Pattie Hughes's commentsComments On: EverythingArticles Blogs Journals Photos created by: EveryonePattie 10,000 Marriages on Hold - Blog Entry26 Jun 2006 12:31 PM Unfortunately, I think this new law is necessary. I knew a mail order bride once. I don't know if there was physical abuse, but there was definite emotional and psychological abuse going on. It's terrible to think of women in that situation, but it does exist. They often aren't as strong, don't feel they can leave an abusive relationship or have no support system. Good article! AFP Tests - What do they mean? - Blog Entry22 Jun 2006 09:30 AM I skipped the AFP, but had a level 2 ultrasound. This test is very accurate for diagnosing the problems that show up on the AFP. The level 2 will also show anecephaly or spina bifida and is much less invasive than an amnio. The AFP test is really just a screening test and not diagnostic. The doctor told me it helps them determine who should have further testing. The level 2 is best when done by a specialist in maternal fetal medicine. AFP Tests - What do they mean? - Blog Entry21 Jun 2006 11:25 AM False positive results are very common with the AFP. With my first pregnancy, the doctor suggested I skip the test since it is not very reliable. I didn't get it done. By the time I was pregnant with my second, that doctor had semi retired and wasn't delivering babies anymore. I had a new doctor who bullied me into taking the test. He said it was very reliable. I had a false positive and was told my baby may have Down's Syndrome. She didn't, but the stress it caused was enormous. I declined the test for my next two pregnancies. Don't Be a Breast Milk Bully - Blog Entry21 Jun 2006 11:20 AM I agree with Janet. Mothers need support and encouragement to breastfeed. Too many nurses have no knowledge on this subject and sabotage new mothers. The literature that says breastmilk is better for the baby is correct. Formula is an acceptable substitute, but it really isn't equivalent to the milk we make naturally. Throughout human history, women have breastfed their babies. Then, formula companies began to promote their product heavily and the rates of breastfeeding declined dramatically. When I was a baby, barely any were breastfed. The problem with the current generation, is that they don't have the wisdom of the elder women in society, as the women who came before us (and before the formula companies) did. Prior to the widespread use of formula, women grew up around breastfeeding mothers and knew a lot more about it. When the girl grew up and had a baby, the whole village of women were experienced and helped her get off to a good start. We lack that sense of community and connectivity now. Women who want to breastfeed are often alone, with no breastfeeding family members to offer support. The advertising by the formula companies has been very successful and has brainwashed many women away from breastfeeding their infants. Advocates, the World Health Organization and other organizations are attempting to turn that around. I've never experienced breastfeeding "bullying", but have had nurses and other mothers attempt to sabotage breastfeeding by pushing formula on me. Spotting During Pregnancy - Blog Entry25 May 2006 06:21 PM Thanks for the kind words, Miriam. Glad I could help! Types of Epidurals - Blog Entry05 May 2006 10:40 AM Hi Julia, I'm glad it helped! Good luck with your future pregnancy! Tom and Katie - The Baby Naming Controversy - Blog Entry24 Apr 2006 05:37 PM I read on another site that Suri was the name of L Ron Hubbard's pet llama. Don't know if this is true, but I sure wouldn't be surprised! When is a Pregnancy High Risk? - Blog Entry04 Apr 2006 09:37 PM Most high risk pregnancies turn out just fine. I'm so glad yours did! Spanking or Hitting? - Blog Entry04 Apr 2006 02:10 AM I couldn't agree more, Nicki. I also want my kids to develop internal discipline that will serve them well when I am not around or when they are grown. Spanking will never accomplish that goal. Great article! Baby Carriers 101 - Blog Entry18 Mar 2006 01:24 AM We had an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder with our first three babies. I also had a front pack, Snugli but I hated it. We are going with a Maya this time. It seems a little less bulky than the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder. Great article, by the way! |
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