Early Hospitalization Key to Controlling SARS

The first major epidemiological study about severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has determined that getting infected patients to the hospital for quarantine and treatment as soon as possible is key to controlling the disease and reducing transmission. The study was completed by scientists from the United Kingdom and Hong Kong and appears in The Lancet.

The researchers studied more than 1,400 SARS patients in Hong Kong up to the end of April 2003. They found that public-health interventions (including encouragement to report to a hospital quickly after the onset of symptoms, tracing of contacts of SARS cases and restriction of travel for those contacts) led to a substantial drop in confirmed SARS cases by the end of their study.

The average time between infection and the onset of symptoms for SARS is about six and a half days. The average time from the onset of symptoms to hospitalization for the patients in this study was three to five days, with longer periods reported earlier in the epidemic before public-health interventions were stressed. Of those admitted to the hospital for SARS, the fatality rate for patients 60 and older was much higher than those younger than 60.

The authors of the study say that improved communication about the risk involved with contracting SARS will potentially lead to an increase in early reporting of symptoms and improvement in the reduction and prevention of transmission. (5-27-03)

Vitamin D Supplementation in Breastfed Infants

According to La Leche League (LLL), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that, starting in the first two months of life, exclusively breastfed infants have a minimum of 200 IU of vitamin D per day.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for humans, but it’s usually obtained through casual exposure to sunlight, not foods, say experts at LLL. Vitamin D – actually a steroid hormone, not a vitamin – is produced in the body after exposure of the skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency and rickets, a bone-softening childhood disease, are two consequences of inadequate vitamin D intake, they say.

According to LLL, your breastfed infant is at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency or rickets if they fit any of these categories: low maternal levels of vitamin D, indoor confinement during the day, darker skin pigmentation, living in urban areas where tall buildings and pollution block out the sun’s rays, seasonal variations in UVB rays and covering too much of the body when outside, including using too much sunscreen.

“No known risks of vitamin D supplementation exist at the level recommended by the AAP,” says Cynthia Good Mojab, MS, IBCLC, RLC, research associate in the Publications Department of La Leche League International. “However, no research has actually investigated whether vitamin D supplementation during the first six months has any negative consequences for infant health, such as vomiting and aspiration when supplementation is not tolerated, harmful alterations of the infant gut or increased risk of infection.”

If you are concerned about your infant’s chances of vitamin D deficiency or about the use of vitamin D supplements, LLL recommends talking to your health care provider about what is best for your child. (5-20-03)

Breastfeeding Multiplied – Nursing Twins, Triplets or More!

Research in recent years has shown that breast milk is beneficial for babies because it contains all the nutrients needed for the first four to six months of life and helps protect against many illnesses.

But what if you have twins, triplets or more? Can you still breastfeed successfully?

Certainly, say experts from the National Organization of Mothers Of Twins Clubs (NOMOTC), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Thompson Station, Tenn. Breastfeeding multiples just takes a little more effort and commitment on the part of the mother to be successful.

Tending to her own health is the first step for a new mom breastfeeding multiples. Eating properly, getting plenty of fluids and resting often are all important. Nutritionists recommend a 3000-calorie diet daily for moms breastfeeding twins, including foods high in protein and at least a quart of milk. The NOMOTC suggests extra help at home during the first few weeks while establishing a feeding routine for the babies.

You can feed twins at the same time or one-on-one, but feeding triplets or more requires some planning. A feeding chart can be helpful until you get established on a routine. Just remember to do whatever works best for you and your babies.

Even multiples born prematurely can be breastfed (although you might have to start off by pumping milk if they are not able to latch on). And the breast milk is easier for premature babies to digest – an added incentive for struggling moms.

Sources such as NOMOTC, La Leche League, hospital lactation consultants and local clubs for mothers of multiples can be great resources for help in breastfeeding multiple infants.

For additional information on NOMOTC and its resources and products, contact the NOMOTC Executive Office at nomotc@aol.com. (5-13-03)

Dr. Spock's Advice Studied on His 100th Birthday

On May 2, popular baby doctor Benjamin Spock would have turned 100. The world-famous pediatrician changed the face of parenting with his words of practical advice and his conviction to use instinct as a guide. A University of Alberta researcher has analyzed Dr. Spock and particularly how his advice on infant feeding changed over his decades of work.

