Saturday, November 29, 2003

Health Tips... from UPI - The Washington Times: United Press International: "WHY BREAST-FED INFANTS RESIST HIV INFECTION

Researchers say anti-viral agents in an infant's saliva may protect the child from breast-feeding related HIV. While breast feeding is estimated to cause one-third to one-half of new infant HIV-1 infections worldwide, most breast-fed infants with HIV-positive mothers remain uninfected. Scientists at Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta identified factors that can affect transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. Scientists believe while breeches in an infant's intestinal lining may allow the virus entry, anti-viral agents in an infant's saliva may present a hostile environment to the virus, diverting infection. The presence of HIV antibody in saliva already has been recognized in HIV-infected individuals, but scientists do not yet know whether this antibody is developed in non-infected breast-fed infants. "
The Daily Telegraph | Basking in the glow
Daily Telegraph
Excerpt
[Sarah McLachlan talks about difficulties adjusting to motherhood as she worked on her new album. - JC]

"'I hated everything I was writing. I think that was mostly because I was pushing myself back into music too soon after having my child. That didn't work at all and I ended up resenting it.


'That was a bit frightening. I was so sleep-deprived but I wasn't thinking about that being to blame or trying to blame anything, really. I just thought all the music I was writing was complete crap.


'And I love making music. It's a joyous thing for me and at that time, there was no joy.'


India's arrival also meant a change to McLachlan's modus operandi for songwriting. Being a mum meant she could no longer isolate herself for months on end to focus on her work.


'I used to go and lock myself away in a cabin %u2013 because I'm such a procrastinator %u2013 and just write the album,' she says. 'But having a kid means you're lucky if you have an hour a day to focus on writing and that's not enough.


'So I stopped trying to make it enough and decided to focus on being a mother and not trying so hard.


'The fog lifted after I finished breast-feeding. I've spoken to a lot of mothers who've said exactly the same thing %u2013 that literally a week after you finish breast-feeding, you feel like a different person.


'And India had become a little more independent and strong and could handle a few hours away from mum.'"
New Zealand News - NZ - Problems deter breastfeeding mothers: survey
CA WALSH, Health Reporter

If New Zealand wants women to breastfeed their babies, more resources are needed to help first-time mothers overcome 'normal problems', a survey says.

Parenting magazine Little Treasures has found that two-thirds of first-time mothers had problems breastfeeding and found it difficult to get help... "

Tuesday, November 25, 2003

News - Small Study Suggests Breastfed Infants Show Little Effect When Moms Take Anti-Depressant
"NEW HAVEN, CT -- November 25, 2003 -- Most breastfed infants nurse without showing meaningful effects from their mothers taking 20-40 mg of the anti-depressant fluoxetine (Prozac) daily, according to a study by Yale researchers. Postpartum major depression affects about 10 percent of women. Prozac belongs to a class of anti-depressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are the most commonly prescribed class of anti-depressants for post-partum depression...."
New Data Show U.S. Breastfeeding Rates at All-Time Recorded High: "Press Release
Source: Abbott LaboratoriesNew Data Show U.S. Breastfeeding Rates at All-Time Recorded High
Tuesday November 25, 8:30 am ET
- But More Support and Programs Needed to Address Lagging Rates for Working Mothers and WIC Participants -
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- U.S. breastfeeding rates have reached their highest recorded levels, according to new data from Abbott Laboratories' Ross Products Division, which has tracked breastfeeding trends since 1954. Abbott's ongoing mail survey of infant feeding trends, the largest of its kind, shows that 70.1 percent of mothers now initiate breastfeeding in the hospital -- up from 54.2 percent a decade ago. Additionally, the data show that 33.2 percent of mothers still are breastfeeding when their babies reach six months of age -- up from 18.9 percent in 1992...." [Hey, we don't need an Ad Council campaign, look, Ross says breastfeeding rates are at an all-time recorded high. (Yes, that is sarcasm!!) - JC]

Sunday, November 23, 2003

ic Wales - Breast milk sugars 'protect babies'
Nov 23 2003
"Sugars that occur naturally in breast milk reduce the number of harmful bugs in a baby's stomach. Tests using an infant formula containing a mixture of the compounds were found to dramatically lower levels of bacteria such as E.coli. At the same time the sugars - called oligosaccharides - increased the number of friendly bacteria. They also made the environment in babies' bowels more acidic, which suits 'good' bugs but is unhealthy for 'bad' bugs. Natasha Bye, head of scientific affairs at Milupa, the company making the infant formula, said: 'In terms of providing a protective line of defence, this is very exciting for us. We have achieved a selective increase of good bacteria and a decrease of the nasty ones....'"

