Human Milk Proteins Inhibit Bacteria M. Luteus - Breastfeeding Benefits for Toddlers, Too!

Vicky Green, first year biosciences student at South Devon College in the U.K., has conducted a microbiology research project that appears to lend further support to an often overlooked fact: human milk is powerfully beneficial for toddlers, too! In fact, one thing we know from lactation sciences is that as a baby ages, milk from mom changes to fit a child's immunological needs. This includes becoming more concentrated and power-packed in fighting viruses and bacterial infections with each small amount of milk consumed by a busy, bustling toddler on the go.

Green told The Huffington Post that she and her classmate, Emma Browne, "...decided to test whether antimicrobial properties of breastmilk changes the older the child is feeding for a small microbiology project."

In her experiment, Green has two samples - one (BmA) from a mother nursing her 15 month old baby, and another (BmB) from a mother nursing her 3 year old toddler. [Additional information on the natural human weaning process.] Bacteria M. Luteus was added to the petri dishes as a small white disc, and soaked in the two samples of human milk. The clear space around the remaining discs is where the proteins in the milk have inhibited the bacteria. Sample BmB has acted more quickly than sample BmA. Whether this is a statistically significant difference is not determined.

There could be several reasons for differences of results (mom of sample BmB may have further antibodies built up for M. Luteus, for example). However, both samples show that human milk is successful in breaking down the bacteria, and Green's findings align with research that demonstrates the milk of a nursing baby increases in immunological density with age. In this fashion, a baby receiving all nutrients from mother's milk ('exclusively breastfeeding') is given an all-day, all-night course of immunity boosting antibodies through her milk. An older toddler, who is receiving a smaller portion of nutrients via mom's milk, also receives this vital immunity boost, but in a lesser quantity of milk. To do so, the human body concentrates these antibodies into a smaller, powerful nursing session on-the-go, and the child has the support s/he needs as the immune system and brain continue on their rapid journey to full development. [The immune system and brain do not reach near-completion until approximately age 5, which tends to correlate with an age of natural weaning cessation.]

Green found similar results with E. coli and MRSA [Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus] as well. "I'm also doing [an experiment on] colostrum in a couple of weeks," writes Green, and concludes on her Facebook post, "The future is bright, the future is breastmilk."

Nursing mothers with babies of all ages are welcome to join The Breastfeeding Group: FB.com/groups/Breastfed

Related Reading:

HAMLET Substance in Human Milk Kills Cancer Cells:
DrMomma.org/2010/04/hamlet-substance-in-breastmilk-kills.html

Microscopic View of Human Milk, Cow's Milk, and Formula:
DrMomma.org/2008/02/microscopic-view-of-human-milk-cows.html

Human Milk and Formula Ingredient List:
DrMomma.org/2008/01/human-milk-vs-formula-ingredient-list.html

The Medicinal Uses of Human Milk:
DrMomma.org/2009/09/medicinal-uses-of-breastmilk.html

[Book] Baby Matters: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Caring For Your Baby: http://astore.amazon.com/peacefparent-20/detail/0975317040
Dr. Palmer's book explores more of the science behind human lactation and its impact on immunity and neurological development. A must-read for anyone interested in these topics. 

Making More Milk: The Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation:
DrMomma.org/2014/08/making-more-milk-breastfeeding-supply.html

Natural Weaning:
DrMomma.org/2010/09/natural-weaning.html

The JOY of Nursing Toddlers:
DrMomma.org/2011/02/joy-of-nursing-toddlers-photo-gallery.html

GOOD Breastfeeding Books for Nursing Mothers:
http://astore.amazon.com/peacefparent-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=1

Natural weaning postcards available on Etsy or the Breastfeeding Materials page.

*******

18 Day Old Baby Dies From Cold Sore Virus (Oral Herpes)

18 Day Old Baby Mariana Dies From Complications of Cold Sore Virus.

We again urge reading parents to not let people kiss your babies on the mouth (or on the eyes or nose) as oral herpes is highly contagious, and catastrophic for young babies who contract the virus.

See this previous article detailing more about sweet Mariana's story, and why kissing babies on the lips is so risky, unless you have been tested and know that you are negative for this virus. The World Health Organization reports that 67% of the population (2 out of every 3 people) have oral herpes (HSV-1) whether they know that they do or not. Even without an open cold sore, herpes can be transferred from a well meaning adult to your baby through a kiss on the mouth (or eyes or nose).

One excellent way to avoid unwanted affection that puts your baby at risk is to select a wrap or carrier before your baby's birth, and wear your baby. This keeps baby close to his/her parents, in a newborn's natural habitat (mom's chest, or near dad's beating heart), allows a baby to be soothed, nursed on cue, held up at eye level for regular interaction, and keeps others' hands and mouths away from your little one.

Local news excerpt:

A West Des Moines infant has passed away 10 days after being hospitalized after coming in contact with someone with a cold sore.

“Our princess Mariana Reese Sifrit gained her angel wings at 8:41 am this morning in her daddy’s arms and her mommy right beside her,” Nicole Sifrit posted on her Facebook page Tuesday morning, “in her 18 days of life she made a huge impact on the world and we hope with Mariana’s Story we save numerous newborns' lives.”