Dr. Spock had always been an advocate of breastfeeding and even more radical was his recommendation to nurse the baby on demand rather than on a strict schedule. The U of A's Stephanie Knaak studied the changes from Spock's first edition of his book, Baby and Child Care, to his last, noting that the importance of breastfeeding was always apparent, but the doctor's reasons for why to nurse changed.

Dr. Spock's book was first published at the start of the World War II baby boom and soon became an authoritative and reliable guide for parents. With its nearly 50 million copies in more than 40 translations, the book is said to be second in sales only to the bible, according to the University of Alberta.

"At first Dr. Spock argued that the main focus of breastfeeding was for nutrition or food, but he changed his ideas to say that breastfeeding is just as important for bonding," says Knaak, a researcher in the Department of Sociology. "He didn't offer any assurances for bottle feeders in terms of bonding, and that surprised me a bit."

In the 1968 edition, Dr. Spock devoted an entire page, saying that while he was in favor of breastfeeding, bottle-feeding was still acceptable, says Knaak, "but after that one edition, those encouraging words to parents who used bottles was dropped."

Another interesting change over the decades was with the evolution of science in terms of infant feeding. In several of Dr. Spock's early editions, he listed a recipe for homemade formula that included the ingredients evaporated milk mixed with sugar, a far cry from today's advanced blend. (5-06-03)

Breastfeeding Counseling for Mothers May Help Reduce Disease Among Infants in Developing Countries

Promoting exclusive breastfeeding for six months after childbirth can help reduce diarrheal disease among infants in less-developed countries, say authors of a study in a recent issue of The Lancet.

For the study, researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India, examined the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of an educational intervention to promote exclusive breastfeeding for six months in a rural Indian community.

Health care workers were trained to give exclusive breastfeeding counseling within the existing health care infrastructure, and mothers of more than 1000 infants born within nine months of this training were randomly assigned to either receive the counseling or to be in a control group.

The researchers found that exclusive breastfeeding rates were higher (79 percent) for mothers in the counseling group compared with the control group (46 percent). In addition, diarrhea was reduced by a third in the intervention group at 3 months and by around 15 percent at 6 months. There were no differences between length and weight of infants between the two groups, overall, and in the subgroup of low-birthweight infants. (4-29-03)

Study Suggests Maternal Depression, Not Antidepressant Use, Lowers Nursing Infant Weight Gain

Breastfeeding moms suffering from postpartum depression should not hesitate to seek medical treatment, even if it involves the use of antidepressants, says the author of a new study on the effect of antidepressants on nursing infants.

The study, which looked at more than 70 breastfeeding mothers treated for a mood or anxiety disorder with an antidepressant in the six months following pregnancy, is the first to compare the impact of maternal depression vs. antidepressant use on the physical development of nursing infants.

Researchers at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute found that maternal depression, not antidepressant use, affects infant weight gain in the first six months after birth.

The study showed that exposure to antidepressant medication through breast milk had no effect on infant weight gain compared with national norms calculated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In contrast, infant exposure to maternal depression lasting two months or more significantly lowered infant weight gain compared with infants of mothers with major depression lasting less than two months and with the CDC norms.

"Our findings emphasize the importance of screening for depression and treating the disorder in new mothers," says Dr. Victoria Hendrick, lead investigator and director of the institute's Pregnancy and Postpartum Program. "Less than one-third of women who suffer major depression postpartum actually are identified by medical professionals as depressed. There is a tremendous amount of under-diagnosing and under-treatment."

Depression in the first six months postpartum affects about 12 percent to 15 percent of new mothers. Symptoms include low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy as a parent, inability to enjoy the baby or usual activities, lack of energy, insomnia even when the baby is sleeping, problems with concentration and irritability.

The study appeared in the April edition of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. (4-22-03)

Mother-Infant Bed Sharing Associated With Increase in Infant Heart Rate

Sharing your bed with your baby is becoming an increasingly common practice, and a new study has found that bed-sharing may increase a baby's heart rate.

Researchers studied 35 healthy mother-infant pairs for three nights in a sleep laboratory with video recording. The results showed that mother-infant bed sharing affected heart rate and variability in a state-specific manner. Analyses showed a significant night effect where heart rate during bed sharing was higher than during solitary sleeping in all sleep stages but not waking.

