The Women Behind Healthcare: Looking at Women in Medicine

The year is 2021, and never before in our history has medicine and healthcare been so professionalized.

With more and more graduates taking on higher-level degree programs to become better qualified and better-experienced doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals, it would be fair to say that the human race has never had healthcare so good.

So why is it then that, in 2021, roughly half of the population is still suffering from second-class healthcare? 

That half of the population is, of course, women.

Women are left behind 

There has been much research done to show that the state of women's specific medicine is far behind that of generalized medicine and even men's specific medicine. While most medical professionals would never go as far as to say that women are being intentionally left out of research and discoveries, it does beg the question as to why women's health seems to be such a labored topic?

Many theories have been put forward as to why women's health is left behind that of men’s health, and the most prevalent theory seems to be the lack of women in higher-level medical jobs, but is this really the case? Can we really say that in the 21st century, the gender of the person conducting the research will determine how good the research actually is?

Women's medicine has always traditionally been seen as the more mysterious side of medicine, but in today's world of science and evidence-based medicine, this should not be a prevailing attitude.

Why is it then that women are being left behind and treated at a disadvantage when it comes to women's medicine,  and why does it seem to be that women's medicine is still such a taboo topic?

Do We Need More Women in Healthcare?

For over three decades, there has been an increasing number of women entering medicine and healthcare.

While it would seem sensible to assume that more women entering the healthcare field would eventually result in more women in leadership positions, this trend doesn't seem to have grown at quite the same speed.

There are many theories as to why there aren't more women in leadership positions, and these range from the sensible, which includes questions of personality differences between men and women, and of course, the question of how maternity is treated among healthcare professionals, to the misogynistic views that women are not as capable as men.

Although popular with the tabloid press, this latter view is not generally one that is shared across healthcare leadership, even by healthcare leaders who happened to be men in higher-powered positions.

There are not many people working in healthcare and leadership that seriously believe that women are incapable of doing roles purely due to their sex.

The questions surrounding personality differences between men and women and the treatment of maternity leave are questions that throw up some very difficult ethical conundrums.

It has been widely reported that,  in general, women are more likely to go into fields that are people-based and patient-focused, such as nursing,  and men are more likely to go into fields that require technical considerations and strong leadership.

Of course, this is not to say that women cannot go into technical roles and that men cannot go into people-focused roles, but if the law of averages is to be taken, the distribution is very clear between the sexes.

The obvious follow-on question from that revelation is: how does the healthcare industry ensure that women in positions such as nursing are regarded at the same higher level as men in more technical positions such as clinical research?

The Case for More Women in Leadership

In recent years, the question of how leadership roles can be more evenly distributed amongst the sexes has taken an interesting turn, with newly created advanced practitioner roles, especially in areas such as nursing.

Highly experienced advanced practice nurses can now take degree courses, such as the doctor of nursing practice (DNP), to expand their knowledge and compete for higher-level jobs.

Nurses who take on a DNP qualification have many more opportunities open to them through very specific career paths. In general, students who graduate from a DNP program have the option to go into specialist nursing fields such as maternity health, family health, and geriatric health, or they may wish to take a less patient-centric role in higher-level leadership such as clinical research positions and even healthcare lobbying.

With nursing being seen as a generally more women-centric role, it stands to reason that highly qualified nurses taking on a DNP course will go into higher-level roles in the leadership, which should, hopefully, eventually improve the distribution of women in leadership positions.

Boosting women into leadership positions is an outcome that is desirable for everyone both in healthcare and from the patient perspective. Still, policies that only focus on equality of outcome rather than equality of opportunity run the risk of promoting people who have not demonstrated the correct expertise and experience to get the role; rather, they are there to fill quotas.

Studying for a DNP course, for example, is a great way for students and highly qualified nurses to demonstrate that they have the experience and the skills to be in these higher leadership positions. 

The DNP course is a doctorate-level course that is equivalent to a medical doctor (MD) level of qualification. This means that advanced practice nurses who take on the DNP graduate course to doctorate level are trained to a very high standard, and the resulting qualifications cannot be disputed as merely there to fill quotas.

