Dear All,

Nursing Matters is fighting to stop a 16 month old being forcibly night 
weaned from the mother, due to social services intervention, from this 
coming Monday.  The situation only developed today.

By Monday, we hope to hand social services a folder containing key 
medical information that allows them to see what harm they are causing 
the infant if they carry out this plan of action.

Unfortunately, as we've discovered, there are no references on this that 
we can call upon.  Therefore, can I ask if there are any of you reading 
this now, who have nice shiny letters after your name, to write a formal 
letter, stating in your professional opinion, the likely effect of an 
abrupt cessation of night breastfeeding on a 16 month old infant, in 
pain and on medication for burns. 

Of especial note, is the need to highlight that there may be significant 
weight loss of such an infant, as they are a bed sharing infant, who has 
never slept without the mother, and until now has been a a frequent 
night time feeder.  This is of especial interest as the paediatrician 
who has declared the burns suspicious has also declared the infant is 
underweight, and an order is being put in place to ensure the infant is 
weighed every three days over the next three weeks.  Weight loss by this 
infant will be used as further evidence of neglect.

The infant is not underweight.

If you have the time, it is also worth mentioning the danger to the 
mother's supply, and health, from an abrupt cessation of night feeding, 
in this manner, and the need for her to maintain supply to protect the 
nursing relationship.

Letters can be sent as attachments, to me, on 
[log in to unmask]  They should be addressed: To Whom In May 
Concern, and then start with a statement of your own qualifications in 
lactation, and  an outline of your years of experience.

Many thanks

Morgan Gallagher

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