Thursday, November 20, 2003

'Chick Lit' queen reigns at library

News of Delaware County
By Joe McAllister , CORRESPONDENT
11/19/2003
"Author Jennifer Weiner is experiencing a personal and career vortex where 'worlds collide.' Blue-collar town newspaper reporter, best-selling novelist, broken relationships, soul mate, parenthood, black-tie affairs, 'slumping around in sweat pants,' Cameron Diaz, baby wipes, HBO series, stay-at-home mom, self-described 'dork,' and hot new author - all of this to a girl who says she 'never got the guy.'
The whirling world of Jennifer Weiner (pronounced WHY-NER) stormed the Haverford Township Free Library recently in a rousing kick off of its 'Right to Read' campaign, a literary promotional partnership with the local Rotary Club.
'As part of the Rotary's Centennial Celebration, they chose us to promote literacy and love of literature. Through books, we explore, learn and travel - that should be everybody's right,' says Adeline Ciannella, library director. 'Getting Jennifer was just wonderful. She loves libraries.'
Weiner is the author of 'Good in Bed' and 'In Her Shoes,' best-selling novels that have been optioned into an HBO series a la 'Sex in the City' (with sensibilities) and a major studio movie starring Cameron Diaz.
'Personally, I would give Janeane Garofalo every part,' jokes Weiner, 33, to the attentive crowd in the library basement.
The current reigning queen of 'Chick Lit' talked of life and love, fame and fortune, breast-feeding and '27 hours of unmedicated labor' to a 99.9 percent female audience of adoring fans.
Weiner treated the faithful to a reading from her new book in progress, whose working title is 'Little Earthquakes.' It's a book about her present life situation - new husband, new baby, new parent and the life-altering changes therein.
'I can only read this when my husband Adam is not around,' she says, literally pulling the unedited pages from her purse and reading candidly about 'the first sex after the baby' and 'new parent foreplay.' ..."
Health officials: More women should breast-feed their children
By TAMARIA L. LIDDELL
Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
"LANCASTER -- More than half of Fairfield County's low-income new mothers are breast-feeding, but that's not enough, said local health officials. By 2010, state officials hope to increase the total number of all new mothers breast-feeding at birth to 75 percent. To meet this goal, a pilot two-year program will be launched in 11 counties, including Fairfield County. Breast-feeding Peer Helpers will educate mothers about the benefits of breast-feeding. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health, breast milk is the best nutrition for infants and contains more than 200 infection-fighting agents that can't be replicated.... "
Effect of breast feeding on blood pressure may be overestimatedEurekalert.org

"Effect of breast feeding in infancy on blood pressure in later life: systematic review and met-analysis BMJ Volume 327, pp 1189-92
Previous research may have overestimated the beneficial effects of breast feeding on blood pressure in later life, say researchers in this week's BMJ.

Christopher Owen and colleagues reviewed 24 studies to determine whether breast feeding in infancy was associated with lower blood pressure at different ages compared with bottle feeding formula milk. "
Lower DHA Status Linked to Risk of Postpartum DepressionThursday November 20, 5:13 pm ET

COLUMBIA, Md., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Martek Biosciences Corporation (Nasdaq: MATK - News) commented today on the results of a study conducted at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The study, published in the journal Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, suggests an association between low levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) after pregnancy and the occurrence of postpartum depression."

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Moms Who Nurse Toddlers Say It's Just Natural
theledger.com
Published Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Moms Who Nurse Toddlers Say It's Just Natural
By Rebecca Mahoney
rebecca.mahoney@theledger.com
"Two-and-a-half-year-old Emma Brink goes to preschool, plays with her kittens, spends afternoons with her Grandma -- and enjoys breast-feeding with her mom every day.

For Emma and her mother, Nancy Brink Moses, nursing is a natural, comfortable way to be together.

