custody with newborn baby

I am in the same situation.  My  husband and i separated when I got pregnat and my baby is now 3 months.  it is in our separation agreement that the baby is in my care for at least 6 months and that she is to be eased into my other children scheduled as per the babies needs.  visitation is to take place in my home for these six months and re-discussed when the time comes.  I made my own schedule for him to come and visit the baby here and he does not show up.  He comes once a week for an hour if that.  I log everytime he needs my extra help with the kids and when he doesn't show up to visit witht he baby as well as other iresponbsible decisions when it somes to the kids well being.  Use e-mail so you have proof of everything.

my husband left when my newborn was 13 days old and I am sooo using the breastfeeding to my advantage.  In my case, I cannot trust that he can care for the baby due to his drinking issues and I have tons of proof that show he is unfit, but you never know with the way the legal system works.  I have pumped, but due to all the stress caused by this, my milk supply is low and the best way for the baby to get breastmilk is through nursing.  I recently went back to work and was worried how this could still work in my favor.  I give him formula during the day while he is with the sitter, but it is part of his nightime routine to be nursed before bed and anytime he wakes up in the night.  I tell him that this is my bonding time since I had to return to work when I was planning on staying home longer with him.  I would think there are few judges that would take away a mothers right to nurse her baby.  I could be wrong, but that is my plan.....

I'm sorry to hear that you have gone through your pregnancy without the support of your husband.  I can relate.  My husband left me when our daughter was 20 days old.  He currently has visitation with her 2 hrs/week.  The court does not want to take a newborn away from his or her mother.  It helps that you are going to be breastfeeding.  You may choose to tell the courts and your ex that you are breastfeeding even if you have stopped.  You may also choose to say that you pump, but that you don't have a large enough supply for your ex to have an overnight (or enough supply for 5 hours even, etc.) with your newborn.  You can always fill bottles with formula and say it's breastmilk, I'm sure most guys can't spot the difference.  You may also argue that since he does not live in the house, thus limited to hands on care of your baby, in addition to the fact that it has been some years since he has cared for your other children as newborns, that he needs to demonstrate his parenting skills regarding caring for a newborn and slowly work up to overnights.  Courts may recommend a few short visits per week since babies have short memories and need consistancy to build a bond with the out-of-home parent.  Good luck!

I am planning on nursing for a couple of months, but I will prolong it if that will help me out.

Since it is his child he does have rights but it sounds like he might not want it right now until the baby is  little older for him to handle.  Maybe suggest he visits at your home.  Are you planning on nursing the baby?