Just found this sort of feminist down under blog on breastfeeding thanks to Linda Smith.
Hemispheres unite!!
http://viv.id.au/blog/20090625.5497/gone-too-far/#respond
PS I always found a baby bottle with formula sitting around to be a bit offensive....
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
When will they ever learn? Handing out formula creates mixed feeders... and highest feeding risk for HIV+ moms
Dear friends:
When will they ever learn? Handing out formula for HIV+ moms in low wealth settings is not only risky, but potentially deadly.
Botswana's government meant well when they started handing out formula, but how many crises will be necessary until they stop?
Stock outages, massive diarrheal disease, and more stock outages, and yet it continues.
Please, my friends, help spread that word that such programs breed disaster.
http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=5&dir=2009/June/Thursday18
When will they ever learn? Handing out formula for HIV+ moms in low wealth settings is not only risky, but potentially deadly.
Botswana's government meant well when they started handing out formula, but how many crises will be necessary until they stop?
Stock outages, massive diarrheal disease, and more stock outages, and yet it continues.
Please, my friends, help spread that word that such programs breed disaster.
http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=5&dir=2009/June/Thursday18
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Outcome of the meeting in DC...
The meeting ended Friday afternoon, with reports from each working group. According to the organizers, the papers and the outcomes will be published in a supplement to Breastfeeding Medicine.
I think it will be interesting reading.
I think it will be interesting reading.
UN meeting 'Advancing global health in the face of crisis' - only UNICEF speaks to breastfeeding as essential
With thanks to my old friends at UNICEF, in this high level forum, only UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman mentioned breastfeeding in her panel discussion on "Protecting vulnerable populations."
Notes on her presentation included the following. I added the bolds.
9.2 million children die before the age of 5 years, and that 93 per cent live in Africa and Asia. Around 3 million die in the first 28 days of life. A woman in the Niger had a 1-in-7 lifetime risk of maternal mortality, compared to Ireland, where the risk was much lower 1 in 40,000. When searching for a solution, it was important that policy-makers understood the link between maternal and newborn health. For a start, adequate nutrition for the mother was key to good health in their babies. In turn, early childhood nutrition was important, because one third of deaths in children under 5 were thought to be caused by malnutrition. Poor nutrition also made a person more likely to die of diseases such as malaria, while lack of breast-feeding contributed to 1.4 million deaths. She noted that pneumonia and diarrhoea were among the biggest killers among children –- diseases that were linked to HIV/AIDS, various tropical diseases and the flu. During a time of financial crisis, it was more important than ever to ensure that women and children, along with other vulnerable populations, had access to preventive and basic health services.
read more at: She explained that 9.2 million children died before the age of 5 years, and that 93 per cent lived in Africa and Asia. Around 3 million died in the first 28 days of life. A woman in the Niger had a 1-in-7 lifetime risk of maternal mortality, compared to Ireland, where the risk was much lower 1 in 40,000. When searching for a solution, it was important that policy-makers understood the link between maternal and newborn health. For a start, adequate nutrition for the mother was key to good health in their babies. In turn, early childhood nutrition was important, because one third of deaths in children under 5 were thought to be caused by malnutrition. Poor nutrition also made a person more likely to die of diseases such as malaria, while lack of breast-feeding contributed to 1.4 million deaths.
She noted that pneumonia and diarrhoea were among the biggest killers among children –- diseases that were linked to HIV/AIDS, various tropical diseases and the flu. During a time of financial crisis, it was more important than ever to ensure that women and children, along with other vulnerable populations, had access to preventive and basic health services.
Read more at:
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MYAI-7T33XZ?OpenDocument
Notes on her presentation included the following. I added the bolds.
9.2 million children die before the age of 5 years, and that 93 per cent live in Africa and Asia. Around 3 million die in the first 28 days of life. A woman in the Niger had a 1-in-7 lifetime risk of maternal mortality, compared to Ireland, where the risk was much lower 1 in 40,000. When searching for a solution, it was important that policy-makers understood the link between maternal and newborn health. For a start, adequate nutrition for the mother was key to good health in their babies. In turn, early childhood nutrition was important, because one third of deaths in children under 5 were thought to be caused by malnutrition. Poor nutrition also made a person more likely to die of diseases such as malaria, while lack of breast-feeding contributed to 1.4 million deaths. She noted that pneumonia and diarrhoea were among the biggest killers among children –- diseases that were linked to HIV/AIDS, various tropical diseases and the flu. During a time of financial crisis, it was more important than ever to ensure that women and children, along with other vulnerable populations, had access to preventive and basic health services.
read more at: She explained that 9.2 million children died before the age of 5 years, and that 93 per cent lived in Africa and Asia. Around 3 million died in the first 28 days of life. A woman in the Niger had a 1-in-7 lifetime risk of maternal mortality, compared to Ireland, where the risk was much lower 1 in 40,000. When searching for a solution, it was important that policy-makers understood the link between maternal and newborn health. For a start, adequate nutrition for the mother was key to good health in their babies. In turn, early childhood nutrition was important, because one third of deaths in children under 5 were thought to be caused by malnutrition. Poor nutrition also made a person more likely to die of diseases such as malaria, while lack of breast-feeding contributed to 1.4 million deaths.
