In a message dated 1/29/00 9:37:13 AM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Occasionally the courts get involved and take custody of the child away
from
 the parents, but this is extremely rare and usually only for very
 complicated and involved situations -- certainly not because the parents of
 a newborn say "No thanks" to a blood sugar check. >>

Kathy, I would like to be confident that custody wouldn't be taken away from
parents asserting their rights as you did when Alex was born.  I can't point
to case studies to justify fearing otherwise, but I do.  Especially in
communities where natural birth and breastfeeding are rare I'm afraid that
overzealous hospital staff could react and call child protective services
about a mom who refused separation, blood sugar tests, suck testing (with
sterile water), antibiotic ointment and baths for her newborn, HepB
vaccination, and all the other stuff I personally would refuse if I birthed
in a hospital (but 99% of women accept without question).  And while my
husband and I might escape unscathed from such a situation I would be very
leary if we were black, poor, non-Christian, and/or not college-educated.

I would like to hear from some of you folks who work in hospitals, especially
those that are (much) less than baby friendly.  How far from the common
culture can parents dare to stray without risking (temporary) custody?  Does
their socio-economic status matter?  Is there luck involved (which head nurse
is on duty?)  I thought I learned in the past that one of the routine
observations made by medical staff was an assessment of parental bonding and
skill, is this accurate?  What if the staff's assessment is that the parents
are "whacko"?  Does child protective services perform objective assessment or
are HCPs' opinions given much weight?

Elaine Ziska
Jackson, MS

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