Tips for Pregnant Women From Dr. Oz

http://blogs.abcnews.com/gma/2009/11/dr-ozs-tips-for-pregnant-women.html

According to Dr. Oz, pregnant women should avoid toxins that can affect their child while in the womb. Bisphenol, a chemical linked with diabetes, heart disease, liver toxicity, and birth defects, is found in some plastics like water and baby bottles, and some cans. Oz said that it is safe to consume food or drink out of plastics with a little "2" or "4" on the bottom of the container. Some foam trays and plastic wraps can also become harmful to your food if heated in the microwave. Avoid heating things in containers that are meant to store cold foods such as margarine tubs.

Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy has been shown to affect boys' brain development, altering gender specific behaviors in boys. These chemicals can be found in food containers, soft toys, flooring, lotions, cosmetics, and nail polish.

Pregnant women should aim to take in 200 milligrams or less of caffeine per day. Small amounts of alcohol consumed before a woman finds out she is pregnant won't harm a fetus, but even moderate alcohol use during pregnancy impairs a child's sucking reflex at birth, which could cause a feeding problem.

Dr. Oz also recommended pregnant women, and women thinking of becoming pregnant, take supplements including 400 milligrams per day of folic acid, omega 3 fatty acid, and a prenatal vitamin.

Infant Music Classes Gaining Popularity

http://www.dailypress.com/features/family/dp-gl_babymusic_1129nov29,0,5107516.story

The fundamentals of music are being introduced to babies as young as a few months old through national programs such as Music Together, Kindermusik, and Musikgarten. Teachers are participating parents believe that infants absorb concepts about rhythm and tone through the classes. They think that the early introduction jump starts social, physical and musical development.

Scientific research has been used to develop these programs. Songs, instruments and movements have been developed with the intention of stimulation specific kinds of development. Classes are constructed to boost physical, cognitive, social, emotional and language understanding in addition to musical awareness.

Infant music programs cost between $140 to $225 per course, which range from 8 to 30 weeks. Most courses have CDs and books that help parents reinforce lessons at home.

Study of Early Autism Interventions Gives Hope

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/health/2009/11/autism_interventions_toddlers.html

Doctors agree that early intervention is key in managing autism. A new study in Pediatrics suggests that there are effective treatments for babies diagnosed with the disorder at only 1 year old. A small 5 year study found that interventions starting as early as 18 months improved IQ, language ability and social interaction in autistic children.

Researchers with Autism Speaks, the University of Washington and UC Davis Mind Institute studied 48 18-to-30 month old children. Half got intensive 2 hour therapy sessions with a specialist 5 days a week and 5 hours of parent therapy each week. The control group received only annual assessments from doctors and referrals to therapies already available in their communities.

The children who received interventions had an average increase of 18 IQ points and made improvements in their language skills and social interactions. Only 1 child in the control group had an improved diagnosis. Researchers say they hope the study's findings influence more research, and help provide answers for this complex disorder.

New Technology Maps Unborn Babys Brain

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8368733.stm

London's Hammersmith Hospital, in collaboration with Medical Research Council, is the first in the world to offer high quality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for unborn babies. Other hospitals use MRI technology to scan babies, but it has been difficult to get a good scan of the fetus in the womb because patients have to hold still for the scan. Professor Mary Rutherford said her team got around this by taking multiple scans of the brain and then slotting them together to make a 3d image.

Using the scans, doctors expect better diagnoses of brain disorders, growth problems or injuries that can lead to cerebral palsy and sometimes autism. This information will help doctors decide whether a baby is likely to have problems with development or whether to deliver a baby sooner as brain growth may be better outside the womb.

All pregnant women at Hammersmith Hospital will be given the opportunity to participate in the trial as this will allow researchers to study a large number of normal and abnormal brains. For most parents, whose babies are developing normally, the scan is very reassuring. Parents can request copies of the scan to keep as mementos.

Stork Craft Recalls 2.1 Million Drop-Side Cribs

http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10046.html

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc, of British Columbia, Canada, announced the voluntary recall of over 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs. This is including about 147,000 Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. The recall involves about 1,213,000 units distributed in the United States and 968,000 units distributed in Canada.

Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side to a fixed side. CPSC is urging parents and caregivers to stop using the cribs immediately, wait for the repair kit, and don't try to fix the crib without the kit.

The drop-side plastic hardware on the cribs can break, deform, or parts can become missing. The drop-side can also be installed upside down, which can result in broken parts. All of these things can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners, which creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler's body can become entrapped in the space which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.

There have been 110 incidents of drop-side detachment that the authorities are aware of. There have been 15 entrapments, 4 of which resulted in suffocation. There has been 20 falls from cribs with injuries ranging from concussions to bruises.

This recall involves only those cribs with plastic trigger and one-hand-system drop-side hardware. The recall includes Stork Craft cribs with manufacturing and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009, and Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo that have manufacturing dates between October 1997 and December 2004. This information can be located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board.

For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 anytime to order a free repair kit or log on to www.storkcraft.com

Infant Simulators Teach Students Life Lessons

http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/112209/new_527811880.shtml

At Soldotna High School in Kenai, Alaska, students in the child development course and family consumer science course are assigned a baby simulator to take home and care for over the course of 3 days. Students pick up the baby on a Thursday from teacher Meggean Bos, so they can experience a school day and weekend as teen parents. The baby randomly whines and fusses, alerting that it needs to be fed, diapered, rocked or burped. The responses of the "parent" are recorded. On Monday, Bos plugs the simulator into a computer and the students are assessed on how well they cared for the baby.

"I needed to teach students what it's like to care for a baby, that's one of those things thats hard to replicate," Bos said. She hoped the assignment would make students think beyond whether they would get a good grade. "I'm hoping students may think about what the impact would be on their life and choices they have to make."

"This was just a reality check", said student Pheobe Napolitano. "Pretty much we're all kind of exposed to pregnancy as teens, but it's not until you actually physically have something that's crying that you realize how much it is to take care of it".

Baby Bonding Tips

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/11/23/health-tip-bonding-with-your-new-baby.html

Parents should try to create a strong bond with their baby immediately after birth. The Nemours Foundations offers some suggestions for bonding.

• Each parent should hold the baby directly against their skin.

• Gently stroke the baby's skin in various motions.

• Try gently massaging your baby, you can learn infant massage techniques from books or from your pediatrician.

• Talk, sing, coo and babble to your baby, this will get the baby used to the sound of your voice.

• Listen to relaxing music together.

Ceiling Collapses Over Baby's Crib

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,576216,00.html

A 2-week-old infant was trapped in his crib on Saturday, when part of the ceiling collapsed over him at his home in Erie, Pennsylvania. A family member called 911 around 3:45 pm on Saturday.

Firefighters say that part of the plaster ceiling had collapsed and fallen into the crib. Paramedics treated the baby and brought him to the hospital for observation. The child suffered cuts and scrapes.

Firefighters didn't find any structural damage at the home. They say that water damage had probably weakened that part of the ceiling.

2 Year Old Helps Mom Deliver Baby

http://www.examiner.com/x-30067-Knoxville-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m11d20-Twoyearold-Tennessee-boy-helps-mom-deliver-baby-video

Bobbye Favazza went into labor at home on Friday, November 13th in Olive Branch, Tennessee. The baby was 2 weeks early. Her 2 year old son Jeremiah asked his mom if she wanted a towel, and stayed by her side through the labor.

The baby, Cameron, is healthy and doing well. Paramedics arrived shortly after delivery to cut the umbilical cord and give medical care.

Environment Main Cause of Flat Head

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wirestory?id=9107236&page=1

According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, environment is more important than genes when it comes to infant's risk of developing plagiocephaly, a flat spot on the head.

Factors both before and after birth can contribute to the condition. Crowding in the womb with twins and other multiples is a main factor. After birth, repetitive pressure on one area of the infant's head, from repeatedly sleeping in the same position or spending too much time in swings or "bouncy seats" can cause plagiocephaly.

Experts recommend that infants get plenty of "tummy time" when they are awake to counter the effects of sleeping on their backs, and that parents avoid leaving them in carriers, swings, or other seats for a prolonged period.

New Mom Confidence Boosters

http://www.parenting.com/article/Pregnancy/Relationships/6-New-Mom-Confidence-Boosters/1

Tune out unsolicited advice - You're bound to get more than enough advice when you are a new mom, and it can get irritating. Pick a couple people whose advice you will strongly consider, such as your pediatrician or a family member, and filter out the rest.

