family tools
choose a tool resource directory
find a practitioner parenting toolbox product safety media reviews family fun guide send an e-card family astrology

community features choose a feature birth stories find a Mothering friend live chat mothers' writing group teen voices

	news bulletins september 2008

Your Emails Made a Difference

Thanks to all of you who joined forces with Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood to get Scholastic to stop promoting Bratz dolls in elementary schools. The campaign was a success.

After more than 5,000 emails, Scholastic confirmed that they will be withdrawing Bratz products, such as Lil' Bratz Dancin Divas, Lil' Bratz Catwalk Cuties, and Lil' Bratz Beauty Sleepover Bash, from book fairs and school promotional material.

If you would like to thank Scholastic, you can do so by writing to:

Richard Robinson, CEO
Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
212.343.6100

New Study Highlights Possible Link Between Vaccines and Diabetes

Newly published data by Dr. J. Barthelow Classen in the Open Endocrinology Journal shows a 50 percent reduction of type 2 diabetes among Japanese children following the discontinuation of a tuberculosis vaccine. There is currently what is considered a global epidemic of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, altered blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and increased blood glucose resulting from insulin resistance.

A possible link between insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1) and vaccines has already been suggested by numerous studies. Dr. Classen suggests that after receiving a vaccine, some people may develop a hyperactive immune system leading to autoimmune destruction of insulin-secreting cells. Other people may increase cortisol production as the body attempts to suppress the vaccine-induced inflammation. The increased cortisol leads to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

You can find out more here: www.accessibility.com.au/news/vaccine-induced-inflammation-linked-to-epidemic-of-type-2-diabetes

Breastfeeding in Emergencies: Why Breastmilk Substitutes Are Not Best

• In populations with lactase-deficiency (most developing country settings), a sudden increase in milk can cause diarrhea.
• Powdered milk and prepared milks can serve as breeding grounds for bacteria. In emergency situations—when proper storage is not optimal—contamination can easily spread.
• When there is no guarantee of clean water for mixing and cleaning, formula preparation and feeding cannot be carried out safely.
• If breastmilk substitutes are used, the child's immune system is weakened, and the family becomes dependent on formula and powders, with all their costs and risks.

The USBC has addressed numerous myths surrounding breastfeeding in emergencies, such as:

"Stress makes milk dry up."

While extreme stress or fear may cause milk to stop flowing, this response is usually temporary. The best way to address a stress-related lack of milk, is to create safe places for lactating women where they can be sure to receive water, rations, and help re-lactating. When milk flow returns, breastfeeding will produce hormones that calm the mother and the baby and foster a loving bond.

"Malnourished mothers cannot breastfeed."

Lactating mothers need to be properly nourished so that they can feed their babies and maintain the strength to care for older children in the family. Breastfeeding supplementers can be used in the event of severe malnutrition to help the mother and baby overcome malnutrition, while ensuring increased breastmilk production.

"Babies with diarrhea need water or tea."

As breastmilk is about 90 pecent water, exclusively breastfeeding babies with diarrhea do not usually need additional liquids, such as glucose water or tea. Clean water is often not available in emergency situations. In the case of severe diarrhea, rehydration by cup may be required in addition to the breastmilk.

"Once breastfeeding has stopped, it cannot be resumed."

With an adequate re-lactation support, it is possible to help mothers and their babies again take up breastfeeding after they have switched to infant formula. This support is very important in an emergency situation.

To find out more about breastfeeding in emergencies or breastfeeding in general, visit www.usbreastfeeding.org.

To read this report in its entirety, visit www.usbreastfeeding.org/Publications.html.

Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet Green Expo

Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet Green Expo
September 26-28, 2008
The Charlotte Convention Center Charlotte, North Carolina

The CDC tells us that one out of every six children in this country is impacted by either a neurological, developmental or behavioral problem. Additionally, 1 in 6 is overweight, 1 in 400 to 500 children has diabetes, and 1 in 150 is diagnosed with autism. The numbers are staggering, especially in light of the fact that many of these disorders—not to mention the heartache and financial strain associated with these conditions—are preventable. What's more, these very same conditions can often be reversed using natural methods, including dietary changes, appropriate nutrient support and other effective and safe treatments and interventions.

Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet—a green expo focused on how to raise healthy children in a toxic world—will bring together renowned medical doctors, environmentalists, authors, activists, celebrities, chefs, and nutritionists who will provide credible information on naturally oriented, yet scientifically based options for parents, teachers, therapists, and pediatricians who are seeking effective ways to prevent and reverse the health and behavioral problems that are negatively affecting our current generation of children. Presenters include author David Kirby, environmentalist Deirdre Imus, actress Holly Robinson-Peete and many others. Visit www.SOKHOP.com for more information.

The United States Breastfeeding Committee Recommends Mother Support for Six Months of Exclusive Breastfeeding

The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) proudly [joined] organizations from more than 120 countries to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2008. In the United States, the percentage of infants ever breastfed increased from 60 percent of those born in 1993-1994 to 74 percent of those born in 2005. Despite this increase in the number of women who initiate breastfeeding, only about 12 percent of infants continue to be breastfed exclusively for a full six months.

Exclusive breastfeeding through six months of age, defined as an infant's consumption of human milk with no supplementation of any type (no nonhuman milk, juice, water, or solid foods), except for vitamins, minerals, and medications, is the standard recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Office on Women's Health of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Scientific evidence clearly shows that breastfed infants have a lower incidence and severity of infections than formula-fed infants: less severe diarrhea, and fewer respiratory and ear infections. Evidence also underscores that a lack of breastfeeding is associated with increased risk of leukemia, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and deaths associated with sudden infant death syndrome.

Yet without strong social, economic, and political support for a mother's choice to breastfeed, these benefits prove beyond the reach of many American families. USBC Chair Joan Younger Meek, MD, MS, RD, FAAP, FABM, IBCLC, urges us to rise to the challenge and meet the goal of six months of exclusive breastfeeding: "As a nation we still have far to go to ensure mothers have the opportunity to breastfeed exclusively for six months and to continue breastfeeding for the first year of life and beyond. The USBC advocates for mother support in health systems, the workplace, the community, and the family.

To read the press release in its entirety, visit the USBC website: www.usbreastfeeding.org/News-and-Events/2008-08-USBC-WBW-Press-Release.pdf