The DNP course itself is generally quite a flexible course. It is definitely hard work, but it is available to do online and part-time, which means that women already working in nursing and already qualified in nursing can benefit from working whilst studying for their DNP degree. This is a huge bonus to working women, and especially working mothers, who may not have the financial ability to take years out of work just to continue their studying.

Women’s Health Practitioner Jobs

When qualifying with a higher-level degree such as a DNP doctorate degree, the possibilities for higher level and leadership jobs opens up a lot more.

These jobs may include working within public health and government agencies as healthcare lobbyists who can work towards changing policies for the betterment of patients’ care. Nurses who are qualified to DNP level may also take on more in-house roles such as senior care residents, working as advanced practitioners in physicians’ offices, working as specialist caregivers in hospitals, community clinics, and mental health facilities.

The doctorate DNP level degree also allows for graduates to take on roles in teaching. It is hoped that seeing more women in professorship level teaching will give undergraduates and students working towards their higher level degree courses, such as the DNP, visual encouragement to continue on with their studying, thus improving the likelihood of seeing more women in these higher-level positions.

For doctorate DNP level nurses, options for specialized nursing careers may include:

• Senior care specialists 

• Licensed midwives 

• Public health workers

• Educational workers

• Family physician

• Gynecologists and obstetricians

• Advanced practice nurse practitioners

• Physiologists and geneticists

  
  

The options for much better and higher paid career progression for nurses who have undertaken the DNP courses are much more varied, and the ability for higher qualified nurses to improve both their career prospects and their salary prospects cannot be overlooked.

Why Leaving Women Out is Bad for Women’s Health

It's not just women on the side of professional medical health care that we need to consider when we think about women and medicine together.

As much as we would like to believe that there are no differences between the sexes and that everyone should be treated equally, in medicine, it is impossible to divorce sex from specific medical treatment; this means that women, specifically, are needed to take part in medical trials and medical research in order to gain a better understanding of how specific medical conditions and medical treatments will affect women.

Unique dishes that whole family will enjoy

Each family spends time together in its own way. Some families are used to watching movies or playing board games together, others go hiking, camping, or cycling. However, there is no doubt that all families are united by food. What can be better than the time the whole family gathers to spend time together at the dinner table? In order for these meetings to be heart-warming and pleasant to remember, it is also very important to choose the right dish that every member of the family may enjoy. Here are some ideas of the unique dishes ideas that might be useful: 

Mexican chili stew. It is a dish that you will always want it to put on repeat. Plus, it’s easy to make. First of all, you need to chop two onions, garlic, and two red peppers finely. Then, to season it with spices and ground chili peppers and fry for about 3 minutes. Then put 500g of minced beef (or pork) and fry further. It is important to stir constantly: the finer are the pieces of meat, the tastier will be the soup. Once the meat is cooked, it can all be poured into a pot with water. Adding a small amount of water you will cook a stew, adding more water – a soup. Then, after adding 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste, salt, pepper, and other favorite spices, you need to simmer it for an hour. Ten minutes before the end of cooking time, add the red beans, corn, dill, and onion leaves. Finally, season the soup with cheese. By trying this recipe, you can be sure that a palette of new flavors will take its place in your daily diet - it is simply impossible to remain indifferent! 

Mango glazed tofu. First of all, you need to drain tofu. In order to make tofu super firm, you may use a tofu press. After it is drained, cut it into pieces of the desired size. Then mix the canned pureed mango with the mustard, sesame seeds, lemon, and other favorite spices. Pour the mass on top of the tofu, stir and leave to marinate. After at least three hours the tofu is ready to be fried! Cook tofu over low heat until all edges of the tofu are evenly browned and crispy. Finally, it is recommended serving mango glazed tofu with a variety of vegetables that your family likes the most. It’s very likely that this particular recipe, seasoned with your favorite ingredients, will go from generation to generation as an exclusive family recipe. Because of its simplicity, this recipe will not find the way to your family table, but also to the hearts of each of your family members. 

