Hi Pam,
I am slightly ashamed to say I don't know what reading or research is out on
reverse cycle feeding, if any, but that seems to be the pattern this baby
has developed since it sounds like mom might be working during the day?
For info on breastfeeding and visitation issues, check the Breastfeeding and
the Law links at the LLLI website.
As a LLLL helping moms with visitation arrangements, I have learned to
encourage moms to focus not on breastfeeding per se, but on what is in the
best interest of the child. As you say, there is a lot of evidence on the
health benefits and developmental appropriateness of nursing a toddler. Age
of weaning, too. That's easy info to have on hand should the court want to
see it. Baby is eating solids and drinking cow's milk from a cup, so
weaning is already progressing and mom is not standing in the way of that.
Given the AAP ammunition, mom might want to keep mum about co-sleeping, but
baby is maintaining breastfeeding by nursing during the night. It would be
stressful for the baby to wean abruptly. It would make for miserable, sad
visits with her dad, and I would think dad and family would also be
concerned with what is in the child's best interest.
Diane Dressler, LLLL, IBCLC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Price Pamela B" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 12:13 PM
Subject: Nursing toddler/ custody case
I have a client who has been nursing her 16 month old and she is going
through a divorce. So far the toddler has not been staying overnight with
the dad because she is still nursing at night. This child has been weaned
from all bottles many many months ago after solids were started. Several
months back mom quit pumping while away since the child has been eating
solids and drinking whole milk by cup. Mom nurses in the evening and at
night.
Recently the paternal grandmother kept the toddler during the day and
because mom did not send any expressed breast milk for her cups, the
grandmother, father and now the father's lawyer contend that the child has
therefore been weaned since she can now drink cows milk and does not need
expressed breast milk.
Mom feels strongly that maintaining a stable home life is important. The
dad's drug problem and his behavior, is the reason for the divorce and for
supervised visits. Mom says that the toddler goes to sleep each night
nursing and awakens to nurse during the night as well.
While there is a lot of information out there about the health benefits of
nursing a toddler, I couldn't find information about the pattern or
frequency of nursing. Like... once they start solids and are no longer
taking bottles most moms do just nurse on demand when home or at night and
don't express milk for other feedings. Any suggested reading or information
would be appreciated.
Pam Price IBCLC, RLC
Charleston SC USA
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