Mariana was born a health baby girl on July 1st. Six days later her parents left their wedding early to take her to Blank Children’s Hospital when she stopped eating and couldn’t wake up. Doctors told Nicole and her husband, Shane, that Mariana had contracted Meningitis HSV-1. It’s likely someone with a cold sore kissed or handled Mariana, spreading the virus that is incredibly common for adults to have.

“I always thought this stuff happens and it’s a shame, and never thought it would happen to me,” Nicole told us last week, “I was not prepared at all. Keep your babies isolated. Don’t let just anyone come visit them. Make sure they are constantly washing their hands. Don’t let people kiss your baby and make sure they ask before they pick up your baby.”

Nicole with Baby Mariana shortly after her birth

Related Reading:

Week old baby on life support with herpes virus (cold sore kiss)

Cold sore prevention and treatment for kids

CNN Report on Baby Mariana

Week old baby on life support with herpes virus (cold sore kiss)

The number one way that babies contact oral herpes is by people kissing them on the mouth. The majority of adults living in North America have oral herpes ('cold sores'), and live with only occasional discomfort. What most people don't realize is that this same virus can be devastating, and even deadly, to babies, and it is transferred from well meaning adults to babies with a kiss.

Protect your little one by not allowing other people to kiss your baby or young child on the mouth (or by the eyes - which can also contract the herpes virus). Kissing on the forehead, top of the head, giving hugs, etc., are all safe forms of affection. If a parent knows that you get an occasional cold sore, the safest thing to do is lavish your little one with love, hugs, and kisses -- but not on the mouth.

Week old baby on life support with herpes virus: http://whotv.com/2017/07/13/week-old-baby-on-life-support-with-cold-sore-virus/

Excerpt from article:

It should have been the best week of their lives as Nicole and Shane Sifrit from West Des Moines gave birth to a baby girl named Mariana July 1st and married July 7th. "The birth of our baby was great. It is one of the best feelings in the world when you can bring a child into the world," said Shane.

Just two hours after they exchanged I do's they noticed something terribly wrong with their week old baby girl. Nicole said, "Friday we noticed she stopped eating and wasn't waking up when we were trying to get her to respond."

Leaving their own wedding early to go to Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines they learned Mariana had a life threatening virus called Meningitis HSV1 carried by someone with the cold sore virus but not necessarily with an open sore. "They touch her and then she touches her mouth with her hand," explained Nicole.

Mariana's parents tested negative for the virus and she was sent to the NICU. Shane said, "It immediately went downhill from there. Within two hours she had quit breathing and all of her organs just started to fail"

Monday Mariana was life-flighted to Iowa City to the University of Iowa Hospital. "Just constantly watching every vital sign and she is currently on life support to help her by right now," said Nicole.

In dire circumstances Mariana isn't giving up. Nicole said, "She has a kidney team, a liver team, a blood team, a neurology team."

A horrific turn of events that the Sifrit family hopes can save others. Shane said, "I always thought this stuff happens and it's a shame and never thought it would happen to me. I was not prepared at all." Nicole added, "Keep your babies isolated. Don't let just anyone come visit them. Make sure they are constantly washing their hands. Don't let people kiss your baby and make sure they ask before they pick up your baby."

Now they hope to prepare for Mariana's fight to become victorious. "It's astounding how strong she is and how much she's fighting for just a little baby and that has to be God," said Shane. "I have to stay strong for her because she is still staying strong," added Nicole.

The Sifrits say the best case scenario would be that Mariana is in the hospital another month before she's in the clear. They say if she can survive, the damage done by the virus will cause long-term health issues.

Watch the Sifrits' news brief, and read more of sweet Mariana's story: http://whotv.com/2017/07/13/week-old-baby-on-life-support-with-cold-sore-virus/

Cold sore prevention and treatment for kids: DrMomma.org/2012/02/cold-sore-prevention-and-treatment-for.html

Update: Baby Mariana loses her fight at 18 days old; dies from cold sore virus. Parents are urged to not let others kiss your baby on the face: DrMomma.org/2017/07/18-day-old-baby-dies-from-cold-sore.html

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Gentle Pacifier Weaning

By Danelle Day © 2014

A couple years ago a mother shared her technique for gentle pacifier weaning with peaceful parenting and we found it to be one that others have benefited from as well. We do not necessarily advocate for pacifier use from the start -- babies are designed to be comforted in the arms of a loving caregiver, to attach to a human being (not a plastic object) and to suckle at mom's breast for comfort. However, in cases where non-human substitutions are necessary for comfort and soothing, no matter the reasons for this being the case, it is surely best to meet these needs (for suckling and comfort) in babyhood and beyond. Pacifiers were created for this purpose - to meet a need when a care-gjver (usually mom) is otherwise unable to do so. Providing a baby and child with tender care and comfort is always better than denying them of these things to fit into a rigid boxed set of what we 'should' or 'should not' be doing as parents.