Lasagna. For those who willingly spend more time in the kitchen, it is advisable to try vegetable lasagna. You will need Béchamel sauce, tomatoes, zucchini, onion, 2 garlic, spinach, oregano, thyme, lasagna noodles and lots of cheese! Sounds great, doesn't it? It will take an hour and a half to prepare this dish from preparation to the first bite in the mouth. Firstly, prepare the veggies: fry stirring the chopped carrots, zucchini, onion and two garlic for four minutes. Then add some spinach. Adjust the number of vegetables according to your taste. After that, cook the pasta sheets and place them in a baking dish. Add the prepared vegetable filling and cover with tomato sauce and cover with pasta sheets. Finally, do not forget to season it all with a lot of cheese, and your family’s favorite sauce. The good news is that lasagna is great both freshly removed from the oven and also when it has cooled. This means that after a delicious lunch you will be able to enjoy a delicious dinner as well, or maybe you will decide to postpone it for tomorrow and make a kind of lunch break for cooking. 

Mini salmon rolls. If competitions were held for the most versatile home-made dish, these rolls would undoubtedly win the sympathy of the audience. To make mini salmon rolls, you will need tortillas. For cooking them at home you will need 200 ml of milk, 3 eggs, and 100 g of flour. Blend the eggs with milk, add the flour, and mix well. You can also add a little spice and oil. Then bake the tortillas in a pan with a non-stick surface. When tortillas cool, cover each one with spicy cream, add thinly sliced cucumber and salmon. Then twist and squeeze the tortillas. After leaving it for at least half an hour, these rolls can be sliced and ready to eat. It’s a meal that almost everyone loves to eat: from a child to a senior. In addition, this dish is not only delicious but also fun to prepare: simple, fast, and inexpensive. What could be better?

Essential tools for a modern kitchen

Have you ever wondered where you spend most of the time at home? Usually, people think for a moment and then they firmly say, "In the kitchen, of course." In fact, the kitchen area is extremely functional. We cook, eat, play board games, or chat over a cup of coffee there. Sometimes we work there as well. However, in order for the kitchen to be comfortable for those who cook and a pleasant place for those who just like to spend time in it, it needs to be refurbished from time to time. So, what are must-have tools for a modern kitchen?

Knives. In order to make cooking a fun way to spend time, it is absolutely necessary to provide the right tools. One of the most important tools you should have is a good knife. However, for comfortable cooking, you will need at least three knives of different sizes: small, medium, and large. This way you will have a great tool both for making a sandwich and cutting meat or vegetables. In order to choose a good knife, try to test the tool in order to see if it is comfortable to hold in hand. 

Cutting board. It is a very important tool that is used in making almost every single dish. In addition, the cutting board can be used not only in preparing but also serving food. Even though wooden cutting boards are the most popular, it is therefore worth considering to get one made of glass, wooden, or stone. Because wooden cutting boards deform rapidly from moisture. Meanwhile, cutting boards from glass and stone are more durable. The use of plastic cutting boards is not recommended.

Hand blender. It is hard to imagine a modern kitchen without this tool. Hand blender helps you to prepare grated soups and smoothies. Also, it helps to ideally and quickly prepare the dough for baking. Having a hand blender will also make you forget what it means to stir up eggs or cream. It means that any dish that needs these ingredients will be prepared noticeably faster. It can also be used for chopping vegetables, nuts, seeds. What could be better?

Measuring spoons or/and measuring cups. It’s a fairly simple and significant tool in your kitchen. Having measuring spoons or cups will save you time when you cook. It may look like that you can do great with scales and there is no need to have tools for measuring. However, you have no idea how often these tools come in handy! Measuring spoons and cups are definitely worth trying!

Dutch oven pot. This tool will appeal to those who value quality and do not always have much time for cooking. With the modern dutch oven pot you can prepare meat dishes or stews on any type of stovetop or in the oven. What is more, you can even use it for your camping trips! That is amazing, isn't it? If you're looking for an oven pot that doesn't require seasoning and has a non-stick surface, that is a great option to consider.

