>We live in such a bizarre society in the US
where some people don't have FRIENDS who can help them.  I consider it
somewhat *irresponsible of her* not to have developed backup systems of
childcare for emergencies.<

Aw come on, having identified that the issue is a cultural one which happens
at the level of the entire society, why go on to 'blame the victim'?

Having moved all over the US as a kid and later to England (several times) I
know that if you are just a bit out of harmony with the surrounding culture,
it can be hard to make connections, which you might be able to build into
arrangements for your children.

And should be we be saying that women *should* invest lots of energy in the
early years of their children's lives in making them comfortable with going
to other care-givers?  Emergency back-up is different, and why should this
mother be told she should use -- and maybe use up --  her emergency back-up
on jury duty?

And, as other posters have said, jury duty could involve overnight
sequestering, an unpredictable length of time for alternative care needed,
etc.

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter, BfN, UK

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html