For those who do introduce a pacifier in babyhood, the weaning process from this comfort object also need not be traumatic for children. Too often we've heard from those who are now adults who remember how fearful it was for them to have their one item of comfort and security taken away as a youngster. Especially at night, if a child sleeps alone, these hours can be anxiety provoking, and we would never advocate for a 'cold turkey' end to pacifier use for a child who is already accustomed to its presence in their day or night routine (this includes damaging, cutting off the end, or taking away a pacifier). However, this mother's process of pacifier weaning is one that took several months to go through, was begun at a time when her child was old enough to comprehend what was taking place, and one that eliminated any imposed anxieties for her child. It allowed him to naturally finish the weaning process from his comfort item in his own time with gentle encouragement, and empowered him to make small, developmentally appropriate choices along the way. The name of her son has been changed here to honor their privacy.

When young Ben was old enough to understand via conversation with his mother what was happening, she tied his pacifier to a stuffed animal that he could carry with him during the day. This allowed him to use it for comfort as needed, but made it slightly less convenient to walk around with for hours on end at home.

Next, Ben's mom introduced the idea that the pacifier and animal needed to stay in bed. She and Ben made a ritual of tucking the animal (with pacifier) into bed each morning. If Ben wished to use the pacifier during the day, it would be in bed - where his animal needed to stay for animal's comfort and snooze time.

Once Ben became accustomed to returning to bed to use the pacifier as needed, his mom untied the pacifier during the day time hours and put it up on a high shelf in the bedroom, retying to his animal at night. If the pacifier was needed during the day, he would ask for it, and they would snuggle into bed during its use. Day time use became less and less frequent, and eventually faded away altogether.

