DIAPER DEFENSE
According to World Net Daily, "an Indiana man whose baby daughter was found to have $140,000 worth of crack cocaine loaded in her diaper has been found guilty, despite his claim the search of the girl's pants was unconstitutional." Actually, the drugs were discovered not pursuant to a search for such, but when a trooper awaiting the arrival of a social worker noticed "a large load" in the infant's diaper and went to change it.
The jury returned a guilty verdict in just 18 minutes.
Read full story from WND or the Evansville Courier Press.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Monday, March 01, 2004
BIRTH CONTROL
The California Supreme Court has ruled that a Catholic charity must provide insurance coverage for prescription contraceptives for its employees. The court noted that the charity, while affiliated with the Catholic Church, was a separate entity and therefore was not a "religious employer", which would have exempted it from state legislation mandating such coverage. Read the full article from Yahoo!/Reuters.
The California Supreme Court has ruled that a Catholic charity must provide insurance coverage for prescription contraceptives for its employees. The court noted that the charity, while affiliated with the Catholic Church, was a separate entity and therefore was not a "religious employer", which would have exempted it from state legislation mandating such coverage. Read the full article from Yahoo!/Reuters.
YET ANOTHER REASON
Breastfeeding may lower blood pressure according to a new study, reports WebMD. Furthermore, "the blood pressure-lowering effects of breastfeeding increased with the duration that the infant was breastfed. On average, every three months of breastfeeding was associated with a 0.2 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure."
Breastfeeding may lower blood pressure according to a new study, reports WebMD. Furthermore, "the blood pressure-lowering effects of breastfeeding increased with the duration that the infant was breastfed. On average, every three months of breastfeeding was associated with a 0.2 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure."
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Monday, February 23, 2004
BREASTFEEDING AND SIDS
Dr. Greene's daily dose for Feb. 20, 2004 reads:
"Baby Waking at Night? A SIDS Silver Lining. Breastfed babies have longer sleep cycles than formula-fed babies, according to a study in the January 2004 Archives of Diseases in Childhood, but the breastfed babies are also more easily awaken. This might help to prevent SIDS."
Dr. Greene's daily dose for Feb. 20, 2004 reads:
"Baby Waking at Night? A SIDS Silver Lining. Breastfed babies have longer sleep cycles than formula-fed babies, according to a study in the January 2004 Archives of Diseases in Childhood, but the breastfed babies are also more easily awaken. This might help to prevent SIDS."
Thursday, February 05, 2004
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Two recent updates in the effort to legalize Direct-entry Midwifery:
In Utah, House Bill 227 passed out of committe by a nine-to-one vote, reports KSL-TV (AP). The bill will require licensing, but will allow non-nurse midwives to administer certain medications.
In South Dakota, however, SB176 was killed in the Senate Health Committee. The Aberdeen News reports that the bill would have regulated home-birth attendants under the state Board of Nursing.
Two recent updates in the effort to legalize Direct-entry Midwifery:
In Utah, House Bill 227 passed out of committe by a nine-to-one vote, reports KSL-TV (AP). The bill will require licensing, but will allow non-nurse midwives to administer certain medications.
In South Dakota, however, SB176 was killed in the Senate Health Committee. The Aberdeen News reports that the bill would have regulated home-birth attendants under the state Board of Nursing.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
MIDWIFERY
A bill introduced into the Utah House would regulate and certify direct-entry midwifery in that state, reports the Deseret News in a January 24, 2004 article. House Bill 227, the Midwife Certification Act, would add direct-entry midwives to the list of medical professions monitored by the state Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
According to the article, DEM's are "in a professional no-man's land, fearful of being able to provide the right kind of care to mothers who want to birth at home. [The bill] would allow the administration of some techniques and drugs common in delivery, such as IV fluids and local anesthetics for suturing lacerations."
The text of the bill from the Utah legislature web site.
More information is available from the Utah Friends of Midwives website.