Stop comparing yourself to others - Don't fixate on other women who make mothering seem effortless, or other babies who seem more advanced than yours. It is not productive, and often if you do a little investigating, you will find these mothers and babies aren't so perfect after all.

Minimize guilt - Whether it is about a big decision like going back to work, or something less significant, it is not productive. Acknowledge it and move on.

Take care of yourself - Make sure you get enough rest. Hiring a babysitter, even for just an hour, can make a big difference. Don't try to do it all alone.

Lower your standards - Prioritize and trim your to-do list. Don't expect to do everything perfectly.

Have fun with your baby - Don't worry too much about fostering your baby's education and development. Babies are taking in information all the time, just focus more on playing and having fun with your baby.

New Help for Postpartum Depression

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/10/postpartum.depression/index.html

At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a groundbreaking inpatient psychiatric unit has been implemented specifically for women suffering from perinatal mood disorders. The unit offers a core group of doctors who specialize in perinatal issues, psychiatrists attuned to medications that wouldn't harm a pregnancy or nursing newborn, unusual policy of allowing children, even babies, on the ward during extended visiting hours, and mom-only counseling focused on anxiety and bonding.

15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression each year. Most don't need intensive intervention, but there are severe cases - women who can't sleep, obsess over bad things that could happen to their baby, or think about hurting the baby, or themselves. A unit that focuses only on postpartum depression could help these women. Previously they would have to commit themselves to a regular psychiatric unit where they would not get help that is tailored to their specific needs.

Gender Disappointment

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33894375/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Gender disappointment is a heartbreaking issue that affects many mothers and pregnant women. Many women don't talk about it because they are afraid that people will think they are a bad mother or ungrateful. The problems mainly involves women who wanted a daughter.

Joyce Venis, a psychiatric nurse said, "Just because a woman has a preference does not mean she is a bad mother or doesn't want the child". Venis suggests that women find out the sex of the baby during pregnancy so they can deal with disappointment before the birth.

Venis suggests that women dealing with this issue should find someone to talk to. If they are depressed, they should talk to a therapist. Venis wants mothers dealing with gender disappointment to remember, "It is normal and they shouldn't feel like a freak. It is a normal process when a dream has changed. You just have to relearn a different dream".

Baby Products You Don't Need

http://www.newser.com/story/69454/baby-crap-you-dont-need.html

Taking care of a baby is expensive, and there are tons of baby supplies out there that you just don't need. Here is a small list of some of them:

Crib bedding sets - The bumper pad and comforter pose suffocation hazards, so you're paying for pieces that you won't even use.

Wipe warmer - This makes the wipes stickier and harder to separate.

Diaper Genie - Doesn't contain the smell any better than a regular garbage can.

Baby Powder - It has been established that baby powder can cause respiratory problems for babies. It also makes the baby's bottom clumpy as soon as they wet their diaper.

Shoes - Before the baby is walking shoes are really not needed.

It can be fun to spoil your baby, but remember, what he or she needs most is to be fed, changed and loved.

How to Make Your Own Baby Food

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-food-nutrition-9/making-baby-food

While making your own baby food is less convenient, more time consuming, and more difficult to store, it has many benefits as well. You have more choices of foods, you know exactly what your baby is eating, and it is usually more economical. Jarred baby food is cooked at high temperatures to kill bacteria for longer storage, which takes out vitamins, nutrients and taste.

Baby food can be made at home in 6 easy steps:

1. Wash and rinse hands and equipment

2. Scrub and peel fruits and vegetables

3. Bake, steam, roast or microwave until tender

4. Puree in a food processor with a little liquid (water, breast milk, or formula) or mash

5. Store in refrigerator or freezer, in airtight containers

6. Rewarm when it's time to eat and allow to cool

There are storage containers sold specifically for homemade baby food, an ice cube tray will also work.

Breastfeeding May Help Mom Lose Weight

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/fashion/12Skin.html?scp=1&sq=baby&st=cse

Breastfeeding may help new moms shed baby weight. Last year, a study of 36,000 Danish women found that the more a mother breast feeds, the less weight she retains 6 months after giving birth. Since producing milk requires about 500 calories a day, women can lose excess baby weight without dieting.