Each evening Ben's mom continued to tuck him into bed with the animal and asked him, "Do you want your pacifier tonight or would you like to try sleeping without it?" One night the time came when he asked for it, looked at it for a while, and then handed it back to his mom. He then presented her with a question, "If I change my mind, will you get it down for me?" "Yes, of course I will," his mom replied. But he never asked for it again... It lived on his shelf for many months to come - there just in case he needed it, for the security of knowing it was there should the time come. And Ben's weaning from this comfort item was complete - without tears, fears, or the introduction of anxiety. ❤

~~~~

Peaceful Parenting Lost Accounts

Peaceful Parenting has recently been the target of online bullying. As a result, our primary Google account, all related email, and some public photos are currently unable to be accessed. If you’ve emailed Peaceful Parenting, recently requested materials from PP, or were a 2017 Genital Integrity Awareness Week supporter, and you’ve not heard back or received items via mail, please forward or resend your email to DrMomma.org{at}gmail.com

This also applies to photographers who have sent photos with permission to use; parents who've written with stories or photos to share; guest authors with materials you're interested in publishing at DrMomma.org, etc.

Thank you for your patience as we work to rebuild, reconnect with everyone, and we are very sorry for this extreme inconvenience.

Note: This also impacts countless photos at DrMomma.org We will be working to replace photos and graphics as quickly as we are able. If you see an article with missing photographs after this week, please email the link to DrMomma.org{at}gmail.com

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Amazon Prime Day!

click to shop

Shopping Amazon during Prime Day 2017?

You can support the Peaceful Parenting and the work we take on in the process!

Click through any link here, and Amazon will give 2% back. This goes toward the many empowering parenting expos and events we host each month, in addition to families who write to Peaceful Parenting to request materials, and intact care physician packs that go out to practitioners across the U.S. and beyond.

Thank you for supporting the educational and grassroots work we pour our hearts into for the sake of making life better for babies and children across the globe.

Prime Day 2017 runs from 9pm ET July 10 for 30 hours to follow.

#i2 Wonder Woman

He needs your protection.

Click here to learn why.

 Be his Wonder Woman: Bring your whole baby home.

"I will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves." ~Wonder Woman

via Intact Nebraska

To add your #i2 Wonder Woman graphic to this collection, email SavingSons{at}gmail.com or message the Saving Our Sons page on Facebook.

*******

Teething Tips for Peaceful Parents

By Jenn Sanders © 2017

Teething is one of the major milestones in your baby’s first year of life. It will change their adorable gummy smile and open up the door for your baby to experience the various textures and flavors of solid foods.

As exciting as it is seeing that first pearly white tooth, sometimes teething comes with pain and discomfort that can affect your baby’s mood, appetite, and even sleeping patterns. The following natural tips will aid you in keeping your baby comfortable and happy during this process.

Frozen Treats 

Inflammation of the gums, or even cheeks, is a pretty common symptom of teething. You might find that your baby is pretty fussy and shows signs of experiencing pain. Frozen healthy treats are a great way to help keep the inflammation down.

Popsicles 

Solids foods should not be introduced to your baby till at least 6 months of age. Breastmilk popsicles are perfect for babies under 6 months. They will not only help with reduce the pain and inflammation, they will also provide your baby with the best nutrition!

These popsicle molds are great for little hands. Just wash the molds before use, fill them with expressed breastmilk, and set them in the freezer for a few hours.

If your baby is at least 6 months of age, you can change it up by making frozen fruit treats. Bananas are a great option because they no pose no choking hazard and they can easily fit into one of these teethers.

Essential Oil Remedies

Essential oils are made from herbs and have great medicinal properties that can help your baby through the discomforts of teething. Chamomile and lavender are herbs with great soothing and pain relieving properties.

Chamomile is an herb that has been used for centuries to help relieve children’s discomfort. It soothes pain, digestion issues, and can even help them sleep soundly. To apply this remedy, try making a batch of chamomile tea and waiting until the tea is room temperature to rub some of it along your little one’s gums and the inside of their cheeks.

Lavender essential oil will definitely come in handy when your baby is unable to sleep. The oil will relieve the pain and help your baby get some rest. To soothe their sore gums, dilute the essential oil using a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil, then using your fingertip, apply the solution along the outside of the baby’s cheek and jaw. You can also dilute the essential oil and apply it to the back of their neck, wrists, and the bottom of their feet.

Teething Accessories 

Fortunately, nowadays it is very easy to find natural, non-toxic teething accessories. They can be made from anything from unfinished wood to food grade silicone.

Another option is an authentic amber teething necklace. The necklace can be worn around the neck or even as a bracelet or anklet. These necklaces have become a popular option because they are effective, non-toxic, and beautiful to look at.

Baltic amber necklaces even contain healing properties due to the high level of succinic acid contained in the amber. The succinic acid is release when the amber is warmed up by your baby’s skin. Once the acid is absorbed into the skin, the anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties will help your baby feel much better. The amber necklace also helps relieve sore and swollen gums, and can even brighten your baby’s mood.

A baltic amber necklace is most effective when it’s worn while in consistent contact with the skin. It can even be hidden under clothing or worn as an anklet (not on a baby's wrist as this will be put into the mouth). Be sure to select a baltic amber necklace that is sized for a baby - this makes a difference as it is not long enough to reach the mouth, or pose a choking hazard, but rests just below the chin. In addition, baltic amber necklaces should only be worn while your baby is under adult supervision.

Hygiene 

Not only is it important to keep your baby comfortable while their first teeth are making their debut, it is also important to begin practicing oral hygiene. You can even begin before their teeth begin to emerge. The gums are a very important part of overall oral health. Massaging your little one’s gums keeps oxygen and blood flowing to the area, and helps maintain health gum tissue and nerves. You can gently massage their gums with a clean finger or damp washcloth. Once the cute little teeth start to erupt, you can then introduce a soft bristle toothbrush to clean their teeth twice daily.

Teething is a natural part of your baby’s life. At times it might seem hard for them and the entire process might even throw you for a loop, but rest assured that with patience, cuddles, and lots of love, your baby will get through it and you will have a few more reasons to smile.

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Fetal Lungs Protein Release Triggers Labor to Begin

Babies know when and how to be born.
Each one knows when s/he is ready for life on the outside.
Let's not rush them.
Let's trust them.

We've long known that a mammal's lungs are the last organ to develop inutero before it is baby's time to exit. Disrupting this normal process (and initiating/inducing labor to start before a baby triggers labor on his/her own) frequently causes a cascade of complications - from difficulty in latch, poor breathing, increased infection, decreased immunity, under development, failure to thrive, and an increase in SIDS.

Now, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas researchers have found that it is in fact the fetal lungs themselves which provide the signal to initiate labor.

Drs. Carole Mendelson, Jennifer Condon and Pancharatnam Jeyasuria published findings that a substance secreted by the lungs of a developing fetus contains the key signal that initiates labor.

The protein released from the lungs of a developing mouse fetus initiates a cascade of chemical events leading to the mother's initiation of labor. This research, which has implications for humans, marks the first time a link between a specific fetal lung protein and labor has been identified, said Mendelson, professor of BioChemistry and Obstetrics and Gynecology and senior author of the study. Their research appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and is currently available online here.