These effects on heart rate and variability are likely related to sensory or psychological stimuli unique to the bed sharing environment, or conversely, to the lack of those stimuli in the solitary condition, say the study authors. Increases in heart rate could be an indication of increased sympathetic activity, possibly resulting from some specific feature of the bed sharing sensory or psychological environment, they say. (4-15-03)

Folic Acid-Iron Supplements Reduce Risk of Low Birth Weight

Multiple vitamin supplements during pregnancy may not be any more effective than folic acid-iron supplements in reducing the risk of low birth weight babies, according to the results of a study by researchers with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Human Nutrition (CHN).

For the study, which was conducted in rural Nepal, CHN researchers gave more than 4,900 pregnant women one of the following daily supplements: folic acid, folic acid-iron, folic acid-iron-zinc or a multiple micronutrient supplement containing folic acid, iron and zinc and 11 other micronutrients. All participants received vitamin A, with a control group receiving vitamin A alone.

The findings showed that supplementation with folic-acid iron reduced the incidence of low birth weight by 16 percent, and the multiple micronutrient supplements reduced low birth weight by 14 percent. Folic acid-iron-zinc supplementation and folic acid supplementation alone had no significant effect on birth size.

While researchers are optimistic that they are making progress, they say more work is needed to understand the health effects of antenatal micronutrient use among mothers before being widely adopted in the developing world.

The study was published in a recent issue of the British Medical Journal. (4-8-03)

Get Breastfeeding Help on CD

Having trouble getting Baby to latch on, but your hands are too full to look up the problem in a book? How about getting help on CD?

A new set of CDs by Milky Way Press offers breastfeeding mothers audio instruction. Breastfeeding Basics and Beyond helps you track your baby's urine and bowel output, understand Baby's cues to nurse, the difference between foremilk and hindmilk and more. Breastfeeding's Number One Question: How Will I Know My Baby is Getting Enough Milk? shows moms indicators that breastfeeding is going well such as urine output, bowel movements, length of nursing and more.

Both CDs are $12.95 a piece and are between 50 to 60 minutes long. They are also available together for $29.95.

The CDs were created by Beverly Morgan, a board certified lactation consultant and former breastfeeding mom. She currently writes about breastfeeding, presents conference sessions and seminars and maintains a private practice as a lactation consultant in San Jose, Calif.

For more information, visit www.milkywaypress.com. (4-01-03)

New Online Store Offers Sophisticated Attire for Nursing Moms

If you're looking for professional clothing which allows you to nurse easily, check out the new online store for Mamámoda, a company which designs, manufactures and markets high-quality nursing wear.

The new Internet store, www.mamamoda.com, features the company's line of clothing all of which are made from natural and luxury fibers. Concealed nursing openings allow easy and discreet access to the breasts, says the company, allowing a mother to breastfeed her baby in public without exposing herself, in comfort and with style. Plus, they say, since oftentimes the original purpose of Mamámoda’s nursing wear is not obvious to other people, women can continue wearing the clothes long after weaning their babies.

“Mamámoda’s clothes are produced for nursing women by a nursing mom,” says Frances Pflaumer, Mamámoda’s president, chief designer and founder. “After having my first son, I looked for breastfeeding clothes on the Internet and in stores but became frustrated pretty soon, realizing clothes were not very fashionable and oftentimes of poor quality. I also found they were shapeless and hid the woman’s body.

"This is what really gave me the idea to start designing my own nursing apparel. I realized other women experienced the same frustration in finding great-looking breastfeeding clothes. The positive feedback I received on my self-designed clothes really was what inspired me to establish Mamámoda. I am very excited I can now offer my clothes to other breastfeeding women like me. Finally, we can nurse our babies and at the same time look and feel great." (3-25-03)

CDC Activates Emergency Operations in Response to New Pneumonia-like Illness

In response to reports of increasing numbers of cases of an atypical pneumonia that the World Health Organization (WHO) has called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated its emergency operations center on Friday, March 14.

As of March 19, WHO has received reports of 264 patients from 11 countries with suspected and probable SARS. Areas with reported local transmission include Hong Kong and Guangdong province, China; Hanoi, Vietnam and Singapore. More limited transmission has been reported in Taipei, Taiwan and Toronto, Canada. Eleven cases have been reported in the United States. The initial cases reported in Singapore, Taiwan and Toronto were among people who all had traveled to China.

Among patients reported worldwide as of March 19, the disease has been characterized by rapid onset of high fever, myalgia, chills, rigor and sore throat, followed by shortness of breath, cough and radiographic evidence of pneumonia. Of the 264 suspected and probable cases reported by WHO, nine (3 percent) people have died.