A bill introduced into the Utah House would regulate and certify direct-entry midwifery in that state, reports the Deseret News in a January 24, 2004 article. House Bill 227, the Midwife Certification Act, would add direct-entry midwives to the list of medical professions monitored by the state Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
According to the article, DEM's are "in a professional no-man's land, fearful of being able to provide the right kind of care to mothers who want to birth at home. [The bill] would allow the administration of some techniques and drugs common in delivery, such as IV fluids and local anesthetics for suturing lacerations."
The text of the bill from the Utah legislature web site.
More information is available from the Utah Friends of Midwives website.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
NOT JUST FOR SELLING BEER
Mothering Magazine's latest issue, which featured a nursing mother and baby on the cover, caused a bit of a stir in New Mexico. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that complaints prompted employees of Vitamin Cottage, a local retail establishment, to cover the offending breast with paper. And, the paper reports, Hastings stores requested that the distributor of the magazine use plastic wrapping, as is sometimes used on magazines with "adult" content.
The article goes on to state:
"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources in its Healthy People 2010 initiative is trying to increase the number of women who breast-feed. Its goal is 75 percent of new mothers, 50 percent of mothers of 6-month-olds and 25 percent of mothers of 1-year-olds."
"Currently, fewer than half of mothers of newborns exclusively breast-feed their babies, and fewer than 12 percent are still at it six months later. In Norway, Australia, Iceland, Sweden and Kenya, "initiation" rates are greater than 90 percent."
"Breast-fed babies have fewer allergies, respiratory illnesses and cases of diarrhea and are less likely to be obese in adolescence. And, some studies show, they even have higher IQs."
The New Homemaker blog (Jan. 16, 2004) reprinted the comments of a Vitamin Cottage spokesperson, who said ,"We are 100% behind breast feeding and the rights of breast feeding mothers. I myself breast fed my children while working and in public."
Mothering Magazine's latest issue, which featured a nursing mother and baby on the cover, caused a bit of a stir in New Mexico. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that complaints prompted employees of Vitamin Cottage, a local retail establishment, to cover the offending breast with paper. And, the paper reports, Hastings stores requested that the distributor of the magazine use plastic wrapping, as is sometimes used on magazines with "adult" content.
The article goes on to state:
"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources in its Healthy People 2010 initiative is trying to increase the number of women who breast-feed. Its goal is 75 percent of new mothers, 50 percent of mothers of 6-month-olds and 25 percent of mothers of 1-year-olds."
"Currently, fewer than half of mothers of newborns exclusively breast-feed their babies, and fewer than 12 percent are still at it six months later. In Norway, Australia, Iceland, Sweden and Kenya, "initiation" rates are greater than 90 percent."
"Breast-fed babies have fewer allergies, respiratory illnesses and cases of diarrhea and are less likely to be obese in adolescence. And, some studies show, they even have higher IQs."
The New Homemaker blog (Jan. 16, 2004) reprinted the comments of a Vitamin Cottage spokesperson, who said ,"We are 100% behind breast feeding and the rights of breast feeding mothers. I myself breast fed my children while working and in public."
Monday, January 19, 2004
HALF-DOZEN
The last five of the Van Houten sextuplets were born this week. Check out their nice website with photos and blog at www.vanhoutensix.org.
The last five of the Van Houten sextuplets were born this week. Check out their nice website with photos and blog at www.vanhoutensix.org.
NURSE-MIDWIFERY
National Public Radio's Weekend Edition aired the following story on January 17, 2004, which can be accessed here:
"A number of hospitals have ended their programs in which nurse-midwives work with doctors to deliver babies. The midwives feel they are being shut out. The doctors say it's a health and liability issue. Janet Heimlich reports."
National Public Radio's Weekend Edition aired the following story on January 17, 2004, which can be accessed here:
"A number of hospitals have ended their programs in which nurse-midwives work with doctors to deliver babies. The midwives feel they are being shut out. The doctors say it's a health and liability issue. Janet Heimlich reports."
Thursday, December 11, 2003
ORCHESTRAL HUMOR
Not much time to post due to the holidays, so here's a little humor to keep you going...