She noted that pneumonia and diarrhoea were among the biggest killers among children –- diseases that were linked to HIV/AIDS, various tropical diseases and the flu. During a time of financial crisis, it was more important than ever to ensure that women and children, along with other vulnerable populations, had access to preventive and basic health services.
Read more at:
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MYAI-7T33XZ?OpenDocument
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Meeting continues
I am happy to report that our group - Workplace - was innovative and creative in developing issues. Tomorrow we will do the hard work: develop the action plan!
Wish us luck!
M
Wish us luck!
M
Sitting at a meeting in DC...What will we need to do provoke action?
Recently I have had the opportunity to attend several meetings that MAY have a real impact on the future of breastfeeding...a bit of deja vu...and a bit of hope.
Back in the 1990s following the Innocenti Declaration, there was a spate of activity in an ill-fated effort to implement the four operational targets: a national multisectoral committee and authority; Ten Step in hospitals; Code of Marketing, and; maternity protection laws. The US promised to implement all by 1995...dot, dot, dot...
BUT some good things did arise from that era: the USBC - a collaboration of health organizations with interest in the issue; the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine to engage physicians in education on breastfeeding; more hospitals practicing more of the Ten Steps, and the family leave act, so that women cannot be fired for taking some leave. Yes this is progress, but miles to go.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak at 2 starkly contrasting USG meetings: one entitled A Call for Action on Breastfeeding, the other - Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use - my role, the focus on contraceptive use during breastfeeding. The Call for Action, with several of our federal supporters hosting, was full of creative and innovative ideas and ways to increase action on bresatfeeding. I left that one totally enthused and having faith in our breastfeeding-supportive Feds!!!
The second did not go quite like that...although the report is not out, Dr Bob Hatcher went ahead and announce "any contraceptive can be used from birth" or some such, in the OB/Gyn News. It is very interesting what emerges when the audience members have a pre-existing agenda.
So what do we do to get a true representation of leadership so that we can really achieve change?
Today I am sitting in a meeting called by Ruth Lawrence and Cindy Howard in the name of their journal,Breastfeeding Medicine, sponsored by Kellogg, and self-named "First Annual Summit" on breastfeeding. No organizations or professional groups were invited, so USBC is not here, APHA is not here, among others. So far, we have heard at least 12 speakers, with no time for questions and no program insights. That is not to say that the speakers have not been interesting - they have been quite good: Larry Grummer-Strawn and David Meyers represented their agencies well - intelligent, informative, and insightful. Yay! the other speakers covered a variety of issues - what WIC does, how to lobby, cultural considerations, growth, media. All were good speakers and most quite informative. I am not clear what new will emerge from this handpicked group, but I look forward to the working groups to see what 45 physicians, 12 PhDs, and 13 sundry others (not an LC in sight) will have to say about the nuts and bolts of workplace, public education, healthcare systems and support services - also professional education -and how to create program change nationwide. Well, about 25 of us actally have some real program development roles, so perhaps we can help. We are going to the workgroups now...All remains to be revealed! Here's looking for the best.
Will write more tomorrow!
Back in the 1990s following the Innocenti Declaration, there was a spate of activity in an ill-fated effort to implement the four operational targets: a national multisectoral committee and authority; Ten Step in hospitals; Code of Marketing, and; maternity protection laws. The US promised to implement all by 1995...dot, dot, dot...
BUT some good things did arise from that era: the USBC - a collaboration of health organizations with interest in the issue; the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine to engage physicians in education on breastfeeding; more hospitals practicing more of the Ten Steps, and the family leave act, so that women cannot be fired for taking some leave. Yes this is progress, but miles to go.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak at 2 starkly contrasting USG meetings: one entitled A Call for Action on Breastfeeding, the other - Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use - my role, the focus on contraceptive use during breastfeeding. The Call for Action, with several of our federal supporters hosting, was full of creative and innovative ideas and ways to increase action on bresatfeeding. I left that one totally enthused and having faith in our breastfeeding-supportive Feds!!!
The second did not go quite like that...although the report is not out, Dr Bob Hatcher went ahead and announce "any contraceptive can be used from birth" or some such, in the OB/Gyn News. It is very interesting what emerges when the audience members have a pre-existing agenda.
So what do we do to get a true representation of leadership so that we can really achieve change?
Today I am sitting in a meeting called by Ruth Lawrence and Cindy Howard in the name of their journal,Breastfeeding Medicine, sponsored by Kellogg, and self-named "First Annual Summit" on breastfeeding. No organizations or professional groups were invited, so USBC is not here, APHA is not here, among others. So far, we have heard at least 12 speakers, with no time for questions and no program insights. That is not to say that the speakers have not been interesting - they have been quite good: Larry Grummer-Strawn and David Meyers represented their agencies well - intelligent, informative, and insightful. Yay! the other speakers covered a variety of issues - what WIC does, how to lobby, cultural considerations, growth, media. All were good speakers and most quite informative. I am not clear what new will emerge from this handpicked group, but I look forward to the working groups to see what 45 physicians, 12 PhDs, and 13 sundry others (not an LC in sight) will have to say about the nuts and bolts of workplace, public education, healthcare systems and support services - also professional education -and how to create program change nationwide. Well, about 25 of us actally have some real program development roles, so perhaps we can help. We are going to the workgroups now...All remains to be revealed! Here's looking for the best.