'It's a wonderful thing,' said the 28-year-old Lakeland mom. 'She is one of my favorite people, and I appreciate this special opportunity to be with her in this very special, very intimate way.'..." [This article is accompanied by a sweet photo of Lewis nursing her two-year-old as her four-year-old looks on. - JC]

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

Herald Sun: Countess of Wessex was close to death [18nov03]
LONDON
"The Countess of Wessex was said to be minutes from death during the traumatic birth of her daughter last week. Sophie is being kept in hospital for longer than planned to give her a chance to bond with her baby. She was said to be just 20 minutes from death after suffering both internal bleeding and placental abruption - where the placenta peels from the wall of the womb...." [Discusses briefly how a six-day separation could cause problems with breastfeeding (no doubt!) - JC]
Chickenpox Vaccine Okay for Nursing Mothers
Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage
Wed 19 November, 2003 00:16
"NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The virus that is used in the chickenpox vaccine doesn't seem to enter a mother's breast milk or pass to feeding infants, new research shows. This means that nursing mothers who are susceptible to chickenpox do not need to wait to get the vaccine. Although chickenpox is often thought of as a childhood illness, adults can get it too and usually it is much more serious than in kids..."

Thursday, November 13, 2003

Breastfeeding reduces diabetes risk
Friday, 14 November 2003

"STAWELL - The Stawell Group of the Australian Breastfeeding Association is encouraging parents to delay feeding their babies solid foods to mark World Diabetes Day today.
To mark World Diabetes Day 2003 the group has issued a reminder to the community that parents' early feeding choices can prevent diabetes.... "
Couple sues, says authorities overzealous when trying to protect son born at home
Pam Louwagie, Star Tribune
Published November 13, 2003
"As they had with many of their eight other children, Daniel and Karen Mathias chose for Karen to give birth to Gabriel in their Minneapolis home last Christmas. Their call to a hospital the next day seeking advice on the newborn's eating behavior ended with child protection workers phoning, police knocking on their door and what the couple contend was a forced trip to a hospital.... "
The Salt Lake Tribune -- Kirby: Toxic twins: Nuke waste, Mom's milk
Robert Kirby
Tribune Columnist [Jodine notes, a "humour" columnist.]
"

    Nuclear waste and mother's milk have a lot in common these days. Both are naturally occurring substances that finicky people do not want anywhere near a large order of french fries.
    Before rabid environmentalists angrily denounce mother's milk as unnatural, allow me to point out that I am not defending it. After all, if mother's milk were safe for public consumption, wouldn't you be able to order a double tall mom's latte at Starbucks?
    As for radiation, what do you think the sun generates? Granted, it's 93 million miles away but shouldn't that be what we really worry about? After all, when was the last time anyone demanded that babies be slathered in milk block before being nursed? ...
"
Nestle Launches Nestle(R) Good Start(R) Supreme DHA & ARA: "Nestle Launches Nestle(R) Good Start(R) Supreme DHA & ARA
Thursday November 13, 10:00 am ET

First and Only Routine Infant Formula to Combine DHA and ARA for Brain and Eye Development With Comfort Proteins(R) for Easy Digestion and Reduced Potential for Protein Sensitization and Intolerance

GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle USA, part of Nestle S.A., a world leader in infant nutrition, announces the launch of Nestle Good Start Supreme DHA & ARA. The new formula is now available nationwide and contains two fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, also known as DHA and ARA, that are naturally found in breastmilk and have been linked with improved brain and visual development in babies. In addition to including one of the highest levels of DHA and ARA available in the United States, Nestle Good Start Supreme DHA & ARA is the only routine formula to combine the benefits of DHA and ARA with easy-to-digest Comfort Proteins® that are designed to be gentle on a baby's developing digestive system and reduce the potential for babies to develop protein sensitization and intolerance.... Although healthy, full-term babies make their own DHA and ARA from the nutrients found in standard infant formula, recent studies suggest there may be benefits from direct supplementation of formula with DHA and ARA...."
deseretnews.com | Breast-feeding mom has law on her side
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
By Laura Warner
Deseret Morning News

      "If Catherine Geary could have it her way, she would rewrite Burger King's training manuals to include a section on breast-feeding. Though hamburgers and lactation seem like an odd combination, they are unfortunately connected in Geary's mind after an incident at a Sandy Burger King last weekend.
      'It really wasn't a big thing. It was just kind of humiliating,' Geary said. 'Everybody had turned to look at me. The kids all stopped playing and stared at me to see what I had done wrong.'
..."
NBC 4 - News - Mom Convicted In Drug-Related Death Of Baby Loses Civil Suit: "Mom Convicted In Drug-Related Death Of Baby Loses Civil Suit

Son Likely Poisoned By Meth-Tainted Breast Milk

POSTED: 12:52 p.m. PST November 11, 2003
LOS ANGELES -- A mother convicted of the methamphetamine-induced death of her baby son lost her federal civil rights lawsuit against Riverside County law enforcement officials.