The Symphony Orchestra was playing a concert in the park and was in the middle of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. The basses, in the back of the orchestra, decided they had a few minutes to spare before being asked to play anything so they ran across the street to grab a beer and a shot. It was a windy day, and they found some string to wrap around their music stands to secure their music sheets. Once at the tavern, they could hear the music and keep up with the progress of the piece.
After one, two, and then three rounds, they decided that they had to hurry because the 4th, and final, movement was progressing rapidly. They stumbled back onto the bandstand and were fumbling with the string, trying to get it loose, but not having much success.
The conductor saw what was happening and instantly realized the situation: It was the bottom of the ninth, the score was tied, and the basses were loaded.
Not much time to post due to the holidays, so here's a little humor to keep you going...
The Symphony Orchestra was playing a concert in the park and was in the middle of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. The basses, in the back of the orchestra, decided they had a few minutes to spare before being asked to play anything so they ran across the street to grab a beer and a shot. It was a windy day, and they found some string to wrap around their music stands to secure their music sheets. Once at the tavern, they could hear the music and keep up with the progress of the piece.
After one, two, and then three rounds, they decided that they had to hurry because the 4th, and final, movement was progressing rapidly. They stumbled back onto the bandstand and were fumbling with the string, trying to get it loose, but not having much success.
The conductor saw what was happening and instantly realized the situation: It was the bottom of the ninth, the score was tied, and the basses were loaded.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
The For Counsel catalog has "products and gifts for lawyers and other professionals". You must see the bibs and t-shirts for babies and toddlers that say "attorney work product".
Despair, Inc.'s Demotivator Collection has been around for a while, but still good for a laugh - and a great gift for the unemployed sales person or mid-level manager in your life.
And for the person who has everything, its Origami Boulder. Now think, people, what is an origami boulder? That's right, this guy is selling A WADDED UP PIECE OF PAPER. Check out the "Performance Art" option. HI-larious.
Stressed out about the holidays? Go visit the Flylady and download her Holiday Control Journal.
The For Counsel catalog has "products and gifts for lawyers and other professionals". You must see the bibs and t-shirts for babies and toddlers that say "attorney work product".
Despair, Inc.'s Demotivator Collection has been around for a while, but still good for a laugh - and a great gift for the unemployed sales person or mid-level manager in your life.
And for the person who has everything, its Origami Boulder. Now think, people, what is an origami boulder? That's right, this guy is selling A WADDED UP PIECE OF PAPER. Check out the "Performance Art" option. HI-larious.
Stressed out about the holidays? Go visit the Flylady and download her Holiday Control Journal.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
MIDWIFERY
The Austin Chronicle's November 12, 2003 issue featured the cover story, Will Women Have a Voice at the New Women's Hospital? The fight for midwives and reproductive choice at Brack. Though the article deals mainly with local Austin politics, the online version of the issue features some great articles (some new, some reprinted) on midwifery and homebirth. A couple of these I clipped out of the Chronicle when I lived in Austin ten years ago and still have in my file. Don't miss Midwives: Certified and Direct-Entry, Midwives and the Law in Texas, Our Midwife, High Tech vs. High Touch, and Midwives: From L.A. to Santa Fe.
Also, the nurse-midwifery practice at the University of Chicago has been eliminated. Read stories about it from the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Maroon, and the News Release from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
The Austin Chronicle's November 12, 2003 issue featured the cover story, Will Women Have a Voice at the New Women's Hospital? The fight for midwives and reproductive choice at Brack. Though the article deals mainly with local Austin politics, the online version of the issue features some great articles (some new, some reprinted) on midwifery and homebirth. A couple of these I clipped out of the Chronicle when I lived in Austin ten years ago and still have in my file. Don't miss Midwives: Certified and Direct-Entry, Midwives and the Law in Texas, Our Midwife, High Tech vs. High Touch, and Midwives: From L.A. to Santa Fe.
Also, the nurse-midwifery practice at the University of Chicago has been eliminated. Read stories about it from the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Maroon, and the News Release from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
SITE UPDATE
Blogger now lets me backdate or postdate a blog entry. For instance, all of the Florida travelogues were written out by hand on the trip, and then posted when I got home. Anyway, I have just added a 9/03/03 blog entry, a travelogue from Iowa which I finally located.
