Baby News

All newborns should be checked for jaundice

The U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has published new guidance for assessment and treatment of neonatal jaundice.  Found in ~60% of full term babies and in higher numbers for certain high risk categories, the condition is easy to treat and usually harmless.  With some risk to serious health consequences if untreated, NICE recommends frequent jaundice checks in the first 72 hours after birth including blood tests if the condition is at all suspected.  More details at the NICE link below and the links to coverage of this recommendation.

Sources:

• http://www.nice.org.uk/newsroom/pressreleases/newadviceforneonataljaundice.jsp
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8689700.stm
• http://www.madeformums.com/baby/new-checks-for-jaundice-in-newborn-babies/7864.html

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“Don’t Buy: Safety Risk” assigned to three strollers by Consumer Reports

Valco Baby Tri Mode and Tike Tech City X3 all-terrain strollers, and the Tike Tech X3 Sport jogging stroller have failed Consumer Reports testing.  Problems arose with the belly bar that presents a choking hazard when a child submarines under it.  More at Consumer Reports [subscription required].

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/17/AR2010051703044.html

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Daddy postpartum depression too

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study looking at prenatal and postpartum depression in men.  The abstract’s conclusion sums it up best:

Conclusions  Prenatal and postpartum depression was evident in about 10% of men in the reviewed studies and was relatively higher in the 3- to 6-month postpartum period. Paternal depression also showed a moderate positive correlation with maternal depression.

Many of the stresses that contribute overlap with women who suffer postpartum depression including lack of sleep, financial concerns, new work-home balances, and dealing with a partner that is suffering postpartum depression.

Sources:

• http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/303/19/1961
• http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126905558&ft=1&f=1001
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8687189.stm

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Newborns learn during sleep

A study found online at Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences describes experiments that demonstrate a newborn’s ability to learn and process information about their environment while sleeping.  This may lead to tests that help diagnose problems in parts of the brain that handle this processing and surely to a number of late-night tv infomercials that will sell you products sure to make your babies geniuses while they sleep.

Sources:

• http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/05/11/1005061107.abstract
• http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report_newborns-learn-while-asleep_1384424
• http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/05/17/Study-suggests-newborns-learn-while-asleep/UPI-34281274115613/
• http://news.ufl.edu/2010/05/17/baby-sleep/
• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/7737623/New-born-babies-learn-even-in-their-sleep.html

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Umbilical cord pH level indicator of low oxygen at birth

Umbilical cord pH levels may become an easier way to look for abnormal oxygen levels.   

Low arterial cord pH showed strong, consistent, and temporal associations with clinically important neonatal outcomes that are biologically plausible.

A lower, more acidic pH level points to lower oxygen levels.  Low levels of oxygen during labor have been associated with cerebral palsy, brain damage, and neonatal mortality. 

Sources:

• http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/340/may13_1/c1471
• http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/blood-test-on-newborns-could-prevent-disability-say-scientists-1973011.html
• http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/05/a-new-predictor-of-newborn-health-cord-blood-ph.html

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Another risk associated with drinking while pregnant

Occasional light alcoholic beverage consumption is considered OK by many, especially outside of the US.  This study suggest any consumption increases a certain risk.

Drinking even one alcoholic beverage a week during pregnancy increases unborn babies’ risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) says a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention.

Sources: 

http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/19/5/1238.abstract

http://www.empowher.com/acute-myelogenous-leukemia/content/drinking-while-pregnant-ups-newborn-s-risk-rare-cancer?page=0,0

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Drop-side cribs warning

 The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning over drop-side cribs.  Citing 32 related deaths since January 2000 and 11 recalls of over 7 million cribs since 2005, the CPSC offered a warning complete with scary pictures and hazard details.  A ban on drop-side cribs may be coming in the near term as more evidence of hazard piles up.  The full warning text and pictures from the CPSC is well worth the read.  Linked below.

Sources:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10225.html

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gxuzSHNpNJl3WvjCdl-HnU-RQxWQD9FI6O580

http://topnews.us/content/219493-killer-baby-cribs-may-face-ban

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New Pampers diapers draw investigation into rashes

Pamper’s new Swaddlers and Cruisers diapers with Dry Max(tm) technology have draw fire for causing severe diaper rashes and burns.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission has begun investigating these Proctor & Gamble products assisted by safety data the company is sharing.

Sources:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/06/AR2010050603148.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/idAFN0518870820100505

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/the-problem-solver/2010/05/cpsc-investigates-rashes-blisters-from-pampers-diapers.html

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/reuters/MTFH61755_2010-05-05_18-04-26_N05188708.htm

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C&T International, Sorelle, and Golden Baby cribs recalled

 About 170,000 drop-side full size wood cribs sold as C&T International, Sorelle, and Golden Baby are being voluntarily recalled.  Potential problems with the drop-side hardware could leave to compromised safetly.  See the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall announcement for model names, numbers, pictures, and more details.  Pictures also available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uscpsc/sets/72157623880844935/ 

Source:  http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10222.html

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Pew Report on demographics of american mothers

Some interesting findings include:

• “Births to women ages 35 and older grew 64% between 1990 and 2008, increasing in all major race and ethnic groups.”
• A 20% decline in birthrate (births per 1000 women of child bearing age) from 1990 to 2008
• “In 2008, a record 41% of births in the United States were to unmarried women, up from 28% in 1990.”

Much more to be found at the Pew Research Center’s web page and expect to see a lot of commentary from all points of view.

Source:

http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1586/changing-demographic-characteristics-american-mothers

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