Amy Leanne Prien of Mead Valley contended in her suit that Riverside County's district attorney, sheriff and their subordinates framed her with false evidence and violated her right to a speedy trial.

Prien's $20 million federal suit, filed in April, said prosecutors coerced false testimony and dragged their feet to bring the case to trial"
Hospital's breastfeeding honour - Evening Times
Newsquest (Herald & Times) Limited.

" THE newest maternity hospital in Glasgow has won a prestigious award from Unicef for its work in promoting breastfeeding.
The Princess Royal Maternity Hospital at Glasgow Royal Infirm-ary has passed the standards set down in the charity's Baby Friendly accreditation scheme, just two years after opening. ..."
Israel News : Jerusalem Post Internet Edition: "German police questions Humana employee

Judy Siegel-Itzkovich
Nov. 10, 2003

A femaile employee at German food manufacturer Humana is under investigation for manslaughter by negligence, German public prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Imported locally by Israeli company and H. J. Heinz Co. subsidiary Remedia Ltd., the kosher soy-based milk substitute likely caused the deaths of at least two Israeli babies, and serious nerve damage to some 15 others.

Other employees at Humana Milchunion's plant in Everswinkel, Germany are also likely to be questioned, as manufacturing involves a variety of sections within the plant. ..."

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Going with the Flow: A prominent gynecologist offers a simple solution to the problem of adopting a child
Egypt Today
Manl el-Jesri

"You want to adopt an orphan, but are prevented by Islamic law from giving it the full rights of any other family member, right? Well, maybe not. Provided the child is young enough, science and Al-Azhar may have an answer: A simple breast pump...."
WorldNetDaily: Breast-feeding as religion 
Commentary
Breast-feeding as religion
Posted: November 11, 2003
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2003 Creators Syndicate, Inc.

"One of the phenomena of our time is the passion surrounding breast-feeding. In Norway, for instance, it is now illegal to advertise baby formula. And America is probably not far behind. Whenever I raise this issue on my radio show, merely saying that bottle-feeding is OK renders me a villain in the eyes of many listeners.

The religious-like fervor for breast-feeding and loathing of bottle-feeding need to be explained. I acknowledge having no scientific basis on which to challenge the many scientific studies that point to the health benefits of breast-feeding %u2013 such as fewer infant infections, fewer early allergies, getting the mother's antibodies, and so on. I do, however, believe that in a health-conscious home, these benefits are negligible...." [Save us from this common-sense trumps science attitude. - JC]

Monday, November 10, 2003

New Study Indicates Martek's Omega-3 DHA Reduces Heart Disease Risk Factors
Monday November 10, 4:45 pm ET

"Data Show Increased Levels of 'Good' Cholesterol, Decreased Levels Of Triglycerides and a Beneficial Shift in 'Bad' Cholesterol

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Researchers presented results today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions suggesting that 1,000 mg of DHA omega-3 fatty acid daily can favorably impact lipids and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy adults. The study was designed to investigate the cardiovascular benefits associated with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and used Neuromins® DHA, manufactured by Martek Biosciences (Nasdaq: MATK - News), which comes from a natural vegetarian source and is free of contaminants that may be found in fish...."
Firms urged to give breast treatment to new mothers

"Nearly eight in ten health and safety workers in UK firms are confused over whether women are allowed to breastfeed at work, according to new research. The study, conducted by business information providers Croner, found that just 23 per cent of those questioned were fully aware of the legal requirements surrounding the issue - putting many companies at risk of legal action under the Sex Discrimination Act. Croner said that it has received a large increase of queries to its helpline on the subject since the case of former RAF engineer Helen Williams, who took her employer to court last year after they refused to let her take breastfeeding breaks...."
Heinz investigating formula linked to sick Israeli babies - 2003-11-10 - Pittsburgh Business Times: "1:45 PM EST Monday

"H. J. Heinz Co. said its senior executives have been in consultation 'around the clock' with managers of Remedia Ltd., an Israel food company of which Heinz owns 51 percent, regarding the recall of a kosher infant formula. Three infant deaths and the hospitalization of 10 babies were linked to the soy-based formula, Israel's Health Ministry said Nov. 9... "
When Mum and Baby are Miles ApartScotsman.com News
By Lisa Salmon, PA Features

"All new mothers expect to be with their baby immediately after the birth, or at least very soon after.

