Many of you will remember the case of Renee Heikamp and her baby Jordan, as
there was a much-publicized inquest dealing with them earlier this year.
Renee was attempting to both breastfeed and give Jordan formula, but he died
of starvation after a few weeks. During the inquest, Renee (a 19-year-old
single mother who never finished grade 10) explained that she had never been
given any instructions on how to prepare formula either in the hospital
(where she was given bottles of ready-to-feed stuff) or at the shelter where
she went on discharge from the hospital. The shelter staff provided her with
powdered formula. Renee did not read the instructions on the can - she can
read, though not well - and said she did not even know there were
instructions. She just mixed the powder with water until it "looked right."

Unfortunately, it wasn't right. And while the nurse at the shelter told her
the baby was latched well and sucking properly when he nursed, this seems
unlikely.

I was disappointed that the verdict in this case was homicide, because I
don't believe she intentionally killed her baby and I think there were many
missed opportunities to help and teach this young mother.

Teresa Pitman
Guelph, Ontario

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