Breastfeeding and Jury Dutyby Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger 25 Jun 2007 05:02 PM I have found myself in a most unpleasant situation. I will start by saying the simple fact of the matter is, I cannot serve. I have a gazillion and one reasons why I cannot but suffice it to say that as Murphey's Law would have it, they called the one week I just can't go. Every single babysitter known to man (or at least known to my adorable, but slightly difficult two year old twins) is busy and gone. Had they given me a summons the week earlier or the week later it would've been fine. But they didn't and I can't go. But my summons to jury duty and my subsequent predicament got me to thinking. . .what if I were breastfeeding? Well, I am breastfeeding but I'm breastfeeding toddlers and I don't think I will have much luck convincing a judge that they desperately need me during the day. Truthfully, the twins will survive without nursing for a few days. After all, they are two years old. However, I may not survive. Since there are two of them, nursing three times a day is the equivalent of nursing 6 times per day. . .and well, if you're nursing 6 times per day and then suddenly stop. . .let's just say it's akin to Old Faithful. So, what do nursing mothers do when they get summoned to serve? If you live in Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraksa, Oklahoma, Oregon or Virgina--you're in luck! These states all have state laws that allow exemptions or postponement for breastfeeding mothers. Alaska, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, and Wyoming all have 'family friendly' laws for the general care giver in the house if you have small children. But just because a state doesn't have a law, it doesn't mean you can't defer service or postpone it. It just means that your fate rests in the hands of the jury clerk who may or may not be having a good day. Luckily, I do have some thoughts on how to get out of jury duty without actually asking to have it deferred or postponed: 1. Bring said baby with you. Then breastfeed right there in the court house, while waiting to be selected. If they don't let you go immediately--they'll likely regret it once you start unlatching your bra. 2. If you have a babysitter, and decide to leave your baby at home, don't forget your pump! While you obviously want to be discreet while pumping a well planned 'show' of sorts is not out of order. Something like, "Excuse me, where can I use this?" And then display the pump prominently for all to see. 3. Bring pictures of your baby. You do know this trick right? Pumping while looking at a picture of your baby will usually yield more milk. It helps to trigger hormones. So bring that picture hold it out and go ahead and announce that you're looking at it to encourage a surge of hormones. That ought to clear 'em out! 4. Along those lines, I think any discussion of bodily fluids, breasts, suckling, etc. will likely get you excused more quickly. I admit my 'plans' are unsubstantiated advice and following said advice is to be done at your own risk of being found in contempt of court. I'm personally going to pull the homeschooling & child care card and see if I can't get it rescheduled when my husband is off of work. However, if I do have to serve, be it now or in August--I will certainly be asking where their pumping room is for nursing mothers--proudly, prominantly and for all to hear!
Learn more about Valorie Delp  Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line. Relevantbaby tags User Comments  Michele Cheplic |
Baby categories |
