http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/108071
New York City is reporting the lowest rate of infant mortality since records were first kept on the issue. The Health Department attributes the decline to greater outreach efforts, including visiting nurses, breast feeding education, and a safe sleep initiative.
A new report shows there were 5.4 deaths per thousand live births in 2007 compared to 5.9 in 2006. That's the largest single year drop since 2001.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/09/03/measles.autism/
The Measels, Mumps & Rubella vaccine has been declared safe and not related to autism in a new study that tried to reach a final conclusion regarding a 1998 hypothesis that perhaps the vaccine allowed bowel material to enter the bloodstream and affect the nervous system. The new research used more sophisticated technology and concluded that there is no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.
While some autism groups are still pushing for more research into a connection between MMR and autism, this latest research seems to be enough for a number of scientists to declare as "conclusive" that MMR vaccine does not cause autism.
"This really puts this issue to bed," said Andy Shih, vice president for scientific affairs of "Autism Speaks," an advocacy group.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903204227.htm
A new study in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found that delivery via Caesarean Section (CS) fails to release Oxytocin into the mother's body the way that Vaginal Delivery (VD) does. As a result, mothers who have CS deliveries do not have this key mediator of maternal behavior. Mothers who deliver via traditional VD are significantly more responsive to the cry of their own baby.
Caesarean births have become much more prevalent over the past 40 years, both as mothers want to retain their figures and as the average age of parents has increased, making the procedure more necessary for the health of the baby or the mother. Caesarean births have also been linked to a higher instance of postpartum depression.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122045647210195441.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Government officials have determined that there is still at least some concern regarding BPA in baby products. The chemical is bisphenol-A, and is used to make plastics both hard and shatterproof. Last month the FDA released a statement indicating that there wasn't sufficient evidence to warrant a ban on the chemical. The statement was based upon an early draft of the final report released today, which mirrors one in which National Toxicology Program experts lowered the rating from "some concern" (3 of 5) to "minimal concern" which is one level lower.
The final FDA determination is that there is "some concern," and is holding a hearing on Sept. 16 to discuss BPA.
"There remains considerable uncertainty whether the changes seen in the animal studies are directly applicable to humans, and whether they would result in clear adverse health effects," said NTP Associate Director John Bucher, Ph.D. "But we have concluded that the possibility that BPA may affect human development cannot be dismissed."
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/news/20080902/bipolar-risk-for-kids-born-to-older-dads
Adding to previous research that found increased risk of schizophrenia and autism among children with older fathers, a new study has found that they are also at increased risk of being bipolar. While the increase in risk was substantial, the individual risk of developing the disorder was still quite small.
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2008/09/02/health-tip-buy-a-safe-bathtub-for-baby.html
The Nemours Foundation has released it's guidelines for selecting a baby bath tub for your little one. Their advice includes:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/us/politics/02mother.html?_r=2&oref=slogin
The "Mommy Wars" have made a return in the form of John McCain's Vice Presidential selection, Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Ms. Palin has a 17 year old daughter who is pregnant, as well as other children including her most recent family addition; a 4 month old infant with Down syndrome.
Much of the criticism seems to be aimed at the difficulty of trying to raise children, particularly an infant that needs special care, while being involved in a major campaign effort with Mr. McCain. Even having a supportive husband may still not be enough to persuade some citizens that she's balancing her priorities appropriately.
Do you think she's taking on too many responsibilities for one woman? Are you more impressed than concerned? Let us know in the comments!
http://foodconsumer.org/7777/8888/D_rug_N_ews_50/082809522008_Magnesium_sulfate_Epsom_salt_cuts_cerebral_palsy_risk_in_preemies.shtml
The August 28, 2008 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine has published a study showing that giving magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salt, just before delivery to pregnant women at high risk for preterm birth cuts the rate of cerebral palsy by half in the babies that are born.
Magnesium sulfate is already used to halt contractions when pregnant women get into early labor, according to ABC News. The cheap chemical is stored in every hospital delivery room and is readily available.
The researchers in the current study concluded that the use of magnesium sulfate should be considered for women at risk of early preterm delivery to prevent cerebral palsy in their children.
http://www.usmagazine.com/news/charlie-sheen-and-brooke-mueller-expecting-first-child
Charlie Sheen and his new wife Brooke Mueller are expecting their first child together. Sheen already has 3 daughters and says that Brooke is the best stepmom his kids could ever hope for, so he knows she'll be a great mom.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a126193/jason-lee-welcomes-baby-girl.html
Jason Lee and his girlfriend Ceren Alkac welcomed a new daughter on August 10th. The baby's name has not been released yet.