CDC has been working with the World Health Organization (WHO) since late February to investigate and confirm outbreaks of this severe form of pneumonia in Vietnam, Hong Kong and parts of China.

"The emergence of two clusters of this illness on the North American continent indicates the potential for travelers who have been in the affected areas of Southeast Asia to have been exposed to this serious syndrome," says Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, CDC director. "The World Health Organization has been leading a global effort, in which CDC is participating, to understand the cause of this illness and how to prevent its spread. We do know that it may progress rapidly and can be fatal. Therefore, we are instituting measures aimed at identifying potential cases among travelers returning to the United States and protecting the people with whom they may come into contact."

The WHO issued a global alert about the outbreak on March 12, cautioning that the severe respiratory illness may spread to hospital staff. (3-25-03)

Breastfeeding Rates Unaffected by Changes in Hospital Stay

New mothers’ rates of breastfeeding remained unchanged despite two policy reversals regarding hospital length of stay within an eastern Massachusetts HMO, according to a study published in a recent issue of Pediatrics. This remained true for all categories of women, regardless of race, age or socioeconomic status.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention exploited a unique opportunity for study provided by a pair of policy changes: First, in 1994, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates and the insurer, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, implemented a program calling for a single overnight stay in the hospital following uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Then in 1996, the Massachusetts legislature (as part of a public backlash against what were termed “drive-through deliveries”) passed a 48-hour coverage mandate.

The short-stay program offered improved prenatal care, a postnatal home visit from a nurse specialist within 48 hours of discharge and stepped-up breastfeeding assistance at health centers. The Massachusetts law establishing a 48-hour minimum stay allowed a woman to go home earlier if both she and her doctor consented and if she was offered a home visit.

In the study, the researchers looked at more than 20,000 pairs of infants and mothers over a seven-and-a-half-year period, collecting demographic and utilization data as well as information on how infants were fed during the first 90 days of life. Not surprisingly, they found that the length of time women stayed in the hospital after delivery changed significantly following the two policy modifications: 29 percent of mothers stayed for one postpartum night just before implementation of the HMO early discharge policy, while 64.6 percent did so afterward. When the Massachusetts law came into effect, this rate plummeted to 15.2 percent.

The rate of breastfeeding initiation, by contrast, rose gradually over the entire study period, from 70.1 percent in 1991 to 81.9 percent in 1998, with no significant changes following either of the abrupt shifts in length of stay. Meanwhile, breastfeeding continuation among those who initiated was constant over the years. Even when researchers analyzed breastfeeding initiation and continuation among the most socially vulnerable subgroups, such as young or first-time mothers, those with low income or education indicators or those of nonwhite race, the finding of no harm due to early discharge remained the same.

The findings are good news for mothers and babies, since breastfeeding is widely acknowledged to benefit both. (3-18-03)

Pacifiers May Detract From Breastfeeding

A new study in the March issue of Pediatrics found that the use of pacifiers during the neonatal period was detrimental to exclusive and overall breastfeeding.

To enhance breastfeeding practices, the World Health Organization discourages pacifiers and bottle-feeding. However the causal effect of artificial nipples on breastfeeding has never been proven.

Researchers also showed that there was no advantage to cupfeeding for providing supplements to the general population of healthy breastfed infants, but it may have benefited infants who required multiple supplements or who were delivered by Cesarean section. (3-11-03)

Breastfeeding Helps in Battle of the Bulge

If you're battling weight resolutions that you made at the beginning of the year, consider the fact that breastfeeding your baby may be the first and best offense in the battle against obesity for both Mom and Baby, according to La Leche League (LLL). Studies show breastfed babies have a lower likelihood of becoming obese as children, and Mom is more likely to return to pre-pregnancy weight sooner than her bottle-feeding counterparts.

Babies breastfed for three to five months are one-third less likely to be obese at age 6, according to LLL. Babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are 43 percent less likely to become obese, and babies breastfed for more than one year are 72 percent less likely to become obese. This advantage persists at least into adolescence where it has been shown that adolescents who were breastfed as infants are significantly less likely to be obese.

In addition, some researchers believe that breastfeeding may play a role in preventing obesity in adulthood. Bottle-fed infants had higher concentrations of insulin in their blood, which would be expected to aid in fat deposition. Human milk contains fats and proteins significantly different from those available in artificial infant milk. The proteins in human milk are the correct amount and also are easier to metabolize than the large amount found in artificial infant milk and therefore are not stored to later become fat, thereby decreasing the risk of obesity.