Also, I am thinking of adding a hit counter to this page. Does anyone have an opinion about which is the best or the most useful? Must be free, of course. Email me please - mommyblawger AT mindspring.com.
Blogger now lets me backdate or postdate a blog entry. For instance, all of the Florida travelogues were written out by hand on the trip, and then posted when I got home. Anyway, I have just added a 9/03/03 blog entry, a travelogue from Iowa which I finally located.
Also, I am thinking of adding a hit counter to this page. Does anyone have an opinion about which is the best or the most useful? Must be free, of course. Email me please - mommyblawger AT mindspring.com.
UPDATE ON BABY FORMULA DEATHS
German and Israeli Police conducted criminal investigations of Humana (the manufacturer), and Remedia Ltd. (the distributor), but no criminal charges were filed. The Remedia soy formula was lacking sufficient amounts of Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin), which resulted in the deaths of 2 infants and the hospitalization of at least 7 others, many in severe condition. Thiamin deficiency can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, spasms, respiratory problems, encephalopathy, brain damage, and ultimately, death. The formula had been missing the vitamin for nearly 6 months.
Related articles:
Doctor's hunch led to end of baby-formula deaths in Israel (International Herald Tribune)
Breastfeeding boon follows Remedia scandal (Jerusalem Post)
Company Says Baby Formula Lacked Vitamin (FindLaw/AP)
Formula for disaster (Jerusalem Post)
Humana Error (Food Production Daily)
German and Israeli Police conducted criminal investigations of Humana (the manufacturer), and Remedia Ltd. (the distributor), but no criminal charges were filed. The Remedia soy formula was lacking sufficient amounts of Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin), which resulted in the deaths of 2 infants and the hospitalization of at least 7 others, many in severe condition. Thiamin deficiency can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, spasms, respiratory problems, encephalopathy, brain damage, and ultimately, death. The formula had been missing the vitamin for nearly 6 months.
Related articles:
Doctor's hunch led to end of baby-formula deaths in Israel (International Herald Tribune)
Breastfeeding boon follows Remedia scandal (Jerusalem Post)
Company Says Baby Formula Lacked Vitamin (FindLaw/AP)
Formula for disaster (Jerusalem Post)
Humana Error (Food Production Daily)
Saturday, November 22, 2003
MILK, HOLD THE PICKLES
Burger King has announced a new corporate policy on breastfeeding after a nursing mother in one of its restaurants was asked to "either go to the bathroom to breast-feed or leave" when another customer complained. In the future, employees are told to inform complainers that "breast-feeding is permitted in the restaurant and suggest to that customer that he or she relocate to another section of the restaurant." See story from Yahoo/AP.
The only problem I have here is with the tone of the article: "Burger King adopted a corporate policy Friday allowing women to breast-feed their babies in restaurants" (emphasis added). BK is not "allowing" anything. The right to breastfeed anywhere (as long as the mother has the right to be there) is statutory law in most states, including Utah, where the incident took place. Here is a guide to breastfeeding legislation. So by publishing its new policy, Burger King is not really giving breastfeeders any rights, merely protecting itself from a planned "nurse-in" scheduled to take place.
Business owners be forewarned: no matter how pro-family your establishment is, if one of your employees harasses a breastfeeding mother, that mother will most likely get on the Internet and within a week you are likely to have hundreds of women show up at your place of business and nurse their babies. Kind of the La Leche version of a flash mob.
Also see my November 13, 2003 post "American Baby" on not breastfeeding in restrooms.
The only problem I have here is with the tone of the article: "Burger King adopted a corporate policy Friday allowing women to breast-feed their babies in restaurants" (emphasis added). BK is not "allowing" anything. The right to breastfeed anywhere (as long as the mother has the right to be there) is statutory law in most states, including Utah, where the incident took place. Here is a guide to breastfeeding legislation. So by publishing its new policy, Burger King is not really giving breastfeeders any rights, merely protecting itself from a planned "nurse-in" scheduled to take place.