Breastfeeding can have many benefits for both mother and baby. It gives the baby an immunity boost and may lower the risk of breast cancer in the mother. Effortless weight loss from breastfeeding may not work for everyone, but some may reap these benefits.

Bug Spray Likely Killed Infant

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/02/us/AP-US-Bug-Spray-Death.html?scp=3&sq=infant&st=cse

According to authorities, the death of a 10-month-old boy in Columbia, SC was most likely caused by bug spray that produces a fog to kill insects. The baby's 2-year-old brother was critically injured by the fumes also.

Investigators found 7 fogger containers in the home. The mother told authorities she was using 2-3 per week. She said she followed the directions, although authorities are not convinced. Confirmation of the cause of death through toxicity reports could take eight weeks.

Air Pollution Effects on Babys Lungs

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33866693/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Chronic exposure to air pollution increases a baby's chance of developing bronchiolitis - a lung infection which is the most common cause of hospitalizations in the first year of life, according to a new study. Parents should try to reduce infant's exposure to traffic and other sources of dirty air, even in regions that don't have a pollution problem.

Babies can develop complications from bronchiolitis such as difficulty breathing, severe coughing and blue skin. Babies who develop bronchiolitis in the first year are at a higher risk for developing asthma later in life.

Phthalates Associated With Less Male-Typical Behavior in Boys

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life/health-fitness/health/Chemicals-used-in-plastics-feminise-brains-of-baby-boys/articleshow/5236187.cms

A new study by University of Rochester Medical Center of 145 preschoolers, showed that higher concentrations, in mother's prenatal urine, of metabolites of two phthalates, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), were associated with less "male-typical" behavior in boys on a standard play questionnaire.

Researchers are concerned that exposure in the womb to anti-androgens, such as phthalates, has the potential to alter masculine brain development by altering testosterone levels.

Phthalates are found mainly in plastics, also in some soaps and lotions. A federal law was passed in 2008 banned 6 phthalates from use in toys for babies and young children. Any steps in the processing, packaging, storage, or heating of food that use PVC-containing products can introduce them into the food chain.

Baby Blessing Ceremonies Gaining Popularity

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21476014/

In the past decade a new kind of ceremony, called baby blessing, has become more popular. A baby blessing can be alternative to a traditional baptism or christening for couples of different faiths and those who do not have ties to a church.

These ceremonies can be tailored to fit the parent's wishes. They can combine elements of different religions and ceremonies, and bring the families together to celebrate the new baby.

Parent's Stress Affects Baby

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/does-parent-stress-affect-baby

Babies are very sensitive to their parents' moods. There can be long-term consequences if there is too much stress in a baby's life.

A CDC report found that "toxic stress" - adverse experiences sustained over a long period of time - can change how a child's brain develops. Toxic stress can impair the connection of brain circuits and lead to the development of a smaller brain. High levels of stress hormones can suppress the body's immune system, leading to chronic health problems. Sustained high levels of stress hormones can damage areas of the brain important for memory and learning.

Stress that is mild to moderate is not harmful to a baby. Some stress, such as starting a new daycare, are even good for the baby. Comforting and supporting your baby through these type of stressful situations will teach your child to cope with and overcome stress.

If you think that your stress level is affecting your baby, there are many ways to deal with and reduce stress. Relaxation programs, massages, exercise, time with a friend, support groups, and setting realistic expectations are all good ways to reduce your stress.

How to Hire a Baby Nurse

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/hiring-a-baby-nurse-for-your-newborn

Hiring a baby nurse to help with your newborn can be a smart choice. A baby nurse specializes in caring for a newborn from birth to 3 months. They usually cost around $200 per day, although the price varies geographically. The average family who uses a baby nurse usually does so for 3 to 4 weeks after the baby is born.

Finding a good baby nurse requires some research and background checks. An agency will do the background check for you and provide a nurse that fits your needs. If you are not going through an agency, it is important to check references and ask the right questions.

Ask the prospective baby nurse what they anticipate in the first couple weeks. Make sure they know what is normal or not for a newborn. Ask how they develop sleep and eating patterns. A good baby nurse should be able to answer these questions quickly and easily. Verify their answers with their references.