But that has not happened for the Countess of Wessex, who was separated from her daughter just after the baby was born a month prematurely.

The Countess is now in a Surrey hospital recovering from an emergency Caesarean, while her 4lb 9oz premature daughter is in a specialist baby unit at a London hospital, and doctors say they will be apart for at least another three days.

The separation from her first child is likely to be traumatic for the Countess, says Sue Macdonald of the Royal College of Midwives...."
Lack of B1 behind deaths; Mossad joins probe
Israel News : Jerusalem Post Internet Edition
Nov. 10, 2003
By JUDY SIEGEL

"The deaths in recent weeks of three infants from neurological and cardiological disorders were due to them having been fed non-dairy Remedia baby formula that completely lacked vitamin B1 (thiamine), the Health Ministry announced on Sunday.

After lab tests confirmed the absence of the vitamin, the ministry asked the parents of all babies fed with this line of soy-based formula during the last two months to see their pediatricians who, if necessary, can administer the vitamin.

The Mossad and Shin Bet secret service agencies have joined the investigation of the faulty baby formula, a Health Ministry spokesman said Monday.

The director general of the ministry, Boaz Lev, raised the possibility of sabotage to the kosher soy-based milk substitute, saying 'it is impossible to know if this is intentional or not.' "..."
State urging moms to breast-feed


ANNE T. DENOGEAN
Tucson Citizen
November 10, 2003
"As part of an effort to get mothers to breast-feed exclusively for the first 12 months of their baby's life, the state health department recently launched a campaign to encourage workplace support of breast-feeding.

'The No. 1 reason women give for quitting breast-feeding is they have to go back to work,' said Anne Whitmire, nutrition services and training manager for the department's Women Infants and Children/Commodity and Supplemental Food Program."..."

Sunday, November 09, 2003

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Kosher Baby Milk Formula in Israeli Deaths Link: "6:20pm (UK)
Kosher Baby Milk Formula in Israeli Deaths Link

By AP Reporter


An Israeli company partly owned by American food giant Heinz has recalled a kosher infant formula after three babies died of nervous disorders and 10 others were hospitalised.

The announcement by Remedia Ltd set off a wave of hysteria, and prompted a special religious ruling allowing the notification of ultra-Orthodox Jews on the Sabbath.

The recall also affected Orthodox Jewish communities in the United States where the soy-based formula is sold.

Remedia, whose baby products are found in virtually every Israeli supermarket, said it had slightly altered the makeup of the formula in June to bring it into %u201Caccordance with the scientific developments in the field%u201D.

"
Health Ministry Calling for b1 Shots for Remedia Babies
Arutz Sheva - Israel National News
17:52 Nov 09, '03 / 14 Cheshvan 5764
"(IsraelNN.com) According to information released by Health Ministry officials today, the Remedia soy-based infant formula is lacking in b1 (thiamine) despite it being listed on the ingredients...."
The Salt Lake Tribune -- Breast milk ad pulled despite good intent
By Michael N. Westley
The Salt Lake Tribune

One man asked if it came in chocolate. Another asked if he could buy an endless supply to use as a protein drink. Health care officials were alerted and questions raised. And, in the end, a 23-year-old Salt Lake City woman who placed an ad in The Salt Lake Tribune to sell her extra breast milk decided to withdraw her offer...."

Friday, November 07, 2003

News - AAP: Breastfeeding Status and Mother-Infant Separation Are Independent Predictors of Maternal Maltreatment
"By Jill Taylor
NEW ORLEANS, LA -- November 7, 2003 -- Breastfeeding and mother-infant contact appear to have a protective influence on subsequent child abuse and neglect, according a new study presented here on November 3rd at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition.

In both human and animal studies, breastfeeding is associated with blunted maternal stress reactivity and reduced levels of maternal anxiety. Conversely, prolonged maternal separation appears to have an inverse effect...."
Modeling prowess milked in formula ads : "Modeling prowess milked in formula ads
November 7, 2003
BY LEWIS LAZARE SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

"Some new moms may be a bit envious of how great fellow new mom Brooke Shields looks in two new television spots for infant formula Bright Beginnings.

