Sarah, you offer excellent tactical suggestions for the advocate
testifying, or serving in some sort of official capacity, in the case of a
mother in a custody/visitation battle, where extended BF has been called
into question by opposing counsel (with hints of sexual abuse overtones no
less), non-vaccination is being dangled to suggest bad parenting, and
development issues with the child in question make close, secure and
uninterrupted contact with mother important.

My suggestions were offered for the IBCLC friend whose informal assistance
-- not expert witness role -- has been sought.  Offering up to the
court-appointed guardian ad litem some evidence-based background on the
long- and short-term health impacts for both mother and baby is often the
first way to "open some eyes" in the non-lactation world.  "Risks of Not
BF" is my go-to because it is short, sweet and offers an evidence base for
the dose-dependent nature of BF... thus bringing long-term or extended BF
into the picture, without that being the sole focus.

The GAL (at least is US jurisdictions) has a primary responsibility *to the
child* and reports *to the judge.*  A good GAL (willing to learn more,
eager to advocate in the child's best interests, able to look beyond the
short-term squabbling or personality clashes of the primary parties to the
suit) can be invaluable.  Sure, some GALs can be lemons ... so can judges,
mothers and fathers for that matter ... but the very good news in this very
sad case is that one has been appointed.  The IBCLC can make her expertise
available to the GAL, who can use it to inform him/herself about the issues
at hand for *this* child, in preparing the report to the court.

-- 
Liz Brooks JD IBCLC FILCA
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

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