The initiation of term labor is carefully timed to begin only after the embryo is sufficiently mature to survive outside the womb. Previous studies suggested that the signal for labor in humans may arise from the fetus, but the nature of the signal and actual mechanism was unclear. In this study, researchers found that the key labor triggering substance, surfactant, is essential for normal breathing outside the womb.

"We found that a protein within lung, surfactant, serves as a hormone of labor that signals to the mother's uterus when the fetal lungs are sufficiently mature to withstand the critical transition from life in fluid to airbreathing," said Mendelson.

"No one really understands what causes normal or preterm labor. There may be several chemical pathways that lead to labor, but we think that this surfactant protein, which is also produced by the fetal lung in humans, may be the first hormonal signal for labor to begin," reported Mendelson, who is also co-director of the North Texas March of Dimes Birth Defects Center at UT Southwestern.

In humans the signaling protein, called surfactant protein A, or SP-A, also helps immune cells, called macrophages, fight off infections in the lungs of children and adults by gobbling up bacteria, viruses and fungi that infiltrate the lung airway.

"Women who go into preterm labor frequently have an infection of the membranes that surround the fetus, and the number of macrophages in the wall of the uterus increases with the initiation of preterm labor. When women go into labor in their own time, at term, they also have an increase in macrophages in the uterus," Mendelson said.

This led the researchers to investigate whether there was a connection between what happens during normal labor at term and in infected mothers who go into early labor.

Mendelson continued, "This also raised the question: If bacterial infection can cause increased macrophage infiltration of the uterus in preterm labor, what is the signal for the enhanced macrophage migration to the uterus at term?"

In mice, the developing fetal lung starts producing SP-A at 17 days gestation; full-term delivery occurs at 19 days. The developing human fetus starts producing SP-A in increasing amounts after 32 weeks of a 40+week normal gestation, at which time the baby's lungs are essentially developed. As the fetus "breathes" amniotic fluid in the womb, the protein is released into the fluid.

"The SP-A protein binds to macrophages in the amniotic fluid, macrophages that come from the fetus itself," said Dr. Jennifer Condon, a postdoctoral researcher in BioChemistry and the study's lead author.

The macrophages, activated by the protein, make their way through the amniotic fluid to the wall of the uterus. Once embedded there, they produce a chemical that stimulates an inflammatory response in the uterus, ultimately leading to labor.

Researchers also found that injecting a pregnant mouse with SP-A before day 17 of the pregnancy caused the mouse to deliver early. Injection of pregnant mice with an antibody that blocks SP-A function caused them to deliver late. This would cause us to believe that women who carry babies post 42 weeks (as is common in some family lines) may do so because the necessary SP-A function is happening at later date in gestation (starting at 34 weeks instead of 32 weeks, for example).

Identifying the receptors on the macrophages to which the SP-A protein binds will be the next step, Mendelson said. "We think that bacteria may be binding to the same receptor on the macrophages to cause preterm labor in women. The bacteria mimic the function of SP-A, initiating the chemical reactions that lead to premature labor. If we knew more about this receptor on amniotic fluid macrophages, we may be able to design therapies or inhibitors to block preterm labor."

Other researchers participating in the study were Dr. Pancharatnam Jeyasuria, a research fellow in internal medicine and former fellow Julie Faust, now a medical student at Texas A&M University.

The research was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

If you are an expecting mother or physiological birth advocate who trusts birth and the woman who owns it, you're welcome to join The Birthing Group: FB.com/groups/Birthing

Swimming, Suits & Mesh: Cut the Lining of Your Child's Suit to Decrease Irritation Potential

By Danelle Day, PhD © 2010
Originally published in Tidewater Parent Magazine

Summer is here! And with the warm and sunny days come trips to the local swimming pool, beach and lake. Every year at this time something surprising happens to many little tykes sporting their new swimsuit -- it's something that no one talks about, and often leaves parents perplexed as to what is really going on. It is what I lightheartedly call the "mesh monster" in our child care classes. That is, the mesh lining in many swimsuits or boys swimwear is simply not a good match for the developing genitals of babies and children, and the results are something we see each year, especially among boys.

For boys who are no longer intact (i.e. they were circumcised), the extra sensitive glans (head) of the penis is left exposed, as is the meatus and opening to the urinary tract. The friction of a mesh liner can quickly exacerbate irritation, inflammation, callusing, chaffing, soreness, and may even cause blistering. In addition, the mesh assists in holding sand, salt, algae, and the bacteria that comes with these water-elements close to the genitals - further increasing chance of irritation or infection - not a good thing when striving to avoid UTIs (urinary tract infection) and other discomforts that can occur, especially in early childhood.

For boys who remain intact, the glans and meatus are protected (one function the foreskin serves) but the mesh liner of many suits is just big enough to allow for a trapping of the prepuce (foreskin). Ouch! The same also occurs with many girls (and adult women) each year if their suit or underwear is not made of solid, 'closed' material - the labia, and even external parts of the clitoris, may become pinched in mesh of any kind. Most cases of skin entrapment go unreported, but in 2006, the journal of Pediatric Emergency Care reported on three such cases when children ended up in the ER with penile injuries due to their prepuce becoming pinched in the mesh lining of their swimsuits.

No matter a child's sex, keeping wetness, sand/salt/debris from the ocean or lake, or chemicals of a pool close to the genitals is not a good idea. It throws off the delicate balance of pH and healthy microflora, increases irritation, and is cause of countless "redness" reports each year (commonly diagnosed as 'balanitis' at a physician's office). For this reason, do not have your child swim in underwear or items that don't allow for quick drying and 'breathing.' Use real swimsuits (or cloth diapers without inserts) made of fabric that wicks away and dries quickly. And when prepping this year's suits, cut the mesh liner from the suit before use. This is quick and simple to do - grab a scissors and carefully cut along the stitched-in ridge at the top of the suit. Your child will thank you, and you'll have less redness, irritation, and potential skin entrapment to deal with.

If redness does occur: coconut oil and Calmoseptine are two quality items that will not increase risk of yeast overgrowth, or further throw off pH and microflora balance of the genitals. Coconut oil alone (with some air dry time and warm water only baths) will be enough to soothe inflammation in some cases. If not, Calmoseptine will take care of everything, quickly. You can purchase at tube upon request at your local pharmacy. Always be sure to rinse with clean, fresh water post-swimming.

To prevent redness that repeats itself: apply Calmoseptine ahead of time to 'at risk' areas of the body. This is typically especially the case where swimsuit material (or a diaper, underwear) rubs on or touches the body. The Calmoseptine will serve as a barrier cream and reduce the irritation during swimming summer days. Again, be sure to rinse briefly with clean water after swimming in a pool, lake or the ocean.

If skin entrapment in a liner that was left in place occurs: GENTLY, slowly, and carefully apply vaseline or another slippery ointment if you have some nearby; stretch or tear the mesh with a tweezers or your fingers, if you are able, and/or use a scissors to cut the mesh away from the body, using extreme caution not to cut the ultra sensitive tissues of the genitals. Sliding into luke-warm water will also allow for relaxation, and a change in blood flow - potentially loosening the mesh grip on tissues as well. Post-freeing, apply Calmoseptine and/or take a soak in warm water (with Epsom salt if desired) to reduce inflammation and support the body in healing itself.

Related reading at the Intact Care Resource Page

Public Service Announcement by Intact Indiana

Public Service Announcement by Intact Utah

Public Service Announcement by Intact Asheville