Business owners be forewarned: no matter how pro-family your establishment is, if one of your employees harasses a breastfeeding mother, that mother will most likely get on the Internet and within a week you are likely to have hundreds of women show up at your place of business and nurse their babies. Kind of the La Leche version of a flash mob.
Also see my November 13, 2003 post "American Baby" on not breastfeeding in restrooms.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
PERSONAL NOTE
Last weekend, the Little Champion (9 1/2 mos) took his first steps. This completely surprised us, as his brother, the Big Champion, did not walk until he was a year old. LC is still a long way from actually walking, but this just highlights the difference in personality between the two boys. BC waits until he knows he can do something before trying, then does it with a high degree of proficiency. LC is not afraid to try and fail. And of course, he is quite fascinated by his big brother and therefore motivated to mobilize as soon as possible. It will be interesting to see if this difference continues as they get older.
Last weekend, the Little Champion (9 1/2 mos) took his first steps. This completely surprised us, as his brother, the Big Champion, did not walk until he was a year old. LC is still a long way from actually walking, but this just highlights the difference in personality between the two boys. BC waits until he knows he can do something before trying, then does it with a high degree of proficiency. LC is not afraid to try and fail. And of course, he is quite fascinated by his big brother and therefore motivated to mobilize as soon as possible. It will be interesting to see if this difference continues as they get older.
Thursday, November 13, 2003
HOMEBIRTH
Last weekend, we had another couple over for dinner. They are suing their doctors for medical malpractice which occurred pursuant to the birth of their 12 lb. baby which resulted in a brachial plexus injury. After interesting dinner conversation about broken ultrasound machines, discrepancies in medical records, mismanaged shoulder dystocia, and excessive lateral traction, we took them on a tour of our house. It came up in conversation that our 9-month old was born at home in the bedroom. At which point the wife turns to me and says, "my, you are brave."
Last weekend, we had another couple over for dinner. They are suing their doctors for medical malpractice which occurred pursuant to the birth of their 12 lb. baby which resulted in a brachial plexus injury. After interesting dinner conversation about broken ultrasound machines, discrepancies in medical records, mismanaged shoulder dystocia, and excessive lateral traction, we took them on a tour of our house. It came up in conversation that our 9-month old was born at home in the bedroom. At which point the wife turns to me and says, "my, you are brave."
AMERICAN BABY
November's issue of American Baby includes the results of a Playtex survey on the question "Where have you breastfed in public?". The top answers were: Inside a parked car (82%), A ladies' room (58%), Outdoors in a park (44%), and A store or restaurant (41%).
Interesting. However, I'm not sure I would consider breastfeeding in a car or in a restroom "in public." Based on the likelihood that someone will either 1) realize what you are doing, or 2) see some part of you that normally remains covered, breastfeeding in your own living room while persons who are not members of your immediate family are present seems, to me, to be much more "in public" than in the back seat of your tinted-window minivan.
Please, please, never, ever breastfeed a baby in a bathroom stall. I don't care what. It is nasty and dirty and crawling with germs. You would not think of eating your own lunch in there so don't feed your baby her lunch in there. Plus, it sends a message to others that breastfeeding is dirty, shameful, etc. Modesty is all fine and good, but a bathroom stall is going overboard. The only exception I make to the "no breastfeeding in the restroom" rule is when there is a lounge-type restroom that has a couch or a big comfy chair a good distance away from the toilets.
November's issue of American Baby includes the results of a Playtex survey on the question "Where have you breastfed in public?". The top answers were: Inside a parked car (82%), A ladies' room (58%), Outdoors in a park (44%), and A store or restaurant (41%).
Interesting. However, I'm not sure I would consider breastfeeding in a car or in a restroom "in public." Based on the likelihood that someone will either 1) realize what you are doing, or 2) see some part of you that normally remains covered, breastfeeding in your own living room while persons who are not members of your immediate family are present seems, to me, to be much more "in public" than in the back seat of your tinted-window minivan.
