Healthy Babies: Worth the Wait

There is a nice blog post on the Lamaze International Science and Sensibility Blog this week by Dr. Richard Waldman, the past president of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  In the blog post, Dr. Waldman discusses the importance of conversation and collaboration between doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, and pregnant women to ensure that babies get the best start in life.

Dr. Waldman focuses specifically on the recent trend towards elective labor induction and elective C-sections before 39 weeks of gestation. This is also a focus of the March of Dimes "Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait" Campaign. As both Dr. Waldman and the March of Dimes point out, there is a growing trend over the past two decades of late preterm births. Dr. Waldman argues that the excellent care provided by NICU and neonatal nurseries has made both health professionals and women complacent about giving birth early.

Recent research, however, has shown that babies born after 39 weeks are generally healthier and do better in the long run, than babies born before 39 weeks. Of course, in some cases health risks to mom or baby make early labor induction/C-section a necessity. For most of us though, it makes sense to wait until 39 weeks or later to give birth, in order to allow the brain and other organs to fully develop. As someone who gave birth to my daughter at 41 weeks 1 day, I know how hard it can be to wait patiently for a baby to come. As the March of Dimes campaign states though, her good health has definitely made it worth the wait!

To read Dr. Waldman's original blog post, click here. To read about the March of Dimes campaign, click here.

Time to Think About Fall Classes

It's still hot and humid, but fall will be here before you know it! Have you registered yet for fall classes for your baby or toddler?

Lamaze Family Center and our partners offer a variety of classes for babies and toddlers 6 months and up including:

• Parent-Toddler Playgroup
• Creative Movement for Toddlers and Tykes
• Signing Smart
• Kindermusik

Click here to read descriptions of the classes and to register before they fill up!

Breastfeeding Facts

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, here are some fun facts about breastfeeding:

How Many Women Breastfeed?

• According to the CDC's 2013 Breastfeeding Report Card, 76% of US women start out breastfeeding their children. By 6 months, 49% of moms are breastfeeding, and by 12 months only 27% are still breastfeeding. 
• In Michigan 75% of moms start out breastfeeding, but only 22.8% are doing so at 12 months. data from cdc.gov
• Nationwide, 7% of babies are born in a "Baby-Friendly Facility" ( an accreditation program based on recommendations from WHO and UNICEF, that was designed to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing center that offer an optimal level of care for infant care and mother/baby bonding). data from cdc.gov
• In Michigan, only .55% of births occur at a "Baby-Friendly Facility." data from cdc.gov

The Health Benefits of Breastfeeding data from surgeongeneral.gov:

• Breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses, including diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia.
• Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma.
• Children who are breastfed for 6 months or longer are less likely to become obese.
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS.
• Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

The Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding data from surgeongeneral.gov:

• Families who breastfeed can save between $1,200 and $1, 500 in expenditures on infant formula in one year.
• It is estimated that if 90% of US households followed guidelines to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, the US would save $13 billion annually from reduced medical and other costs.
• Breastfeeding leads to better infant health, which means fewer health insurance claims, less employee time off to care for sick kids, and higher productivity.

How Long Should a Mother Breastfeed?:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mother and baby desire. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age and beyond. data from cdc.gov

Although breastfeeding is natural, it is not always easy, and many women quit breastfeeding because they are frustrated, or don't have good support. At the Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor, we offer two main breastfeeding classes: Breastfeeding 101 and the Breastfeeding Obstacle Course. The first is meant to be taken before birth and covers breastfeeding basics. The Breastfeeding Obstacle Course builds upon information in Breastfeeding 101 is a guide to the common pitfalls and challenges of breastfeeding. You can learn more about our courses here.

Thanks to all the moms out there who breastfeed, and have a great World Breastfeeding Week!