~~~~

Is my baby ready for solids?

Is my baby ready for solids? 

This is a quick check list to know for sure. If YES to all of the above, your little one may be ready to begin babyled weaning (i.e. consumption of the first non-milk items).

If no to even one, waiting a little longer may be best. Watch your baby, not the dates or the calendar (except for age minimums). There is no harm in delaying the starting of solids for a baby who is otherwise nursed/fed on cue around the clock, and there are many benefits (immunity, development, gut health) up to a certain point, and when it is done in baby's own perfect timing.

Additional good reading on this topic and more: 

Baby Matters (the science behind why waiting matters): http://astore.amazon.com/peacefparent-20/detail/0975317040

Take Charge of Your Child's Health (chapter on breastfeeding, and chapter on starting solids/natural weaning): http://astore.amazon.com/peacefparent-20/detail/156924653X

Natural Family Living (chapter on breastfeeding/starting solids): http://astore.amazon.com/peacefparent-20/detail/0671027441

Our Babies, Ourselves (sections that address breastfeeding and weaning throughout humanity and around the world today): http://astore.amazon.com/peacefparent-20/detail/0385483627

How Weaning Happens (an oldie but goodie!): http://astore.amazon.com/peacefparent-20/detail/0912500549 

Babyled Weaning: http://astore.amazon.com/peacefparent-20/detail/161519021X

Parents with little ones moving into their weaning days are welcome to join the Babyled Weaning Group on Facebook: FB.com/groups/Babyled

Breastfeeding moms are welcome to join: FB.com/groups/Breastfed

*****

The Webster Technique: Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy and Birth

By Jeanne Ohm, DC
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) Executive Coordinator
ICPA: http://icpa4kids.com

Chiropractic care benefits all aspects of your body's ability to be healthy. This is accomplished by working with the nervous system - the communication system between your brain and body. Doctors of Chiropractic work to correct spinal, pelvic and cranial misalignments (subluxations). When misaligned, these structures create an imbalance in surrounding muscles and ligaments. Additionally, the resulting nerve system stress may affect the body's ability to function optimally.

The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.

Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association discovered this adjustment as a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function. This specific sacral analysis can be used on all weight bearing individuals to determine S/I joint dysfunction/ sacral subluxation and is therefore applicable for the entire population. The assessment includes heel flexion to buttocks, with restricted flexion indicating the affected SI joint. Correction is made with a diversified, sacral adjustment. It is used on all weight bearing individuals presenting with this biomechanical restriction. Common symptoms include (but are not limited to) low back pain, sciatic neuralgia, and symptoms associated with sacral subluxation and/or S/I joint dysfunction.

The ICPA recognizes that in a theoretical and clinical framework of the Webster Technique in the care of pregnant women, sacral subluxation may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia). Dystocia is caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby mal-presentation. The correction of sacral subluxation may have a positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia.

In this clinical and theoretical framework, it is proposed that sacral misalignment may contribute to these three primary causes of dystocia via uterine nerve interference, pelvic misalignment, and the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. The resulting tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.

In regards to pregnant mothers, Dr. Webster reported that when a mother sought care and her baby was in a breech position, the restoration of pelvic neuro-biomechanics with this adjustment also frequently facilitated optimal fetal positioning. There are cases published in the chiropractic literature that support this theory. More research is needed and is currently underway by the ICPA.

The obstetric literature has determined that correct positioning of the baby in-utero affect birth outcome and decrease the potential for undue stress to the baby's developing spine and nerve system. Obstetric literature has determined the importance of normal pelvic neuro-biomechanics including uterine function and pelvic alignment for the prevention of dystocia (difficult birth). It has also determined that correct positioning of the baby in-utero affects birth outcome and decreases the potential for undue stress to the baby's developing spine and nerve system.