Oven mitts and potholders. These are not only the tools that simplify your cooking process and protect your hands, but it’s also a great kitchen accent. They come in various materials, colors, textures, and designs. Therefore, with minimal investment, you will be able to enjoy having the changes in your kitchen.

Meat thermometer. The modern kitchen is also unimaginable without a meat thermometer. This is especially important to avoid food poisoning. And also to make your food perfectly prepared. There are many types of thermometers (digital instant-read, dial instant-read, thermometer fork, etc.) from which you can choose the most suitable for you. Their price ranges in price from $5 to $150 dollars. The more often you are going to use this tool, the more you should be willing to spend on it.

Tongs. Their benefits can only be understood after testing them. For example, using tongs you can flip meat or fish on the grill, to stir pasta, or serve salad. Also, to lower food into a hot pot or to take it out. Depending on what you are going to use tongs for, you can choose them from different designs and sizes. This is an attribute that is simply a must for every modern kitchen. Not only is it practical and functional, but it also looks subtle and professional.

Cutlery set. These are the tools we use every day. Therefore, it is especially important to buy ones that are of high quality and durable. Therefore, is not advisable to choose cutlery that has plastic or wooden details. It would be worth considering to get a silverware set, that will become not only a decoration of your home but also as if a relic passed from generation to generation.

Why It’s Worth Choosing Your Child’s School Early

We’ve all seen an episode of a sitcom at some point, where the protagonists have had a baby, and are looking at fancy schools before their child is even out of diapers. You may think that this is just a story for the screens or something that only parents looking at the most prestigious schools need to think about. But, while very early applications aren’t the norm, and certainly aren’t typically necessary, it can be worth starting to think about your child’s first school much earlier than you might think. You’ll definitely want to think about it before the year in which you’ll apply for their place. Here are some of the reasons why. 

To Allow Time for Visits 

Kindergarten and early years education might not seem that important to some, and many parents will just apply for the school that’s closest to their home. It is, however, one of the most important stages in your child’s education. It’s during these early years that they build the blocks, and learn the core skills that will help them as they move through their school career. 

Location is, of course, a prime consideration. But, you should visit schools to get a feel for the atmosphere and the mood, things that you can’t read on a website or in a prospectus. The best way to compare schools is to visit them. Give yourself plenty of time to do this. 

To Make the Big Decisions 

Private school or public school? Single or mixed gender? Catholic or non-denomination? A school where the arts are given priority or one with a greater academic focus? These things matter and the decisions that you make could affect your child’s future, even after they have left school. Give yourself time to consider the options, compare the different approaches, and talk it through within your family. 

To Allow More Time for Preparation 

Starting school is a big deal for your child. You shouldn’t expect them to just walk in happily. Knowing what school they are likely to go to means that you can start to prepare them early by talking about the school, pointing it out when you are nearby, exploring playgrounds in the area, and even talking about things like the uniform. 

Knowing what school they are going to can also help you to make decisions in your home life, such as moving house, or changing job. Without an idea, you spend the first few years of their life unable to plan for your own future. 

Preschool Matters 

Some of the best schools offer pre-K education, giving your child stability and a chance to make friends before school. These preschool years are important and making the right decision can have countless benefits for your child, and your family. Check out visitation.net to learn more about a fantastic school that offers pre-K education and support. 

Choosing a school can be a daunting process. Giving yourself time to do it means that you can make visits, ask questions, communicate with other parents, and really take your time to get it right. This time can help your family to move forward with confidence and joy, instead of feeling rushed, pressured, and worried.

How Can Excessive Weight Loss Hurt Your Health?

Are you taken in by posts that claim to make you size zero in less than a week? Weight loss has become a hot topic in today’s time. Indeed an attractive figure can be pleasing to the eyes. But in our over enthusiasm to look great, are we missing out one something more critical? 

Health experts opine that excess weight loss in a very short period of time can have a damaging impact on your body and overall health. Let us look at how the promise of rapid weight loss harms your body. 

