Leanna,
Why do you think that a foster mother breastfeeding is perceived as such a
big deal?? I have provided information and support to many foster mothers
wishing to breastfeed foster babies but it's not all that often that they
are given permission (even when parental rights have been terminated,
although I can't see that the potential for reunification should make a
difference, it seems you do, be interested in your thoughts). Usually the
families involved are not given a reason and I can only put it down to the
"ick factor" that pervades many things to do with breastfeeding. Even when I
wrote the paper for JHL one of my reviewers was clearly offended by the idea
of foster mothers breastfeeding the children in their care and wanted me to
turn it into a paper that was about donor milk...
Karleen Gribble
Australia
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Leanna Moore Watson
Sent: Wednesday, 2 February 2011 5:30 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Foster parenting and BF
Senecca,
I am on the Board of Directors and an Officer of a private foster care
non-profit in California. I cannot imagine that this foster mother would be
allowed to breastfeed her foster child, even if she has plans to
adopt.......we see bio parents get reunified with their children even when
we are sure that they will be released for adoption. The fact that the bio
mom has visitations shows that her rights have not yet been terminated. The
foster mom is not, at this point, an adoptive mom.....she is a state
supervised caretaker. I would caution her to get IN WRITING from her
agency social worker (if private) or her county social worker that she has
permission to breastfeed, or even feed breastmilk. This could have a huge
impact on her future as a foster mother and the chance she has to adopt this
child if she is trying to do it "under the radar". I guarantee that if she
were one of our clients, this mother would be decertified as a foster parent
IMMEDIATELY if we found out that she was breastfeeding this child secretly.
The bio mom's wishes have to be taken into consideration, and I would
imagine that a judge would have to OK this, as there is perceived risk of
injury (though we obviously see it as less risk than the judge/social worker
might). She should be treading VERY CAREFULLY or she might lose a lot more
than she is willing to sacrifice.
Leanna Moore Watson, BS, CLEC
Exam 2011!!
-----------------------------
Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2011 21:54:09 -0500
From: Senecca Kirkhart <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Foster parenting and breastfeeding?
I have been approached by a foster mother to help her latch her new foster
twins. This mother has already induced lactation and is pumping 2-3
times/day. I'm not sure if foster mom's are allowed to breastfeed?? Does
anyone have experience with this? I have not called social services as I do
not want her to get in trouble.
She says she is going to be adopting them, but I have no proof of that. I
do know the biological mother will never have custody, but she is involved
"a little" and has visitation rights. As of right now, the state/county
has custody of these twins. Just a little history--this mom has 7
children--3 of her own, 4 adopted, but she only breastfed her 3 biological
children.
Thanks in advance!
Senecca Kirkhart, CPNP
Rural Virginia
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