Chiropractic literature has determined the significance of sacral adjustments in normalizing pelvic neuro-biomechanics. It is therefore considered prudent that this specific sacral analysis and adjustment be used throughout pregnancy to detect and alleviate sacral imbalance and optimize pelvic neuro-biomechanics in the mother. Because of the particular female adaptations from the increase of hormones, weight gain and postural adaptations, pregnant mothers have a greater chance of sacral subluxation and neuro-biomechanical imbalance than the general population. Additionally, because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers may have significant benefit by having their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby.

Further Resources

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association offers classes of instruction and awards qualified attendees a Certificate of Proficiency in the Webster protocol. Only those doctors on our site maintain recognized certification status for the Webster protocol.

Parents: to find a Certified D.C. in your area, visit our Membership Directory: http://icpa4kids.com/locator/index.htm

To read research about this technique visit: http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/Webster-Technique/

To read about the history of the technique, see the following two resources: http://icpa4kids.com/about/webster_technique_history.htm

http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/the-webster-technique-results-from-a-chiropractic-practice-based-research-program.html

Questions about the Webster Technique (Pathways for Family Wellness): http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/questions-about-the-webster-technique.html

Doctors: to attend a Proficiency Workshop, visit our schedule for Seminars: http://icpa4kids.com/seminars/

Dr. Jeanne Ohm's "Perinatal Care" seminar offers Webster Certification: http://icpa4kids.com/seminars/Schedule_Ohm.php

Expecting mothers are welcome to join either of these Facebook groups:
Birthing: FB.com/groups/Birthing (more holistic)
Pregnant Moms Due this Year: FB.com/groups/DueDateGroup (more mainstream)

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Reasons to Skip Swaddling

By Wendy Priesnitz for Natural Child Magazine
Shared with permission.

The practice of wrapping newborn infants tightly in blankets that restrict movement of their limbs is an ancient one, happening even before Biblical times. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed, but it is still routinely practiced in many hospitals, and is making a comeback among some parents, either in the form of a tight blanket that holds the baby’s arms and legs straight, or a looser form of wrapping that keeps the arms free. There are, increasingly, commercial “baby swaddles” and other swaddling paraphernalia, as well as YouTube videos to teach parents how to swaddle correctly.

Swaddling is done for many reasons, including warmth, the prevention of scratching, and to calm crying and fussiness in hospital nurseries and at home. Unfortunately, swaddling seems to conflict with the emotional care that is the basis of attachment parenting and other conscious ways of being with children, in addition to having some physical problems. Here are some reasons not to swaddle your newborn.

1. A baby cries for a reason and the parent’s job is to quickly determine the reason for the cry and solve the problem with milk, attention, pain relief, motion, a dry diaper, a temperature change, or whatever is required – with the priority on fixing the situation, not on stopping the noise. Wrapping an infant up tightly might lessen her crying, but it might also make her feel abandoned and stressed, rather than relaxed and content.

2. Swaddling leads newborns to sleep more and deeper. That will provide a welcome respite for tired parents, but it will also interfere with skin-to-skin bonding, and lessen the frequency of feeding, slowing weight gain and increasing dehydration.

3. Swaddled babies look so warm and cozy. However, they can become dangerously overheated – not only because of the effect of the blanket, but because they can’t wave their arms and legs around to cool themselves off.

4. Babies need skin-to-skin contact. Those who don’t get it feel profound stress. Skin-to-skin contact can also reduce the stress of being born. As well as helping regulate a newborn’s temperature, skin-to-skin contact also helps stabilize his breathing, hormone levels, and heart rate.

5. One purpose of swaddling is to soothe the newborn by reminding her of the womb. However, a fetus has freedom of movement in utero that is not possible when swaddled. Her post-birth freedom to wiggle toes and fingers (and put them in her mouth) and wave arms and legs is part of the developmental process and helps develop both muscle control and the nervous system. Recent studies have shwon that movement helps improve cognitive functioning in people of all ages, and infants are at a stage of rapid cognitive development. They can't explore how their bodies work when swaddled. 

6. Swaddling has been implicated in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). (It’s also believed by some that swaddling lowers the risk of SIDS because it prevents a baby from rolling onto his stomach, which has been linked to SIDS, and prevents him from covering his face with a blanket as he squirms.) While a swaddled newborn might stay in the position in which he was laid down, older swaddled babies have been known to flip themselves over and get stuck in the face-down position. Overheating has also been linked to SIDS.

7. Swaddling can contribute to dysplasia of the soft hips of newborns, which can lead to problems with the joint later in life. According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, “Sudden straightening of the legs to a standing position can loosen the joints and damage the soft cartilage of the socket.”

8. The risk of upper respiratory infections can be increased by the hampered ability to breathe deeply when infants are tightly swaddled. In one study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, the risk of developing respiratory infections increased fourfold in swaddled infants.

One of the swaddlers is advertised in this way: “The first several months of Baby’s arrival can be quite tough on the sturdiest of new parents. The [product] has been proven to greatly extend sleep periods between feedings...allowing Mom and Dad more extended rest, enhanced relaxation, and peace of mind.” I think there are more empathetic ways to soothe our babes.