Please, please, never, ever breastfeed a baby in a bathroom stall. I don't care what. It is nasty and dirty and crawling with germs. You would not think of eating your own lunch in there so don't feed your baby her lunch in there. Plus, it sends a message to others that breastfeeding is dirty, shameful, etc. Modesty is all fine and good, but a bathroom stall is going overboard. The only exception I make to the "no breastfeeding in the restroom" rule is when there is a lounge-type restroom that has a couch or a big comfy chair a good distance away from the toilets.
Monday, November 10, 2003
UPDATE ON BABY FORMULA DEATHS
From Israel Today:
"Israel is stepping up efforts to halt the outbreak of a mysterious brain disease caused by baby formula, that has taken the lives of three babies. The Health Ministry is planning to order 5,000 injections of Vitamin B-1, which was found to be missing in the German-made baby formula "Remedia." A total of 19 babies who took the non-dairy formula have been hospitalized, including the three who died. Health officials say the disease was caused by a lack of Vitamin B-1, though it's listed on the packaging as an ingredient. The injections will be provided free of charge. The formula is widely used in the ultra-Orthodox community."
From Israel Today:
"Israel is stepping up efforts to halt the outbreak of a mysterious brain disease caused by baby formula, that has taken the lives of three babies. The Health Ministry is planning to order 5,000 injections of Vitamin B-1, which was found to be missing in the German-made baby formula "Remedia." A total of 19 babies who took the non-dairy formula have been hospitalized, including the three who died. Health officials say the disease was caused by a lack of Vitamin B-1, though it's listed on the packaging as an ingredient. The injections will be provided free of charge. The formula is widely used in the ultra-Orthodox community."
Sunday, November 09, 2003
FLIGHT PLAN
The FAA is considering institute a policy requiring car seats on planes for infants and children. However, critics say the new policy could backfire, since more parents may choose to drive rather than pay an additional fare for their infant. And, as we all know, there are more auto accidents than plane crashes. See article here.
For those of you without young children, a baby under the age of 2 may sit on an adult lap with no restraint whatsoever. If you bring an infant seat, gate agents and flight attendants will usually try to accommodate parents with lap children by placing them in a row with an extra empty seat. Turbulence during flight is the #1 cause of injury and death to lap children. Check out the Baby B’Air flight vest, approved for use during the cruise portions of the flight. We keep ours in the diaper bag for added peace of mind when the flight is full, or if the flight is bumpy and baby needs to come out of the seat to nurse.
The FAA is considering institute a policy requiring car seats on planes for infants and children. However, critics say the new policy could backfire, since more parents may choose to drive rather than pay an additional fare for their infant. And, as we all know, there are more auto accidents than plane crashes. See article here.
For those of you without young children, a baby under the age of 2 may sit on an adult lap with no restraint whatsoever. If you bring an infant seat, gate agents and flight attendants will usually try to accommodate parents with lap children by placing them in a row with an extra empty seat. Turbulence during flight is the #1 cause of injury and death to lap children. Check out the Baby B’Air flight vest, approved for use during the cruise portions of the flight. We keep ours in the diaper bag for added peace of mind when the flight is full, or if the flight is bumpy and baby needs to come out of the seat to nurse.
NEWS ITEM
From Israel Today's News From Jerusalem (November 9, 2003):
"Ten babies in Israel have come down with a brain disease that the Health Ministry blames on a baby formula made in Germany called "Remedia." Symptoms include nausea and convulsions. Two of the babies died, so health officials have pulled the product from the shelves. The non-dairy formula is widely used here by ultra-Orthodox Jews. The Health Ministry has been flooded with 10,000 calls by worried parents.
From Israel Today's News From Jerusalem (November 9, 2003):
"Ten babies in Israel have come down with a brain disease that the Health Ministry blames on a baby formula made in Germany called "Remedia." Symptoms include nausea and convulsions. Two of the babies died, so health officials have pulled the product from the shelves. The non-dairy formula is widely used here by ultra-Orthodox Jews. The Health Ministry has been flooded with 10,000 calls by worried parents.
Sunday, November 02, 2003
Check out this article from the ABA: "BLAMING MOM
Women Convicted for Bullied Son's Suicide, Stillborn Child"
Women Convicted for Bullied Son's Suicide, Stillborn Child"
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