Weight Loss Supplements Can Cause Cancer 

Yes, you have read that right. If you have approached a dietician with the goal of weight loss, it is likely that he or she suggested some supplements to you. But did you ever research on the side-effects that these supplements have? 

Popular supplement Belviq has been struck down by the FDA as it is seen to cause cancer. If you or your loved one has been hurt by its consumption, you can file a Belviq lawsuit and get compensated. 

You May Miss Out Necessary Nutrients 

One of the popular methods suggested for rapid weight loss is the starvation technique. In this technique, you may be suggested to go without food for long periods of time. Further, even when you are allowed, you may only be asked to stick to a few items only. Sticking to such a diet for a long time can deprive you of many essential nutrients. 

Though you may not notice these deficiencies initially and feel flattered by your figure, over time, they may interfere with normal body functioning. Without the proper nutrients, your body tends to get weak from the inside. 

May Compromise Your Immune System 

Even if they do not ask you to starve, the rapid weight loss programs only allow an extremely rationed amount of food. Even then, there is a strict chart of things that you can have. Most of these items that are included in weight loss charts cannot provide your body with a sufficient amount of minerals and salts.

When you deprive your body of a regular balanced diet for too long, the immune system starts to respond differently. It is observed that many of the people who go for rapid weight loss programs tend to fall sick easily. This is because their immune system has been compromised, and they are not prepared to fight the germs and viruses. 

May Harm Your Mental Health 

Even though you may not have imagined it, your gut and your brain are actually connected. When your body begins to lose weight too quickly, the brain finds it difficult to adjust to these new changes. Further, even though you may feel that weight loss will make you happy, it often leads to the contrary. Excess weight loss can cause body image issues that are difficult to deal with. 

Final Thought 

So instead of rapid weight loss programs, why not choose a gradual one? It will be much easier on your body, and you will be able to enjoy far better and lasting results.

Best Kid-Friendly Holiday Destinations

Finding the perfect holiday for your family members is something that many people struggle with year on year. With many people booking out their holiday in advance before they have even booked the location, finding a location that everyone in the family loves can be a challenge. In this article, we will be providing you with some insight into the best kid-friendly locations for you to visit when you can travel in the future. 

Majorca 

Majorca is one of the many islands off of the coast of Spain that is perfect for your family when you are planning a holiday. With so much to see and do as well as some stunning beaches, this is a location that you and your family will love regardless of the length of your trip. With Alcudia's old town as well as Soller’s Seaside Scener alongside some of the best resorts on the island for you to spend time with your friends and family in the beautiful sun. 

Spain 

If you are looking to travel to mainland Spain, there are several amazing locations for you to visit. Whether it be the coastline of Spain or the beautiful city of Madrid, there are several locations that you can visit with your family. With several historical locations in the heart of Spain as well as several theme parks and resorts for you to visit such as Royal Sunset Beach Club as well as Santa Barbara golf and country club, there are several affordable ways for you to enjoy the heart of Spain without overspending for a perfect budget-friendly family holiday. 

Rome, Italy 

Though there is a lot to organise when you are travelling such as a new passport and a UK GHIC for each family member, the location of the trip can also make and break the holiday. This is where Rome could be the perfect location. With the historical locations for the adults to explore and some of the best theme parks and resorts in the surrounding area for the children, Rome is the perfect location that we are sure your family will love. Though the weather is very hit or miss in this location, this is the perfect holiday for you in the long term. 

Florida, USA 

The final location that is perfect for your holiday in Florida in the USA. Though this is a long-haul flight that may not be suited to younger children, Florida provides the absolute best of Disney and Universal for the kids. With several amazing resorts around Florida as well as the chance to stay on Disney property, this is an amazing location for the whole family as the children can spend time on the parks whilst the adults spend time on the beach enjoying the amazing weather at this time to help you in the long term. 

With this in mind, there are several amazing child-friendly locations for you to visit to make the perfect holiday for all the family members without breaking the budget in the long term. Which of these locations will you be visiting for your holiday this year?