Wendy Priesnitz is the editor of Natural Child Magazine. She is also the editor of Natural Life Magazine and Life Learning Magazine, the author of twelve books, and a journalist with over 35 years experience. She is the mother of two adult daughters.

Related Reading:

Baby Sleep Resource Page

CoSleeping Group

To witness infant genital cutting: to witness sexual assault

"It is virtually impossible to witness infant genital cutting and not recognize this act as a form of sexual assault." -Danelle Frisbie

The two most common forms of unnecessary infant genital cutting currently in practice in the United States include male circumcision by Gomco Clamp and male circumcision by Plastibell. If you've not previously witnessed how these surgeries take place, often without anesthesia, we invite you to research further, beginning with linked resources and videos below. 

Gomco: SavingSons.org/2011/01/neonatal-circumcision-video-for.html

Plastibell: DrMomma.org/2009/08/plastibell-infant-circumcision.html

Related Reading: 

The Plastibell Lie SavingSons.org/2012/03/plastibell-lie.html

The Perils of Plastibell Circumcision: A Mythical "No Cutting, No Risk" Method DrMomma.org/2010/05/the-perils-of-plastibell-circumcision.html

Baby Dies Post Plastibell DrMomma.org/2007/06/baby-dies-post-plastibell-circumcision.html

Massive Infection Takes Over Body After Plastibell Circumcision DrMomma.org/2009/11/massive-infection-takes-over-body-after.html

The biggest lie told to parents (a registered nurse speaks) SavingSons.org/2016/04/the-biggest-lie-told-to-parents.html

If this stained circumstraint could talk... SavingSons.org/2012/06/if-this-stained-circumstraint-could.html

Intact vs. Circumcised Outcome Statistics DrMomma.org/2010/01/cut-vs-intact-outcome-statistics.html 

Death From Circumcision DrMomma.org/2010/05/death-from-circumcision.html

Should I Circumcise? The pros and cons of infant circumcision: SavingSons.org/2014/12/should-i-circumcise-pros-and-cons-of.html

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Whose Body, Whose Rights? Award Winning Circumcision Documentary

Whose Body, Whose Rights? Examining the Ethics and Human Rights Issue of Infant Male Circumcision is an award-winning documentary, as seen on PBS, and now available for viewing in full online. Recipient of the Creative Excellence award at the 1996 U.S. International Film and Video Festival, Honorable Mention at the 1996 Philadelphia Film Festival, and Best of Festival at the First Annual Stark Video and Film Festival (1997), this film may be purchased on DVD here.

This program was dedicated in 1995 to the American pioneers who worked to protect boys and girls from genital mutilation: Joseph Lewis, Marilyn Milos, Rosemary Romberg, and Edward Wallerstein.

Copyright © 1995, Dillonwood Productions, 56 minutes, color. Contact Producer: CircHarmSurvey@gmail.com

A note to physicians:

Finding My Voice: No Questions Left Unanswered

By Brian Brown © 2017
Read more from Brown at Intact Connecticut, Intact Pride, the Intact Vegan Network, and join him along the SOS Odyssey touring intact rallies.

Shortly after I graduated high school, I met my first love. He came from a strict family. My family was different - my parents were newly divorced, and I found my rebellion by piercing various parts of my face and bleaching my hair blond. We were literally from different sides of the world - but together we seemed to work.

One difference that I was unprepared for was the most private part of our bodies. He had something that I did not. In my youthful naivety, I sincerely believed that this was merely because he was a different race. I legitimately assumed that this 'extra' thing that he had was just something that Asians had and White Americans did not. During this time, I passed health class in high school but was still none the wiser, because this was never addressed.

Alex went off to college and we eventually parted ways. It was years later that I learned the truth about his body; and it was an ugly truth about my own.

We were not different at all - I had this part also at one point, but it had been taken away from me.

I knew without question that his body was normal - not mine.

I briefly found solace in pretending I was normal. I used to hang out in internet chat rooms and pretend that I was intact. To lie to these strangers whom I would never meet absolved me of ever dealing with my own reality.

It was years later that my next door neighbor was having a baby boy. She and I were very close at the time and she reached out for advice. She was the first person that I ever shared my story with -- in its entirety -- with very personal, intimate details. Her response, after I confided everything to her, is one that I will never forget: "We are doing it, no questions asked." It was that point that I realized my own personal experiences would never truly matter until her husband was willing to deal with his own issues.

I needed the courage to continue to speak up, to press on, to educate, to make real change. This is something I am so thankful to have found in Intact Rhode Island. They empowered me in this way so that there are no longer any "No questions asked..." statements. I am providing the answers to these questions -- whether they are asked or not.

I am Intact Connecticut and despite widely spread efforts to hide the truth, I am not afraid of misconceptions about the male body anymore.

Also by Brown: 

Olympic Circumstraint Patent and Origin

Coming Out Twice

Men Speak on Genital Autonomy

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