Newborns Cry in Their Native Language

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33656622/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Newborns are influenced by their parent's native language even while still in the womb. New research shows that the cries of newborn babies tend to mimic the melody patterns of their parents' language. French newborns tend to cry with rising melody patterns, slowly increasing in pitch from beginning to end, whereas German newborns prefer falling melody patterns. These differences are consistent with the differences between the two languages.

According to researcher Kathleen Wermke, "Newborns are probably highly motivated to imitate their mother's behavior in order to attract her and hence foster bonding".

These findings support the idea that spoken language is rooted in melody. "Music and language might have co-evolved for a certain time during evolution and share a primordial form of communication system" said Wermke.

New Study Links 2 Antibiotics With Birth Defects

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/11/02/cdc-study-links-2-antibiotics-to-birth-defects.html

Taking antibiotics during pregnancy does not raise the risk for most birth defects, but new research by the CDC has found that there are some exceptions. 2 antibiotics, nitrofurantoins and sulfonamides, were linked to an increased risk for several birth defects.

Sulfonamides were tied to a higher risk for anencephaly, a fatal malformation of the skull and brain, as well as heart defects such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome and coarctation of the aorta, choanal artresia, transverse limb deficiency and diaphragmatic hernia. Nitrofurantoins were associated with increased risk for anophthalmia and microphthalmos and several congenital heart defects.

The most commonly used antibiotics didn't seem to be associated with the birth defects studied. Many antibiotics have been used safely for decades, but now resistant strains of bacteria are forcing doctors to use a wider variety of antibiotics, for some of which we have very limited information of their effect on an unborn baby. Pregnant women should remember that while some antibiotics can pose a risk for their child, infections are also risky and often need to be treated.

Maclaren Recalls Umbrella Strollers

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10033.html

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2009/11/maclaren-recalls-a-million-umbrella-baby-strollers/1

Maclaren is voluntarily recalling 1 million single and double umbrella strollers sold in the U.S. between 1999 and November, 2009 after 12 reports of a child's fingertip being cut off by a hinge.

The models affected by this recall are: Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno, and Easy Traveller.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said, "The stroller's hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller". Consumers should immediately stop using these strollers and contact Maclaren USA to receive a free repair kit.

Breast-Feeding Could Save Lives

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32234145/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Teaching new mothers to breast-feed could save 1.3 million children's lives every year. Fewer than 40% of women breast-feed their infants exclusively for the first 6 months as recommended by the World Health Organization. Many give up because they don't know how to get their baby to latch on properly or suffer pain and discomfort.

Breast milk provides vital nutrients and strengthens the immune system. Formula milk does not provide the same immunity, and local water can be unsafe in many parts of the world. 

Tamiflu Approved in Europe for Babies Under 6 Months

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33022856/ns/health-cold_and_flu/

Tamiflu has been approved by European officials for babies under 6 months and to prevent post-exposure infection in those under 1 year old. The World Health Organization warned that health authorities should be on the lookout for signs of drug resistance. 

Chemical in Plastic May Cause Problems for Preemies

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32157844/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

A chemical found in some plastics, called phthalate, which is already under scrutiny for potential health risks, is suspected of raising the already high risk of liver damage in premature babies when used in intravenous feeding bags and tubing, according to a new study.

Research on the effects of phthalates on humans is still lacking and there is no solid proof implicating the phthalate studied, DEHP.

6 Things You May Not Have Childproofed

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32958289/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Here are some important things you may have forgotten to childproof in your home:

Floor - look for splinters in wood, tacks in carpet, etc.

Babygate - pressure gates won't hold back a toddler. Invest in wall mounted gates.

Fireplace - hearthstone is as dangerous as the fireplace itself. A hearth gate will keep children away from the entire area.

Television - secure it to the wall or the back of the entertainment center to prevent falling.

Cat - invest in a crib tent to prevent cat from stepping on baby.

You - remember that babies will try to imitate you. Try not to let them see you doing something that would be dangerous for them to imitate. Also, remember that constant adult supervision is essential in keeping your baby safe.

Tylenol May Make Vaccines Less Effective

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33331643/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Many parents give Tylenol to their babies and kids after a vaccination to help prevent fever and fussiness. Some doctors recommend this, but new research suggests that this may make the shots less effective.