Top 20 of 2020

It's been quite the year of challenges! Through it all we've persevered and looked for ways we could make life better for someone, somewhere; a new momma today, a baby tomorrow, children along the way. It is our hope that you or someone you know has been empowered or uplifted or encouraged or helped this year through the work of Peaceful Parenting. It has been tough to not see you in person this year at the many expos and events we typically host, but we look forward to an even sweeter reunion when we can attend across the nation once again. 'Till then, we have gathered the Top 20 Most Read items at DrMomma during 2020. Check out those you missed, share your favorites, and pass on the love we pray comes through in our gentle parenting advocacy and education. 💖 

With this post we'd also love to showcase some of your beautiful families. If you'd like to share a photo for our 2020 Peaceful Parenting collage, drop it to this post on Facebook, into the Peaceful Parenting Community with a note that it's for the 2020 collage, or email ContactDrMomma@gmail.com

 

Top 20 of 2020

20. Take Mom's Picture - http://www.drmomma.org/2019/07/take-moms-picture.html

19. Mama, You are Home to Me - http://www.drmomma.org/2018/11/mama-you-are-home-to-me.html

18. Cry It Out - What is the 'It'? http://www.drmomma.org/2020/01/cry-it-out-what-is-it.html

17. The Placenta Does Not Age or Fail Post-Dates - http://www.drmomma.org/2018/03/the-placenta-does-not-age-or-fail-post.html

16. Children Should Sleep Near Parents Until Age 5 - http://www.drmomma.org/2009/07/co-sleeping-children-should-sleep-with.html

15. What Should a 4 Year Old Know? http://www.drmomma.org/2011/11/what-should-4-year-old-know.html

14. Neonatal Infant Circumcision [A Video for Healthcare Professionals] - http://www.drmomma.org/2011/01/neonatal-circumcision-video-for.html

13. Plastibell Infant Circumcision - http://www.drmomma.org/2009/08/plastibell-infant-circumcision.html

12. Your Body Within One Hour of Drinking Soda - http://www.drmomma.org/2008/01/your-body-within-1-hour-of-drinking.html

11. Fetal Lungs Protein Release Triggers Labor to Begin - http://www.drmomma.org/2008/01/fetal-lungs-protein-release-triggers.html

10. MRI Studies: The Brain Permanently Altered by Infant Circumcision - http://www.drmomma.org/2009/10/mri-studies-brain-permanently-altered.html

9. Newborn Nursing: Frequent, Lengthy, Normal - http://www.drmomma.org/2019/10/newborn-nursing-frequent-lengthy-and.html

8. "Babywise" Linked to Dehydration, Failure to Thrive - http://www.drmomma.org/2009/12/babywise-linked-to-babies-dehydration.html 

7. Intact or Circumcised: A Significant Difference in the Adult Penis - http://www.drmomma.org/2011/08/intact-or-circumcised-significant.html

6. Why African Babies Don't Cry - http://www.drmomma.org/2010/09/why-african-babies-dont-cry.html

5. Breastfeeding in Mongolia - http://www.drmomma.org/2009/07/breastfeeding-in-land-of-genghis-khan.html

4. Fetal Ejection Reflex - http://www.drmomma.org/2016/07/fetal-ejection-reflex.html

3. Turn Your Crib into a CoSleeper - http://www.drmomma.org/2010/01/turn-your-crib-into-cosleeper.html

2. Lactation Cookies: Increasing Milk Supply - http://www.drmomma.org/2010/08/lactation-cookies-recipe-increasing.html

#1 Most Read item at DrMomma in 2020: 

Sleeping Babies Need Mom Beside Them - http://www.drmomma.org/2009/12/sleeping-babies-need-mom-beside-them.html

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Bill of the United States

Until March 30, 1997, baby girls in the United States could be legally circumcised. With the enactment of the Federal Female Genital Mutilation Bill, cutting a child's genitals who is known to be born female is prohibited by law, barring real and existing medical necessity to perform cutting or surgery on her genitals. The same protection under law is not currently granted to baby boys or intersex children.

