Petition for Child Custody Reform

To: Rensselaer Family Court and Child Welfare Authorities

We call for a reform of child custody practices to prioritize the well-being of children under three years of age, with a particular emphasis on the importance of maternal attachment and breastfeeding. Current directives often mandate equal time-sharing between parents, even in situations where such arrangements may not be in the best interest of the child. We urge policymakers and judicial authorities to consider the following:

1.   Review Equal Time-Sharing Mandates: Ensure that equal time-sharing custody arrangements are re-evaluated, especially when restraining orders against one of the parents are in place, and recognize that such parents may not be suitable role models. Ensure that any restraining orders are carefully considered and resolved before allowing the parent against which the order is established to start spending prolonged periods of time with the child.

2.   Prioritize Breastfeeding Benefits: Children receive far more than nutrients from breastfeeding, breastmilk has antiviral, antiparasitic, and antiallergic components. Breastfeeding promotes infant development by fostering robust brain growth and nurturing cognitive and emotional maturation. It has a pivotal role in ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and children. When the child is separated from the mother overnight or a couple of days, even if pumped breastmilk is provided, the child is deprived of these essential benefits.  

Maternal happiness is the number one indicator as to whether or not the child will grow up to thrive, backed by evidence. Encourage paternal parents to support breastfeeding parents and children through frequent day visits rather than overnight stays until the child stops breastfeeding. 

3.   Address Child Distress: We’re amidst a children’s mental health crisis – babies are not resilient, they’re adaptable. Creation of any sensible custody arrangements should be guided by a child psychologist. At present, legal professionals in charge of creating and legitimizing parenting agreements have no psychological knowledge or sensitivity. 

We believe these changes are essential to protect the health and well-being of young children and to promote a more balanced and thoughtful approach to custody arrangements. These are common practices in all developed countries. 

We realize that not every maternal parent will breastfeed or develop a strong attachment to the child; in that case placing the child with the parent who provides the best conditions for the child to thrive makes the most sense.