The effect was small, and the majority of kids still got enough protection from the vaccine. Still, the results make a case against routinely giving Tylenol to children immediately after a vaccination, according to doctors from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

H1N1 Vaccine and Thimerosal

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/expert.q.a/11/02/h1n1.thimerosal.shu/index.html

It is recommended that infants over 6 months receive the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible even if it contains thimerosal because the risks of infection itself are higher than risks from the vaccine.

Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that is used for multidose vials of vaccines. Manufacturers stopped adding it to certain vaccines for children as a precaution because it was theorized that it may be linked with autism. This has never been proved, and even after it's removal from vaccines, there has been an increase in autism diagnoses. 

 Single-dose seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines do not contain preservatives. Multi-dose vaccines contain trace amounts of preservatives, but it is still recommended that children 6 months to 3 years get the vaccine. 

Celebrities Celebrate Babies

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS37490+02-Nov-2009+PRN20091102

The March of Dimes will host the 4th Annual Celebration of Babies to recognize prominent individuals who are having babies and are role models for the March of Dimes commitment to love and hope for healthy babies. 

Special guests at the event include actresses Halle Berry and Courtney Thorne-Smith. The luncheon will honor Robert Katz, M.D., obstetrician to the stars, by presenting him with the Golden Rattle Award for his commitment to the March of Dimes mission. Also being honored is the Stork Club, a group of celebrities who have had or are expecting to have a baby in 2009. 

November is prematurity awareness month when the March of Dimes calls on us to "fight for preemies". More than half a million babies are born prematurely each year. Hollywood moms are teaming up with the March of Dimes to help raise funds to ensure that all babies have a chance at a healthy start. 

The event will be held on Saturday November 7, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. The Red Carpet event begins at 11:00 am. 

Baby at Center of Right-to-Life Legal Dispute

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gcfE2sKGVPMxSuoRepmfoGrad2dA

A baby born in the UK with a rare condition called congenital myasthenic syndrome, a rare neuromuscular condition, is at the center of a right-to life debate. 

The baby boy's condition severely limits his ability to breathe and move his limbs. The boy's father believes that if the surgeons performed a tracheotomy, it might improve his condition and allow the boy to be taken off the ventilator and returned home from the hospital. 

The father is opposing an application by a hospital trust for permission to withdraw the baby's life support. The application is supported by the mother who is separated from the father. 

Although the baby has been in the hospital since birth, lawyers for the father argue that the baby's brain is unaffected by the condition. He can see, hear, feel, and recognize his parents. The judge in this case is expected to be invited to view video recordings produced by the father to support his case that the boy should be allowed to live. 

Lullabelly Introduces Music in the Womb

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10386787-1.html

http://www.lullabelly.com/

The Lullabelly is a music belt with built-in speaker to play music to your baby in the womb. It works with Ipods, Iphones, CD, or MP3 players. 

The makers of Lullabelly claim that playing music to your unborn baby encourages learning, language and memory skills. Playing the same music to your baby after birth is supposed to have a calming effect on the baby and help them sleep better.

Lullabelly comes in several polka dot patterns and sells in a standard package, which includes a speaker for the baby only for $49, or deluxe package, which includes a dual earphone adapter and earphones with volume control for mom for $55. 

Flu Shots for Pregnant Women Protect Baby

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/10/30/flu-shot-in-pregnancy-protects-baby.html?PageNr=1

Four new studies prove that getting seasonal flu shots during pregnancy benefit women and their babies. The most important benefits are bigger, healthier newborns, fewer preterm births, and reduced rates of hospitalization. 

A study in Georgia showed that during the height of flu season, premature births among vaccinated women fell 70%, compared with unvaccinated women. Similar positive results would probably be seen from getting the H1N1 flu vaccine during pregnancy as well, according to Dr. Saad  B. Omer, an assistant professor of global health and epidemiology at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. Another study proved that when the mom got a flu shot in pregnancy, the infant was less likely to be hospitalized for the first year of life. 

Pregnant women who get the flu are at risk for giving birth to significantly underweight babies. Women who were vaccinated were 30% less likely to develop respiratory illness with fever and had substantially heavier infants.