It is now standard practice to inoculate expectant women in America against influenza between October and May, the period considered to be “flu season” by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ACOG, reiterating recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP), c … [Read more...] about Pregnancy & Flu Vaccine
Archives for October 2013
Homebirth: Safe and Sane
My parents were born at home in 1921, as were most in their generation and by the 1940s, when I was born, 44% of births still took place outside of the hospital. But, by the time I was ready to have babies myself, things had changed dramatically and few births took place outside of the home: less than 1.00% in 1969. This percentage stayed pretty much the same through the … [Read more...] about Homebirth: Safe and Sane
Formula Samples Decline
There's good news in the breastfeeding advocacy world. The distribution of formula samples is on the decline and limiting promotional materials from formula companies is fast becoming a best practice in US hospitals. According to a new report by Public Citizen, “Top Hospitals’ Formula for Success: No Marketing of Infant Formula”—co-released by the Ban the Bags campaign—the va … [Read more...] about Formula Samples Decline
Homebirth Safety Studies
1. de Jonge A, van der Goes B, Ravelli A, Amelink-Verburg M, Mol B, Nijhuis J, Bennebroek Gravenhorst J,Buitendijk S. Perinatal mortality and morbidity in a nationwide cohort of 529 688 low-risk planned home and hospital births. BJOG 2009. Conclusions This study shows that planning a home birth does not increase the risks of perinatal mortality and severe perinatal morbidity … [Read more...] about Homebirth Safety Studies
Living the Simple Life
Parenthood is a surprising time. From falling more deeply in love than you ever thought possible, to enduring sleeplessness you never thought possible, the seemingly simple tasks of getting everyone in the home dressed, bathed, fed, and out of harm’s way can fill an entire day. As we constantly work to ensure all the basic needs of our family are being met, many parents are a … [Read more...] about Living the Simple Life
Homestead School
When my husband and I decided to take out the front lawn and use that space to grow vegetables, I leapt into the project. Same thing happened when we got chickens. Asked what I wanted for my birthday, I raised the coop idea, happened upon some chicks for sale on Mother’s Day and bought them—before my husband and the kids had even razed the yard to build the chicken hou … [Read more...] about Homestead School
Everyday Attachment
The hallmarks of attachment security are availability, responsiveness, and sensitivity; hence, it is not just the presence of the parent, but the quality of the parental response—the parent’s emotional availability and sensitivity—that form the heart of a child’s security. When a baby is cared for in a wholly sensitive way, a secure relationship will likely develop and form a fo … [Read more...] about Everyday Attachment
Being Authentic with Kids
A few years ago, I was in an eye exam for my son Noah. The doctor wanted to get drops in Noah’s eyes and he was frustrated that Noah did not want to sit still. So he commanded me to hold Noah down while he put the drops in. Noah was crying wildly. I was taken off guard by the doc’s order, so I did it. I held Noah down forcibly, against his will, while the doctor put the drops in … [Read more...] about Being Authentic with Kids
Earth Friendly Halloween Decor
For Earth-friendly Halloween decor, think pumpkins, gourds, unusual vegetables, treasures from the forest, even edible decor. Corey Colwell-Lipson is the founder of Green Halloween, and National Costume Swap Day, and the co-author of Celebrate Green: Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family. She is the mother of two. … [Read more...] about Earth Friendly Halloween Decor
Attachment Parenting
Attachment parenting is not permissive parenting. It is not about abdicating authority as a parent, but about responding to the legitimate biological needs of a baby. It is firmly based in the sciences of anthropology and psychology and specifically on the theory of attachment. THE THEORY OF ATTACHMENT The theory of attachment originated with psychoanalyst John Bowlby … [Read more...] about Attachment Parenting