Map from Refugee Resettlement Watch

Learn more about the history of female circumcision in the United States:
http://www.DrMomma.org/2009/09/history-of-female-circumcision-in.html


18 U.S.C. United States Code
Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I - CRIMES CHAPTER 7 - ASSAULT
Sec. 116 - Female genital mutilation
From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov

§116. Female genital mutilation

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), whoever knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora or labia minora or clitoris of another person who has not attained the age of 18 years shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.

(b) A surgical operation is not a violation of this section if the operation is—
(1) necessary to the health of the person on whom it is performed, and is performed by a person licensed in the place of its performance as a medical practitioner; or
(2) performed on a person in labor or who has just given birth and is performed for medical purposes connected with that labor or birth by a person licensed in the place it is performed as a medical practitioner, midwife, or person in training to become such a practitioner or midwife.

(c) In applying subsection (b)(1), no account shall be taken of the effect on the person on whom the operation is to be performed of any belief on the part of that person, or any other person, that the operation is required as a matter of custom or ritual.

(Added Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §645(b)(1), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–709.)

Effective Date 

Section 645(c) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (b) [enacting this section] shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996].”

Congressional Findings

Section 645(a) of div. C of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: “The Congress finds that—

“(1) the practice of female genital mutilation is carried out by members of certain cultural and religious groups within the United States;

“(2) the practice of female genital mutilation often results in the occurrence of physical and psychological health effects that harm the women involved;

“(3) such mutilation infringes upon the guarantees of rights secured by Federal and State law, both statutory and constitutional;

“(4) the unique circumstances surrounding the practice of female genital mutilation place it beyond the ability of any single State or local jurisdiction to control;

“(5) the practice of female genital mutilation can be prohibited without abridging the exercise of any rights guaranteed under the first amendment to the Constitution or under any other law; and

“(6) Congress has the affirmative power under section 8 of article I, the necessary and proper clause, section 5 of the fourteenth Amendment, as well as under the treaty clause, to the Constitution to enact such legislation.”

Related Reading:

Male and Female Circumcision
http://www.DrMomma.org/2011/04/male-and-female-circumcision.html

Similar Attitudes and Misconceptions
http://www.DrMomma.org/2010/06/fgmmgm-similar-attitudes-misconceptions.html

History of Female Circumcision in the United States
http://www.DrMomma.org/2009/09/history-of-female-circumcision-in.html

UK Fails to Halt Female Circumcision
http://www.DrMomma.org/2009/12/uk-fails-to-halt-female-genital.html

FGM on the Rise in the United States
http://www.newsweek.com/fgm-rates-have-doubled-us-2004-304773

FGM in United States Fact Sheet
http://www.equalitynow.org/FGM_in_US_FAQ

Women and Girls at Risk in the United States
http://www.prb.org/Publications/Articles/2015/us-fgmc.aspx

America's Underground Female Genital Cutting Crisis
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/11/america-s-underground-female-genital-mutilation-crisis.html

Female Genital Cutting is a U.S. Problem Too
http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/07/21/424984178/female-genital-mutilation-is-a-u-s-problem-too

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Sleep Training: A Review of Research

The following is a list of resources (articles/websites/books) for research-based information on infant sleep, night time parenting, baby crying, need for nourishment and comfort at night, and physiological body and brain responses to 'controlled crying,' 'cry it out,' or 'sleep training' methods. Also see psychological conditioning studies on the brain, immune system, development and learned helplessness (which occurs among babies whose care-givers utilize these methods).

"Crying-it-out does not lead to 'sleeping through the night' - it results in learned helplessness."
-Danelle Frisbie

Articles:

(in alphabetical order)

Adventures in Ezzoland

American Academy of Pediatrics Statement on Babywise

Ask the Experts: Sleep Training

Babies Aren't Soldiers

Babies Breathe Better During Sleep When Rocked

Baby Dreams [poem] 

Baby Sleep: A Review of Research [with links to articles]

Babies: Not Designed to Sleep Alone

Becoming Wise to Babywise [The Ezzo Method, "Growing Kids God's Way"]

Biological Imperatives: Why Babies Do Not and Should Not Sleep Alone

Breastfeeding in Bed: Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom Introduce Baby Flynn

Breastfeeding, Nightwaking: Protection from SIDS

The Case for Cue Feeding

The Con of Controlled Crying

Confessions of a Failed Babywiser

Confessions of an Accidental Cosleeper

CoSleeping Success! 

