A bad situation..

[Inanna]

That's so true Tiffany you are absolutely right! But this Dad lives in another state - there are lotsof hours in a day and a week where access is possible and can be negotiated. Not having a child overnight does not mean that that child cannot have a relationship with their father! I know from my own personal experience had I weaned my babies because their father decided he didn't want to be married and wanted overnight access - well they would have been distraught! They all fed frequently one until she was 3.

When marriage breaks down and there are children involved we need to think of the kids. What is going to make them feel the safest?

Usually this is having the familiar care provider to look after them - and access to their other parent. In the case of a breastfeeding child it would be very difficult to argue that it is better for them to not breastfeed so their father can have them overnight. For example my daughter at 2 fed frequently throughout the night. Had I been in this situation I would have fought strongly for the right for my child to breastfeed as she always had.

I think it's easy to get emotive and reactive and talkof the rights of parents. But let's look first at the rights of children. If a parent lives interstate and travels overseas then perhaps this child is accustomed to the absence of her father. Perhaps not used to the absence of her mother? I do not know of course - it's conjecture.

However, again, what is the best for a child is what needs to be thought of first. When parents cabnnot agree on that. The Courts will. Unfortunately when that happens it costs much in the form of money, respect and goodwill... (often)