and have lived there for a spell), so that's my reality, can't vouch for yours
Take home message is that relying on BF for contraception could end in a dilemma! Another story - a friend of mine has 3 children, one a couple of days older than my DS. First of all she was told she'd never conceive (let alone give birth, but that's another story!), yet she did, nearly 5 years ago. She has actually never had a period since then and managed to conceive two more children (all planned and spaced about 2 years apart) whilst term BFing and co-sleeping. So, she's ovulated and caught it on time - I love her story!