LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Jake Marcus <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 9 Feb 2010 15:48:53 -0500
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (19 lines)
Thank you Linda. I have found some of the responses to this question perplexing.

Obviously there is much we don't know about this particular mother. That she has a drug history and used immediately prior to this birth does not necessarily mean that she is currently an active addict and that seems critical to determine when deciding if she is a danger to her child. If there is someone on staff at the hospital willing and competent to make that assessment, great. It needs to be done. What I don't think anyone has mentioned is the certainty that the health care providers involved are mandated reporters under state law. What is known about this mother's current drug use may mandate a report. 

I wish I could have high hopes that the intervention of social services leads to the actual provision of appropriate services for the mother and the child but I don't. If this mom needs in-patient drug treatment, finding her a bed will be difficult and finding a place in a facility that will allow her to keep her baby with her and breastfeed once her milk is safe is extremely unlikely. Chances are good that the mandated report will lead to removal of the child and a mother without access to addiction treatment.  However, failure to intervene poses both legal and medical risk.

Jake Marcus, J.D.

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome

ATOM RSS1 RSS2