Early cord clamping may harm baby
The BBC ran a story about the benefits of delaying clamping the umbilical cord following birth. A UK expert has warned that clamping the umbilical cord straight after birth does not benefit mother or baby and may actually be harmful. Clamping should be delayed at least three minutes because it increases babies’ iron stores.
Victoria is Canada's caesarean capital
Nearly 4 in 10 women give birth via caesarean section in Victoria, the nation’s title holder for highest caesarean rate for the second straight year. BC, at 30.4%, also has the highest rate in the country. Many factors are cited including advanced maternal age, heavier mothers, falling VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) rates and decreased willingness to endure longer labours. Dr. Jerome Dansereau, chief of obstetrics at the Vancouver Island Health Authority, says that given the upward swing the rate could go to 50%. "There is no one who could have predicted what we see today," he says, "and there is no one who can predict when it will stop." Read the article.
Junk food diet during pregnancy leads to obese babies: study
CBC reported a British study on pregnancy and obesity. The study looked at rats and discovered that babies whose mothers had over-indulged in junk food while pregnant showed a preference for sugary high fat foods and became obese. It appears that helping your child develop good eating habits begins in the womb. More details...
Mount Allison study taking a look at breastfeeding
Two researchers at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick are studying the decision making process behind choosing to breastfeed or bottle feed. They plan to track 50 women during their last trimester through the first six months with baby to try to discover why so many women abandon breastfeeding. They plan to look at “women's interpretation of health promotion messages; their intentions regarding infant feeding; and any changes over time in their physical, psychological, and social experience of breastfeeding.” Find out more...
Breastfeeding moms quitting too soon, officials say
A government survey in the States has discovered that while initiation rates of breastfeeding are at an all-time high of 74%, mothers are quitting too soon, with 30% exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months and only 11% at 6 months. Looks like the Mount Allison study is coming none too soon. More...
Codeine Warning for Breastfeeding Moms
The FDA issued a warning this week for breastfeeding mothers taking codeine for after-pains to watch their babies carefully for signs of life-threatening side effects. Codeine is derivative of morphine and has been used safely for many years. Those at risk are women who are “ultra-rapid metabolizers” of the drug. The genetic condition is uncommon and not tested for. Read the story.
Be a green parent
Metroactive, a Silicon Valley news site, listed green parenting as #46 in their list of 50 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.
46. BE A GREEN PARENT. San Jose's Angelica and Sergio Martinez went deep green after their son Marciello was born. "We started Los Antepasados to share the healthy and sustainable ways of our grand ancestors." They recommend breastfeeding, using cloth diapers like Fuzzi Bunz and making simple baby food from scratch, like smashed bananas or sweet potatoes. Give and get hand-me-downs to clothe young 'uns.
Sweet Home Birth Boxes - the supplies you need no matter what your birth plan includes!
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