Crying It Out Causes Brain Damage

The Dangers of Cry It Out (2012)

The Dangers of Leaving Baby to Cry It Out (CIO) (2009)

Dangers of Your Baby 'Crying It Out'

Diverse Contexts of Human Infancy

Dr. William Sears on Growing Kids God's Way/Babywise

Dr. Sears on Babywearing (improves infant sleep, reduces crying and colic)

Excessive Crying Harmful to Babies

Healthy Infant Sleep

Hush Little Baby... [artwork]

I Will Carry You [poem]

Kangaroo Mother Care Saves 2lb Baby (the importance of touch and being held for babies; being close to mom even while asleep)

Milk Drunk (sleeping by baby makes night time parenting much easier!)

Night Time Parenting: A Practical Approach for the Reduction of Attachment Disorders and the Promotion of Emotionally Secure Children

Night Waking Protects Against SIDS

The No-Cry Sleep Solution

On Becoming Elderwise: Caring for Grandma God's Way

Our Bed [poem]

Peacefully Parented Babies Grow to Be Smarter, Kinder Kids  

Peaceful Parenting: Following Your Instincts

Pediatric Nurse and Former Ezzo Parent

Primal Love and Mothering

Reason 742 to Share Sleep

Rooting While at Rest [poem]

The Science of Sharing Sleep 

Seven Benefits of CoSleeping

Shaking a Crying Baby Causes Brain Damage

She's Not 'High Needs' - She's Vivacious! 

Should Baby Soothe Himself to Sleep?

Sleep: Changing Patterns in the Family Bed

Sleep Training: Higher Stress, Lower Serotonin May Increase SIDS Risk

Sleeping: Babies Need Mom Beside Them

Sleeping Like a Baby: How Bedsharing Soothes Infants

Sleeping Through the Night

Sleeping With Baby: Breasfeeding, Night Waking and Protection from SIDS

Solitary or Shared Sleep: What is Safe?

Taking Down Babywise: A Hero

Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go

Turn Your Crib into a Cosleeper

Where Should Babies Sleep at Night? A Review of Evidence

Who Wants to Sleep Alone?!

Why Does the Baby Cry?

10 Reasons to Sleep by Your Baby

Websites:

Baby Sleep Books Collection

Baby Sleep Institute and McKenna Library of Research

Co-Sleeping vs. Crib Fact & Statistic Sheet

Elizabeth Pantley (author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution)

Ezzo Information Website

Jay Gordon (Sleep: Changing Patterns in the Family Bed)

Parents Against Babywise (Facebook Page)

Pinky McKay: Sleeping, Feeding and Gentle Care

To connect with other parents and get in on Sleep Forums:

SafeBedSharing.Org

William Sears (31 Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep)

Books:

The No-Cry Sleep Solution

The Baby Sleep Book

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering

The Baby Bond

The Science of Parenting

Our Babies, Ourselves

Why Love Matters

Nighttime Parenting

The Natural Child: Parenting from the Heart

The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Natural Family Living

The Baby Book

The Continuum Concept: In Search of Happiness Lost

Baby Matters (first edition of The Baby Bond)

The Fussy Baby Book

The Premature Baby Book

Attachment Parenting: A Commonsense Guide to Understanding & Nurturing Your Baby

Primal Health: Understanding the Critical Period Between Conception and the First Birthday

The Attachment Connection: Parenting A Secure & Confident Child

Attachment Parenting: Instinctive Care for Your Baby & Young Child

Mothering Magazine 

GOOD Baby Sleep Books Collection 

There is No App to Replace Your Lap

There’s no app to replace your lap. 💞💞 Snuggle close.

Artwork from a page in the beautiful Cami Kangaroo series by Stacy C. Bauer: https://amzn.to/2ZGO1gW

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