The mother plead GUILTY to the charge of child neglect. There must be more to this charge than just "breastfeeding while drunk".
"Intervention, counseling, and support"? Absolutely!
But, I still believe that if a breastfeeding woman wishes to have a drink...so be it. But flat out DRUNK while breastfeeding? I think I'd put that in the category of child neglect.
Regardless of the argument of whether or not the alcohol is passing through the mother's milk to the child... the "drunk" state of a woman taking care of a newborn or child of any age should not be acceptable.
Many people plead guilty to reduce the possibility of the sentence being even more outlandish-especially if there is a threat of losing a baby hanging over the head.
No one can tell, at a glance, if you are drunk. NO ONE. This is a woman who was quite likely beaten for a bit. WHo would then be possibly wobbly and having difficulty thinking straight. I smell like a brewery after one beer-would you know if I was drunk? No test, no go. They have absolutely zero way to know.
This makes me so mad. She obviously felt she had no choice but to plead guilty. There are so many questions here that have not been answered and I for one want one of the breastfeeding rights groups like LLL or another coalition to take this up and fight for her rights in this matter.
Even if it is taboo there is nothing illegal about it. No matter what you think about it or choose to do yourself.
I simply can't imagine these police--or any police--arresting a man who is simultaneously holding a beer and a baby. Honestly.
Yes, you could definitely do some damage to an infant or child if you were actually drunk and had poor control. I agree with PhD in Parenting's post on the matter:
http://www.phdinparenting.com/20...-for-your-baby/
I wonder if they had a bias because of her previous criminal record, whatever that involved. The police almost certainly knew/found out about that during the visit. It's routine to run names when the police show up (to look for outstanding warrants).
And actually, many people plead guilty even if that is not the best decision for them. Poor lawyering, lack of education, threats over who the child might go to: these all may have played a part in her case.
I of the opinion that if you are in your own home, you do what you think is right and if that means you want to get "happy" with a few drinks, it does not matter and you should not be judged by what others would do. Poeple are different and that is what makes this world so great. So some will do thinks that are more risque than others.
Can you imagine if the entire world were as worried about every little thing as Americans are?!?!? Boring!!!! I'd kill myself.
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