Monday, January 26, 2009

Is This Thing On?

"Researchers found that a major lipid in the brain - the omega-3 fatty acid known as Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - is not developed sufficiently in babies born before 33 weeks' gestation, leading to possible impaired mental development." There was a study done that gave breastfeeding mothers DHA supplements, and also provided DHA-fortified formula, which showed significant decrease (40-50%) in cognitive problems--for girls but not so much for boys.

I never thought I'd say this, but go GE. They have developed new light therapy for newborn jaundice, including a pad that can be tucked into a baby's blanket while the baby is being held--without the need for eye shades!

Apparently, one of the major breakthroughs in reducing natal deaths was hand-washing.

An article about Canadian midwives (their government health program covers midwifery care.)

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