Reasonable access to a baby?

[Petal1980]

Hi

I've recently split with my boyfriend after a terrible pregnancy (with him). Our child is 5 weeks old. He wants access to her, which is fine but i'm unsure of what counts as reasonable.

He wants to take her away for a few hours without me but I don't feel comfortable with this. I'm breastfeeding, so this seems a ridiculous suggestion to make. Also,he doesn't want to come to my house, rather he wants me to meet him somewhere. I'm trying to put the best interest of my child first whilst agreeing reasonable access.

Does anyone have any experience of what should be agreed when a child is still so young? Everything I read is for children who are school age.

Thanks in advance

No experience, but me common sense tells me:

1. Yes, of course he should see his child (unless there is a safety concern for the baby).

1. No, of course he cannot take a breastfed baby away from his mother. Babies are not fed to a timetable.

1. If he wants to see the child away from your home, he will have to accept that sometimes you will be late because child is feeding, sleeping etc.

Not an easy situation for you when you have just given birth and are learning how to look after a new baby. Take care of yourself.

Hi all, just heads up...

We've deleted the identifiable name from the OP's original message!

I wouldn't rush, babies that tiny mainly need to bond with mum, sleep and feed. If he won't come to where she lives, let him take it to court.

The mantra for contact with very young children is "little and often". She needs to get used to him, so he should see her several times a week for say half an hour. She won't even be awake every time. It will be very dull for him. Sadly, it's not for his benefit but hers.

As she grows she will be ready for him to take her out for 30 mins. If he's done the groundwork. Big if.

She's far to young for you to be concerned about any of that.

She should not be away from her Mum at that age, nor for some time yet.
I think two to three years is the youngest for overnights and that's if there has been regular contact with the Dad.
If he wants to see her, it's up to him to travel, it's not your responsibility, this is all about what's good for the child, not about what the Dad wants.

Let him take you to Court for access if he is interested enough.