02-01-2014, 01:59 PM
ILLEGAL NOT TO BREASTFEED
I think this is going way too far and milking the "for the children" rationale for all it's worth and then some. Sucks. IMO.
![[Image: n-ARAB-MOM-BREASTFEEDING-large570.jpg]](http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1591578/thumbs/n-ARAB-MOM-BREASTFEEDING-large570.jpg)
The Emirates' Federal National Council has passed a clause, part of their new Child Rights Law, requiring new moms to breastfeed their babies for two full years, The National reports. Now, men can sue their wives if they don't breastfeed.
According to the National, there was a "marathon debate" over the legislation, but it was ultimately decided that it is every child's right to be breastfed.
Research has found many benefits of breastfeeding for baby, from reducing the risk of obesity to better language and motor development.
However, not all new moms are able to nurse. In those instances, if a woman is prohibited by health reasons, the council will provide a wet nurse to her. It's unclear exactly how a mother's ability to breastfeed will be determined though.
Marie-Claire Bakker, a member of U.S.-based breastfeeding support group, La Leche League made this statement: “At this vulnerable time, to think of criminalising a new mother who, for whatever reason, is struggling with breastfeeding is not helpful ... She needs informed support, not threats," she told the National.
Full story: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1591578/thumbs...rge570.jpg
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I'm not one who gets squeamish over public breast feeding, but understand those who do. And, if I were a mother and physically able, I would very likely choose to breast feed - though probably not up til the kid was 2 years old.
Still, those are personal choices for each mother to make anywhere in the world and shouldn't be mandated by law, as far as I'm concerned.
And, a husband being able to sue his wife for refusing to breast feed their baby? Pffft.
Completely different culture, obviously, that's not breaking news. Still, this law being passed did surprise me, for some reason.
I think this is going way too far and milking the "for the children" rationale for all it's worth and then some. Sucks. IMO.
The Emirates' Federal National Council has passed a clause, part of their new Child Rights Law, requiring new moms to breastfeed their babies for two full years, The National reports. Now, men can sue their wives if they don't breastfeed.
According to the National, there was a "marathon debate" over the legislation, but it was ultimately decided that it is every child's right to be breastfed.
Research has found many benefits of breastfeeding for baby, from reducing the risk of obesity to better language and motor development.
However, not all new moms are able to nurse. In those instances, if a woman is prohibited by health reasons, the council will provide a wet nurse to her. It's unclear exactly how a mother's ability to breastfeed will be determined though.
Marie-Claire Bakker, a member of U.S.-based breastfeeding support group, La Leche League made this statement: “At this vulnerable time, to think of criminalising a new mother who, for whatever reason, is struggling with breastfeeding is not helpful ... She needs informed support, not threats," she told the National.
Full story: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1591578/thumbs...rge570.jpg
-----------------------------------------------------------
I'm not one who gets squeamish over public breast feeding, but understand those who do. And, if I were a mother and physically able, I would very likely choose to breast feed - though probably not up til the kid was 2 years old.
Still, those are personal choices for each mother to make anywhere in the world and shouldn't be mandated by law, as far as I'm concerned.
And, a husband being able to sue his wife for refusing to breast feed their baby? Pffft.
Completely different culture, obviously, that's not breaking news. Still, this law being passed did surprise me, for some reason.