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx/?news=327834>1=28102
Gwen Stefani and her husband Gavin Rossdale have welcomed their 2nd son to their family. The baby's name is Zuma Nesta Rock, and was born weighing 8 pounds 5 ounces.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26291109?GT1=43001
Parents who choose not to vaccinate their children for childhood diseases like measels, mumps, polio, whooping cough and more are sparking a public concern among health officials and other parents. Those who opt out are concerned about things like the rumored possible link of vaccines and autism, or sometimes for religious reasons, but officials insist that the benefits of the vaccines far outweigh any potential harm.
Further, officials are concerned that these pockets of parents who seek to exempt their children from the required vaccinations are increasing the odds that an outbreak will occur. The explanation is that vaccinations need to be kept at a particular percent level in order to protect everyone. Statistically even those who don't receive the vaccines are "safe" due to the immunity of everyone around them, and the unlikeliness of the disease finding it's way to a non-vaccinated child. With more and more children clustered together who aren't protected, it opens a gateway through which one of those scourges of the past can find an entry point.
But because the vaccines aren’t quite 100 percent effective and because protection can wane, even those who are vaccinated can get sick, Omer added.
That's only too clear to Cheri Rae, 55, a Santa Barbara, Calif., mother whose son, Daniel, was 7 and vaccinated when he contracted pertussis from an unimmunized playmate.
“He was as sick as any child I’ve ever seen,” said Rae, noting that four years later, Daniel has only recently stopped taking powerful drugs to combat lingering respiratory effects from the disease.
Though rare, severe problems can occur, including serious allergic reactions, long-term seizures, coma or permanent brain damage. With the DTaP vaccine, the combination shot for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, for instance, the CDC estimates severe problems occur in less than 1 in a million doses.
But parents often reject vaccinations not because of these known risks, but because of unproven links to disorders such as asthma, attention deficit disorder, or autism.
Increasingly, parents are opting not to vaccinate or, more often, to vaccinate selectively because they don’t trust the safety conclusions of the federal government or medical groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, said Barbara Loe Fisher, co-founder and president of the National Vaccine Information Center in Vienna, Va.
Mandatory vaccine requirements in many states endanger children who may be genetically vulnerable to reactions, essentially marginalizing their risk for the sake of the larger population, Fisher said.
“Once you decide that individuals are expendable in the name of the greater good, how many is too many?” she said. “You can decide that it’s OK to throw some people under the bus because that’s the price of doing business.”
Part of the problem rests with the very success of vaccines, noted Peg Crowley, the director of the Community Health Center where Isabella Parker got her shots. This generation of parents doesn’t recall how sick a toddler can be with measles, so they focus on the very small risk associated with vaccines.
“One of the biggest issues is that parents think they’re safe to make this decision,” said Crowley, who recalls quarantines from her own childhood. “There’s no memory of the consequences of these diseases. We take our protection sometimes for granted.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26436308#26436308
Two women who met on a website and exchanged pictures of their babies regularly because both daughters were born on the same day in 2007 have a new story to tell, how Madeline Robb from England alerted Megan Santos in Tampa, Florida that something looked wrong about a recent picture that had been sent. It turns out a slight discoloration in the photograph sparked a memory for Madeline of a recent news story in England about retinal blastoma, a form of cancer that affects some young children and can be fatal.
Retinal blastoma can show up in routine photography as a flat white ring around the center of the eye. It turned out that Madeline was right, and Megan's daughter did in fact have the cancer. Megan credits Madeline with saving her daughter's life, even though the two had never met in person.
Watch the full Today Show video clip to hear the full story.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/15/why-women-stop-breast-feeding/?ex=1219723200&en=b7d49348a8d2d13d&ei=5070&emc=eta1
A new study by Brigham Young University has found that although 75% of mothers start breastfeeding, only 36% of them continue for at least six months. Some reasons suggested for the decline are that many women don't anticipated the physical discomfort because they're told regularly that it's a natural process. Another concern is that the swing back to breastfeeding is a relatively recent phenomenon, and our society hasn't built up a supportive network for women to continue breastfeeding even though they may be required to return to work.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08373.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Taggies™ Strollin’ Along Stroller Activity Bars
Units: About 10,000
Importer/Distributor: International Playthings Inc., of Parsippany, N.J.
Hazard: The shiny material on the elephant’s ear on the activity bar can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: International Playthings has received three reports of the shiny material detaching and children putting it in his/her mouth. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves the Taggies™ Strollin’ Along stroller activity bars. The multicolored, fabric, and plastic activity bars feature a yellow giraffe, a purple hippo and a blue elephant attached to a 12” long elliptical base with straps that attach to a stroller. The Taggies™ and Earlyears® logos are located on woven and satin labels sewn into the seam on the lower left front of the activity bar.
Sold at: Specialty toy stores nationwide and on the Internet from February 2007 through July 2008 for about $23.
