August 1, 2009
Sentencing set in drunk breastfeeding case
In the news:
A Grand Forks mother who police say was extremely intoxicated while breast-feeding her 6-week-old is to be sentenced for child neglect. Twenty-six-year-old Stacey Anvarinia pleaded guilty in June. Her sentencing was set for Friday. Anvarinia’s case has touched off a debate among moms about breast-feeding, alcohol and privacy. Authorities insist police were right to make the arrest, even if the mother had not been breast-feeding, out of concern for the child’s welfare. Anvarinia faces up to five years in prison and a 5,000 fine.
Filed under Breastfeeding News by Jessica
Comments on Sentencing set in drunk breastfeeding case »
Serves her right!!!
…I just wonder what good it will do that child for her mother to be in jail for 5 years. Couldn’t there be some restorative community justice, say, humilation at all the publicity, some education… etc. She pleaded guilty, afterall, knowing only about this subject from the above blurb I have no idea what her attitude is, no cues on her lifestyle from her “look” etc. but that she is breastfeeding might say something. A child needs their parent and I think there’s a lot of room between good parent, the good of having A parent and an actual “bad” parent. All parents have flaws and make mistakes.
I don’t like what she did, but afterall, mothers in Germany traditionally give baby warm beer to help sleep… Not that this is wht the lady did, but it won’t kill the child.
I agree w/you, Amber. I hadn’t heard of the story till I saw it here~I pulled it up before writing this.
I’m due this coming March & plan to breastfeed, though completely sober.
I have breastfed prior children, never while drinking or drunk. Thanks for your post, Amber; well said!
How does this benefit the baby??? If they’re so concerned about that poor little baby’s physical & emotional well being, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t lock up its (albeit IQ-challenged) mother for 5 years. I’d like to think our justice system is smarter than this – jail isn’t the only way to punish some one for being foolish & negligent.