Patty’s Blog: “” posts

Free to Breastfeed in Michigan

Mothers who nurse their children in public will be protected from discrimination and prosecution under bipartisan legislation signed into law on June 24 by Governor Rick Snyder. The Breastfeeding Anti-Discrimination Act, sponsored by state Senator Rebekah Warren, protects women’s right to nurse a child in any place that is open to the general public, including stores, restaurants and municipal buses. Under the new anti-discrimination law, owners and operators cannot deny goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations to a woman simply because she is breastfeeding. They also cannot post signs prohibiting public nursing. Companion legislation will ensure that nursing mothers cannot be charged under state laws prohibiting indecent exposure or disorderly conduct.

 

Posted by Patty Brennan on July 29, 2014 • Filed under
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Gestational Diabetes: Please don’t drink the Glucola …

without reading the label! In this article, Aviva Jill Romm, MD (also an herbalist and midwife) takes on the toxic ingredients in oral glucose test drinks. This is the first in a three-part series on gestational diabetes. If you’re pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or working with pregnant mommas, this series is for you!

 

 

Posted by Patty Brennan on July 24, 2014 • Filed under
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Evidence on Water Birth Safety

Exclusive Q&A with Rebecca Dekker on her new research on the safety of water birth for mothers and newborns. Rebecca researched and wrote that article in response to the joint Opinion Statement “Immersion in Water During Labor and Delivery” released in March, 2014 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Posted by Patty Brennan on July 17, 2014 • Filed under
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FDA, EPA recommend minimum fish intake for pregnant women

In the past, the FDA and the EPA recommended maximum amounts of fish that pregnant women, breastfeeding women and young children should consume, but did not promote a minimum amount. Over the past decade, however, emerging science has underscored the importance of appropriate amounts of fish in the diets of these populations. Updated recommendations urge that pregnant women eat at least 8 ounces and up to 12 ounces (2-3 servings) per week of a variety of fish that are lower in mercury to support fetal growth and development. Choices lower in mercury include some of the most commonly eaten fish, such as shrimp, pollock, salmon, canned light tuna, tilapia, catfish and cod.

Posted by Patty Brennan on July 15, 2014 • Filed under
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Documentary video on doulas

The documentary, The Essential Ingredient: Doula is available free of charge via YouTube. The format allows the link to be easily shared with families and care providers. The video can also be embedded on websites as a strong educational element, also without cost or formal request for permission. From DONA International.

Posted by Patty Brennan on July 12, 2014 • Filed under
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