Liz makes an excellent point. Also, (I am NOT speaking FOR LLL, so this is my
own interpretation of LLL Philosophy) usually LLL does not step in unless
ASKED to.
In other words, from my understanding a mother from this situation would need
to contact LLL's legal department, and request some assistance. LLL has
learned from decades of such interactions, that it is not wise to tread where
we (they) are not asked to be by the mothers.
Also, from my understanding, LLL is NOT a religious nor political organization,
so it would have to be handled with kid gloves in the first place.
My guess is that the women involved in this situation would NOT call LLL for
help. These women have been isolated by their cult, and I see it as extremely
unlikely they would call an organization which supports ALL women from ALL
religious and political standpoints, without taking their own religious or political
stand.
I don't know how many AAPLs Texas has, but my guess would be that would
be the first point of contact. (I am not, however, trying to put pressure on
Texas AP department.)
I have been a LLL member for almost 22 years, and a LLL leader for nearly 19
years, and also a former AAPL. LLL leaders do not step in, where they are not
asked, and in a situation of this delicacy, I think it would need a great deal of
careful consideration and maybe more than LLL can handle alone. (BUT again, I
DO NOT speak for LLL, I am just speaking on my understanding of Philosophy
AND understanding of the mechanics of legal advocacy.)
For instance, if I knew, when I was an AAPL that a woman in my area was
having problems with a divorce, custody or overnight visitation issue with a
breastfed baby, I could not, as either a LLL Leader or an AAPL simply step in
and start any balls rolling, without her asking for help. As leaders we NEED to
be contacted and have moms agree to our help, and even then, we can't
always change things. I have seen custody and visitation go very well with
some help, and I have seen BF Advocates put in just as much effort and have
no good come from the court decisions. As an IBCLC, I have been contacted
by mothers to help with everything from Jury Duty (which is now been solved
in our state, in mom and baby's favor) to overnight visitation with very young,
breastfeeding babies as well as toddlers. As people from the LLL legal
department used to tell us, "It is really up to the individual Judges'
understanding and empathy to how these cases turn out." Two very similar
cases could have completely different outcomes, simply depending on the
Judge.
Anyway, my guess is that not only would LLL need to be contacted by
mothers directly, but I think LLL's resources would be terribly strained in this
case. Perhaps hiring individual IBCLCs who have some legal understanding
would be these mother's best choice, maybe along with the PL department
helping out, IF asked, in most of these several hundred cases. (And either LLL
or IBCLCs or both in tandem will not guarantee the same outcome for all these
children and their mothers.)
Also, laws were broken in this case in Texas, and in many courtrooms, that it
the first and most important issue taken into account.
I feel for these mothers and their children, but often one needs to take
initiative in order to have advocacy. (I hope no one takes offense at this
statement, but it is very true.) I don't know if initiative is something many of
these women are willing to do, or even able. Sad.
Mary Jozwiak IBCLC, RLC, LLLL
Private Practice
All statements and opinions in this post are those of Mary Jozwiak alone. They
are not to be construed as speaking for any group, person or organization.
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