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A Northampton County mother is outraged after she says a local judge told her to stop breastfeeding her daughter.
Jessica Moser has been in a custody battle with her daughter Jasmine’s father for months. She says, two weeks ago a judge told her to stop breastfeeding Jasmine so the 10-month-old could stay overnight with her dad.
Since Jasmine was born last December, mom Jessica Moser says she’s been the one primarily caring for her daughter. But now the legal system is involved.
“I’m feeling frustrated, hurt,” explained Jessica. “I’m trying to keep myself from crying, it’s very emotional.”
At a recent custody hearing, a judge ruled 10-month-old Jasmine must stay with her father overnight for two days.
“And if I do not comply, I will have my child taken away,” added Jessica.
The problem is, Jasmine still breastfeeds. And Jessica says the judge doesn’t care.
“He did say something along the lines like, well she should be on formula, or why isn’t she on formula, she should be able to have formula at ten months.”
The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, then start eating solid foods, while continuing to nurse for at least two years. Jessica says she’s not trying to keep Jasmine from her father, she just wants what’s best for her daughter.
“I’m very passionate about having that right to breastfeed,” she said. Pumping isn’t an option. Jessica says she can’t pump enough milk for two days, and Jasmine won’t take a bottle.
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