Will write more tomorrow!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Martek hexane-derived DHA manufacture may have resulted in fire?
I don't know how to verify this, but I read a report that the Kentucky State Fire Marshall confirmed that a 2003 explosion of a wastewater pretreatment facility was the result of the Martek Biosciences Corporation releasing hexane from its plant. Martek was using these chemicals to produce DHA.
While DHA is a natural ingredient found in human breastmilk that promotes eye and brain development, the Martek product is not natural, but chemically derived from dried biomass, algae, I believe.
Can anyone confirm or refute this report?
While DHA is a natural ingredient found in human breastmilk that promotes eye and brain development, the Martek product is not natural, but chemically derived from dried biomass, algae, I believe.
Can anyone confirm or refute this report?
Friday, May 22, 2009
More on PBM...
Joe Shields, who is director of public relations for PBM, got back to me, providing the following additional information:
"Thank you for reaching out to PBM regarding the responsible marketing of infant formula.... I just posted a formal response to a May 15 blog posting on the site [Note from blogger: unfortunately, it is too long for blogspot, so I am including some of it here.] for the organization’s consideration ....We believe that mother’s milk is the best source of nutrition for babies. Moms should try breastfeeding because it is considered best for babies by our company and leading experts. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes it as the gold standard in infant nutrition....If parents choose to supplement mother’s milk with baby formula, we believe they should not have to overpay for formula. That’s why we make store-brand formulas for retailers ...as many leading store-brand formulas cost up to 50% less than national brands. In fact, parents can save up to $600 a year by choosing a retailer’s store brand infant formula...The reason why our store-brand infant formulas are less expensive is because we do not give out free formula to hospitals. [Bolds added] We believe only mothers and health-care professionals should make infant-feeding decisions, which is why we do not want to influence that decision-making process at the time of birth."
I am going to be in contact - maybe we can get Marsha involved - and will keep you posted!
"Thank you for reaching out to PBM regarding the responsible marketing of infant formula.... I just posted a formal response to a May 15 blog posting on the site [Note from blogger: unfortunately, it is too long for blogspot, so I am including some of it here.] for the organization’s consideration ....We believe that mother’s milk is the best source of nutrition for babies. Moms should try breastfeeding because it is considered best for babies by our company and leading experts. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes it as the gold standard in infant nutrition....If parents choose to supplement mother’s milk with baby formula, we believe they should not have to overpay for formula. That’s why we make store-brand formulas for retailers ...as many leading store-brand formulas cost up to 50% less than national brands. In fact, parents can save up to $600 a year by choosing a retailer’s store brand infant formula...The reason why our store-brand infant formulas are less expensive is because we do not give out free formula to hospitals. [Bolds added] We believe only mothers and health-care professionals should make infant-feeding decisions, which is why we do not want to influence that decision-making process at the time of birth."
I am going to be in contact - maybe we can get Marsha involved - and will keep you posted!
Friday, May 15, 2009
BFing good for moms - fine brief by our friend Joan Meek
http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Women_s_Health_260/Breastfeeding_Linked_to_Better_Health_for_Mothers_Too.shtml
Who is this masked man?
"Baby Food Co. Seeks To Bar Nestle's Use Of 'Gentle'...Law360, New York (May 13, 2009) -- Infant formula maker PBM Products LLC has asked a federal court to bar Nestle SA and its Gerber Products Co. unit from using the trademarks "gentle" or "gentle plus" to sell baby formula while PBM pursues its case accusing the Swiss company of infringing the three-year-old mark."
Those of us who grew up in the era of Superman and Zorro know that an ostensibly meek and mild character can put on a mask and become a major force for good.
Who is this PBM who is taking on the giants?
From their website I learned that they live in the land of Ben and Jerry's, otherwise known as Vermont, and state: PBM Nutritionals is the only infant formula facility in the US that adheres to both FDA guidelines and a stringent set of quality-assurance regulations set by the International Organization for Standardization.
So I thought I would give them a call and discuss the Code...and I found a very friendly group!
I will keep you posted...
Those of us who grew up in the era of Superman and Zorro know that an ostensibly meek and mild character can put on a mask and become a major force for good.
Who is this PBM who is taking on the giants?
From their website I learned that they live in the land of Ben and Jerry's, otherwise known as Vermont, and state: PBM Nutritionals is the only infant formula facility in the US that adheres to both FDA guidelines and a stringent set of quality-assurance regulations set by the International Organization for Standardization.
So I thought I would give them a call and discuss the Code...and I found a very friendly group!
I will keep you posted...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
