Hi all,

The subject of visitation is a very difficult one at any time in an infant/baby/   toddler/child's life, but during breastfeeding it comes also at a very critical time.   There have been a number of posts lately, and I thank Liz for her very straightforward presentation and comments about the legal aspects.  

   The inability of a mother and father to live together, or support one another, may have a longer history than this pregnancy.  Or it may only have become apparent until the pregnancy.  Whatever the reason for separation, please realize it isn't necessarily the father's fault, nor is it necessarily his choice. Separated fathers are punished enough by having limited time in their children's early lives, without being further falsely indicted for being the ones who made it so.

I have been very close to all the people involved in two such cases -- the fathers are not deadbeats, did not choose to be separated from their infants, or for that matter from the mothers.   It is a sad situation for everybody concerned, but it is made worse when the dads are villified by an entire establishment and/or society for something they didn't do.

Sincerely, 

Chanita (admittedly on a soapbox, but very connected to both cases)