Pamela wrote:

> Date:    Tue, 2 Aug 2011 11:20:54 -0400
> From:    "Pamela McArthur-Elliott RNC, IBCLC"  
> <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: expert witness
>
> Fellow Lactneters: I am an IBCLC and have received a  sopena to  
> testify in a battle between 2 parents regarding the weaning of  
> their 18 mo old daughter. I appear on Thursday. The situation:  
> couple has been divorced since before birth of baby. She has been  
> breastfed and just started going to overnight visits with the dad.  
> She had been nursing 6 times per day, and mom has just requested  
> that she be allowed to nurse her 1 time a day while she visits the  
> dad. He feels she is old enough to be weaned. I observed baby  
> nursing and she is a tipical toddler who is easily distracted, but  
> definately takes the lead in nursing. I am planning on using the  
> World Heath's recommendations, but have been asked why I do not  
> "abide by" the AAP's recommendation of 1 year, which I tried to  
> explain that does not mean cutting off nursing at one year, but  
> that being the minimum standard. Any other ideas... Did I mention  
> that I hate confrontation???

I would recommend that you go to the La Leche League International  
web site and look at the category of "Breastfeeding and Family Law" at

http://www.llli.org/law/lawus.html

There are six articles there that give comprehensive and thoughtful  
advice on custody and visitation issues.  I would make sure that you,  
the lawyers involved, and the mother herself read these articles in  
preparation for the court appearance.  Maybe bring copies for the  
judge and opposing lawyers as well.  Look them all over and decide  
which best meet your needs in this case.

Information for Mothers in Family Law Situations (10/15/06)
The Breastfeeding Relationship and Visitation Plans (from New  
Beginnings)
Breastfeeding and Divorce (12/31/95)
In the Best Interest of Breastfed Babies (custody issues) (1997)
Extended Breastfeeding and the Law (reprinted from Mothering  
Magazine, 1993)
Extended Breastfeeding and the Law (from Breastfeeding Abstracts,  
February 2001)

Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC, LLLL
Madison, WI
[log in to unmask]

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