Manufactured in: Hong Kong
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the activity bars and contact International Playthings for a free replacement toy.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact International Playthings at (800) 445-8347 or visit the company’s Web site at www.intplay.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26326998/?GT1=43001
A 61 year old Japanese woman gave birth to her own granddaughter last year. Her own daughter is unable to conceive because she has no uterus, so she was willing to act as a surrogate. The clinic that was involved in the procedure has refused to release any further information in order to protect the privacy of its patients.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,407721,00.html
Jennifer Garner, husband of Ben Affleck, has confirmed that she's pregnant again. Coincidentally, the announcement came on the same day as Affleck's friend Matt Damon welcomed his new baby girl! Garner hasn't specified when she's due.
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20080821/D92MDCS02.html
Matt Damon and his wife Luciana are the proud parents of a new baby girl. Born on Wednesday, the baby's name is Gia Zavala Damon, and both mother and baby are doing well and perfectly healthy.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN2039175920080820
A study by Norwegian researchers that has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that preeclampsia, a condition found in about 5 percent of pregnancies that causes high blood pressure, can significantly increase the risk of kidney failure decades later.
if preeclampsia had developed during pregnancy, the researchers found, the risk of ESRD increased dramatically. It was 4.7 times higher with the first pregnancy, 6.4 times higher if it developed during each of two pregnancies, and 15.5 greater if there had been at least three pregnancies and preeclampsia appeared in two or three of them.
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b24752_ricky_martin_dad_times_two.html
Ricky Martin is now the proud father of twin boys. The babies were delivered via a surrogate several weeks ago, and are already under the singer's full time care. He intends to spend the rest of this year out of public view in order to spend time with his new children. No word on the identity of the mother has been made available.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08362.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Learning Pots & Pans™ Toys
Units: About 15,000
Importer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, NY
Hazard: Missing screws in the blue toy pan can cause the clear plastic cover to come loose and release small balls, presenting a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: Fisher-Price has received five reports of the plastic covers detaching and releasing the small balls. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves Learning Pots and Pans™ toy sets with stackable pots and pans, a lid and shape-sorting blocks. The toys have light and sound features that operate on three AA batteries. Model number G6685 is located on the bottom of the blue pan.
Sold at: Discount department and toy stores nationwide from October 2007 to August 2008 for about $20.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from children and examine the bottom of the blue pan. The pan should contain six screws. If all six screws are installed, no further action is necessary. If any screws are missing, the consumer should contact Fisher-Price to arrange for the return of the blue pan for a replacement.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at (888) 521-0820 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com
http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=8518914>1=32023
Not pregnant yet, but thinking maybe it's time to raise the issue of starting a family? MSN brings you an article that details 6 things for you to consider before you make the decision.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26081703/?GT1=43001
Most women require some time after giving birth to slowly, and healthily, make their way back to where their bodies were prior to pregnancy. A recent trend that seems to be a competition among celebrities is to get back into prime physique in a few months or less, as highlighted by the recent uproar over Nicole Kidman being declared "hot" just two weeks after giving birth to her daughter.
The effects are pretty universal:
A survey by the San Francisco-based Web site Babycenter.com on the impact of “teeny and toned new celebrity moms” found 31 percent of moms felt angry about the “extra pressure on regular moms to look that way” and 24 percent simply felt depressed.
happen to have a personal trainer, personal chef, nutritionist, nanny, night nurse, and three or four full-time assistants.
“Celebs have 24-hour ‘round the clock care,” says Suzanne Schlosberg, mother to 13-month-old twin boys and co-author of “The Active Woman’s Pregnancy Log: A Day-to-Day Diary and Guide to a Fit and Healthy Pregnancy.” “They’ve got somebody to take care of baby while they do their workouts with their $250-an-hour trainer. They’ve got a fancy personal chef creating their perfect 200-calorie meals. It’s not an even playing field. They have all these advantages that real people don’t have.”
“I don’t feel any pressure to keep up with celebrities because it’s their job to look good,” says Lang-Cline, 42, the co-owner of a creative staffing agency in Columbus, Ohio. “Otherwise they’ll end up with their cellulite on Page One. But I do find it inspiring that I don’t have to stay the flabby lump of goo that I feel I am now. Celebrities show that it’s possible to look good after having a baby. Granted, they’ll probably do it in half the time, but at least it’s possible.”
But the magic bullet approach isn’t necessary, says Dr. Laura E. Riley, director of labor and delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital and author of “You and Your Baby: Pregnancy.” A realistic amount of time — coupled with healthy eating and exercise — will still do the trick.
