The lactation consultant as expert witness.
Several factors contributed to the impact of Ms. Scott's testimony on the judge and thereby on the case. Most obvious was the degree of her expertise; just as important was the way in which she presented her testimony. She maintained a moderate tone throughout and never gave the impression that what she was saying was anything but mainstream or that she was speaking from zealotry. Her greatest strength, as for any LC's testimony, is that she spoke in terms of what was best for the child. In any initial custody case the judge must decide what is in the child's best interests or some small variation on that theme. By its very nature, breastfeeding and all the information provided about it speaks to the same issue. In that sense, the testimony is not offered on behalf of one of the parents, but on behalf of the welfare of the child. It is this nonpartisan aspect of an LC's testimony that can make it so powerful.
Suhler
A
A
Bornmann
P G
PG
Scott
J W
JW
D001942:Breast Feeding; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003253:Consultants / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans