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.)

Wash Your Mouth Out

Another bacteria link for preterm labor: this time in the mouth. Since pregnant women are prone to bleeding gums, it's important for their dental health to be as good as possible to reduce the chance of bacteria entering the bloodstream.