“It probably takes on average four to six months to lose a normal amount of baby weight gain,” she says. “It took you nine months to put it on. It’s not going to come off in nine weeks.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25912556/from/ET/
Loving your time with your newborn baby is natural, but no one is going to blame you if you're feeling a little distressed by the frequent diaper changes. Not only is there the mess and the time spent, which can be constructive time to spend with your baby if you make it, but the cost of the diapers can add up fast! MSNBC's website has some advice for ways to cut your diaper costs:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08350.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Cribs
Units: About 1,300
Manufacturer: Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards, of Toronto, Canada
Hazard: The cribs fail to meet the federal safety standards. The distance between the mattress support bracket in the lowest position and the top of the side rail in the highest position is less than the required 26 inches, posing a fall hazard to children who climb over the railing.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall includes the following wooden full-size cribs: “Enchantment” (model #210), “Hush a Bye” (model #215), “Once upon a time” (model #320) and “Rock a bye” (model #1900-350). Only date codes from 0306 through 0308 are included in this recall. “Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards”, the model number and date code are printed on a label located on the bottom inside of the right side.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08351.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Davenport Cribs
Units: About 500
Importer: Baby Appleseed, of City of Industry, Calif.
Hazard: The cribs fail to meet the federal safety standards for cribs. The cribs have a two mattress support system. The secondary mattress support, used for the lowest position, does not meet the full 26 inch minimum height in its lowest position, allowing children inside to crawl over the railing, posing a fall hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall includes Davenport crib models that begin with the model numbers 273-xxxx-xxxx and have manufacture dates on or before August 2007 printed on a label located on the right side of the lower inner panel of the crib. The recalled cribs have two mattress support systems-a metal one and a wooden one. Newer Davenport cribs with model numbers beginning with 244-xxxx-xxxx that have one mattress support are not included in the recall.
Sold at: Specialty juvenile product stores nationwide from December 2006 through September 2007 for between $600 and $800.
Manufactured in: Vietnam
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled cribs in the third lowest position, which uses the wooden mattress support, and contact Baby Appleseed to receive a repair kit. Consumers who are currently using the crib with the metal mattress support in the top or middle positions can continue to use the crib in those positions while awaiting a repair kit. (NOTE: Repair Kits will be available from the firm in mid-August 2008)
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Baby Appleseed at (877) 348-2199 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.babyappleseed.com
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08343.html
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Bright Starts Ring Rattles
Units: About 19,000
Distributor: Kids II Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga.
Hazard: The tip of the rattle’s antenna, which is attached to a bee figure, can detach and pose a choking hazard to small children.
Incidents/Injuries: Kids II has received two reports of the tip of the antenna detaching from the rattle, including one report that the purple ball from the tip of the antenna was in the baby’s mouth. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The soft toy rattle is a bee with a yellow head, ring-shaped green body, blue/green wings and purple/red antennas. Model number 8534 and date code PA8 are printed on a sewn-in label on the bee’s head.
Sold at: Toy stores, mass merchandisers, and other retail stores nationwide from January 2008 through June 2008 for about $2-3.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled rattles away from small children and contact Kids II to receive a free replacement rattle.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kids II toll-free at (877) 325-7056 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kidsii.com
http://www.parents.com/baby/gear/registries-buying-guides/baby-products-we-cant-live-without/
Parents.com has posted a list of 13 baby products that they recommend an expecting mom should register for, and proceed to explain the benefits of each item in a cute slideshow. They even provide helpful links on where you can go to purchase each item.
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx/?news=325784>1=28102
On Wednesday ET aired an interview with Lisa Marie Presley, and earlier this week announced that the daughter of Elvis is expecting twins in the fall with her husband Michael Lockwood. She also has two children with her ex-husband Danny Keough.
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx/?news=325923>1=28102
Season 4's runner up on American Idol, Bo Bice, and his wife Caroline Fisher are the happy parents of a new baby boy. Born on Tuesday, August 5th, their new son's name is Caleb. The couple already have a 3 year old boy named Aidan.
http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=8518911>1=32023
Courtesy of TheBump.com are some suggestions on how to come to a mutual decision on what to name your baby without it degenerating into a major fight. It's got some very good advice for parents who haven't been able to agree on name choices!
http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/family-parenting/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8415486>1=32001
Every new parent has some anxiety about what the right thing to do with their child is at some point, and everyone has made at least a few decisions that they regret later. Knowing what to watch for can help to avoid some of those regrets, and MSN's Lifestyle section has a good summary of the 10 big mistakes that parents make.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/28/2315979.htm
One of Australia's wealthiest men, James Packer, and his wife, Erica Baxter, have welcomed a new baby girl to their family. The couple were married on the French Riviera in June 2007.
http://www.infosjeunes.com/Halle-Berry-threatens-action-over-baby-pictures-taken-in-her-backyard_a110219.html
Halle Berry has threatened legal actions over photos of her and her 4 month old daughter, Nahla, were taken while she was in her house and in her back yard by a paparazzi photographer using a telephoto lens.
“I will do everything I can for the sake of her safety and well-being to keep her out of the public eye…I intend to do everything I can to make sure the photographer who illegally intruded into my home is criminally prosecuted.”