But lest we forget, Shields did do time as a fashion model, so she knows something about how to present herself...."
EPA will phase out flame retardant chemical found in breast milk
"By SARA SHIPLEY
Post-Dispatch
11/06/2003

The Environmental Protection Agency is moving to phase out some toxic flame-retardant chemicals that have shown up in high levels in the breast milk of American women, including one in Missouri. The EPA announced this week that a major manufacturer of two widely used brominated flame retardants would phase out their production by the end of next year because of health concerns. Great Lakes Chemical Corp. of West Lafayette, Ind., will replace the chemicals, known as Penta and Octa, with a product deemed to be safer. "
Health Ministry suspects soy-based product led to babies' brain damage
Haaretz - Article
Last Update: 07/11/2003 20:40
By Ran Reznick, Haaretz Correspondent

"The Health Ministry called Friday for the immediate
halt in use of Remedia soy-based baby food, after
ministry officials viewed initial findings of an
investigation on the recent hospitalization of a
number of babies who suffered brain damage.



Ministry tests found that six
babies hospitalized recently
with brain damage had been
fed Remedia's soy-based
product, and therefore the
ministry ordered that the
product be pulled from store
shelves by Sunday.

"

Wednesday, November 05, 2003

Daily Vanguard - Thousands of chemicals approved without safety testing" European officials vote to adopt toughter standards on U.S. products
Tom Avril
November 05, 2003

Without requiring lab tests to determine their safety, the U.S. government has approved thousands of chemicals for use in such products as sofa cushions, soaps, paints and baby bottles. On average, two more chemicals are approved every day. The result: consumers are unwittingly part of a kind of vast, uncontrolled lab experiment. 'We're treating (people) worse than lab rats,' Karen Florini, an attorney with the non-profit group Environmental Defense said. 'At least with lab rats, somebody bothers to collect the data.'"
Queen Mother%u2019s closure threat to breastmilk bank

The Glasgow Herald
HELEN PUTTICK, Health Correspondent
November 04 2003
" Breast milk will have to be relayed across Glasgow if the Queen Mother's maternity hospital closes or sick babies could suffer, specialists said yesterday. Fears the city will lose its 'life saving' breastmilk bank - which supplies parents who have trouble suckling - have also been raised."
HeraldNet: Breast-feeding gains acceptance in workplace
Published: Tuesday, November 4, 2003
Breast-feeding gains acceptance in workplace
By Samantha Critchell
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- A decade ago, most business executives -- both male and female -- thought new mothers who chose to continue breast-feeding once they returned to work were doing 'a nice thing' -- as long as they didn't talk about it at the office, said Carol Ann Friedman, an international board-certified lactation consultant.

Times have changed. "
New borns' skin-to-skin contact vital: research - National - smh.com.au"
November 3, 2003 - 1:23PM

Babies should have at least an hour of skin-to-skin contact with their mothers at birth to cut down on breastfeeding problems, yet many midwives separate them too early, research suggests.

Midwife Ruth Cantrill questioned 1,105 midwives throughout Australia to study their knowledge of newborn feeding practices and their ability in managing the first breastfeed. "

Monday, November 03, 2003

WBKO | Is It OK to Breastfeed in Public?: " Daniel K. Hoh
WBKO
"When feeding your baby, the medical community agrees breast is best. Nursing behind closed doors is one thing, but how do you feel about mothers nursing in public?

That was the question posed by an AOL-Parenting magazine survey recently. They apparently hit a hot button as 13,000 people responded within only a few days. Seventy-three percent said breastfeeding in public was OK for mothers to do."
Newsday.com - EPA: Company to Phase Out Flame Retardants
"By Associated Press
November 3, 2003, 6:49 PM EST
WASHINGTON -- An Indiana company has agreed to cease production voluntarily of two widely used flame-retardant chemicals by the end of 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency said Monday.

EPA said the Great Lakes Chemical Corp., of West Lafayette, Ind., will stop making Penta and Octa and quickly shift to safer alternatives. The chemicals are PBDEs -- polybrominated diphenyl ethers -- commonly used in upholstery, electronics and other foam and plastic products. "

Sunday, November 02, 2003

The little search engine that could - www.theage.com.au[An excerpt from a feature article on Google, the company that makes the Internet's most popular search engine - JC] "And the Googleplex is nothing like the old garage. The company today promotes itself as having a tremendous work environment. It offers benefits, such as three months paid maternity leave (plus $US50 a day to spend on Waiters On Wheels for the first two weeks that you are home with your new baby), discounts at creches, on-site dental care and a daily dry-cleaning service for employees' clothes. "