To add to the benefits of breastfeeding in preventing obesity in breastfed infants, breastfeeding also makes it easier for mom to shed the extra pounds put on during pregnancy, says LLL. Studies show that weight loss from one to 12 months postpartum was significantly greater in breastfeeding than formula-feeding women, due primarily to differences in weight loss from three to six months. In addition to that good news, the weight lost tended to come from the waist and hips of the nursing mother.

For more information, call 1-847-519-7730. Founded in 1956, La Leche League International's mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through support, encouragement, education and information. (3-4-03)

Breastfeeding Benefits Your Baby's Heart

As the country reflects on heart health during February, American Heart Month, compelling evidence suggests that human milk provides one of the keys to future heart health for the breastfed infant, say experts at La Leche League (LLL). Better cholesterol, lower risk for insulin-dependent diabetes and lower weight and blood pressure are among the lifelong possibilities for infants breastfed by their mothers.

According to a September 2002 study that was published in Pediatrics, says LLL, higher total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are characteristic of breastfed infants. It is thought that this may be a type of nutritional programming during infancy, resulting in reduced cholesterol levels in adulthood.

In addition, extensive research suggests that breastfeeding also helps prevent insulin-dependent diabetes which is another risk factor in developing heart disease, according to LLL. Those infants who were exclusively breastfed during the first three months of life had a 34 percent lower risk of developing insulin-dependent diabetes later in life. Human milk consumption was also associated with lower blood pressure later in life in children born prematurely.

A study which recently appeared in The Journal of Human Lactation, says LLL, concluded that breastfeeding is one factor that reduces the risk of a child becoming overweight. Breastfeeding also provides other compelling advantages to infants, mothers, families and even the environment, according to LLL, such as significantly decreasing the risks of acquiring a large number of acute and chronic diseases.

Since 1956, La Leche League International has been providing breastfeeding education and encouragement through mother-to-mother support. For more information about LLL, call at (847) 519-7730 or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org. (2-25-03)

Breastfeeding Mom Launches Internet Breastfeeding Store

A "mompreneur," Sherry Bonelli, recently announced the debut of her new Web site, which offers breastfeeding and baby products for busy moms. Breastmilk.com features products from breast pumps to baby slings, all tested personally by Bonelli.

A veteran breastfeeding mom herself (she nursed her son for 14 months and is currently breastfeeding her 4-month-old twin girls), Bonelli prides herself on only selling products she has personally reviewed and/or tried herself. “If I wouldn’t use it, I won’t sell it,” says Bonelli. “I don’t sell just anything. I really try to find the best products on the market and make those products available at affordable prices. We even offer free shipping.”

Sherry launched her first web site, www.MommysThinkin.com, in 1999 after the birth of her first son. “Mommy’s Thinkin’ was started because of a breastfeeding product I invented after I had my first son," says Bonelli. "I invented the peek-a-boo breastfeeding strap and began to sell peek-a-boos from my Web site. I soon realized that I needed to add additional products to my store in order to grab people’s attention and have a better-rounded product offering.”

Products she has recently added include the Whisper Wear Hands-Free Breast Pump and The Ultimate Baby Wrap sling.

A one-woman show, Sherry designs the Web sites, does product research, works with vendors, handles customer relations and even boxes and ships out the orders. She’s also working on her next site launch – look for www.PregnancyStore.com in April 2003. “I describe myself as a breastfeeding/entrepreneur/stay-at-home-working mom," says Bonelli. "I’m busy with my kids and busy with my business. That’s how I like it.” (2-18-03)

Rubella Vaccination Safe for Women Up to One Month Before Pregnancy, According to New Guidelines

OB/GYNs are now being advised that it is safe for women to receive their rubella vaccination up to one month before becoming pregnant instead of the previous three-month wait period, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Rubella, also known as German measles, is an infectious viral disease that if acquired during pregnancy can cause blindness, heart defects, deafness and other birth defects in the newborn. The risk to the fetus depends on the stage of pregnancy at the time the woman is infected. If infection occurs during the first month of pregnancy, the fetus has a 50 percent chance of being affected. The risk drops to 10 percent by the third month.

Rubella immunization is typically given along with the mumps and measles vaccines. Ideally, women who are not immunized or haven't already had rubella should be vaccinated before they become pregnant or immediately postpartum before they leave the hospital.

If the vaccine is inadvertently given early in pregnancy, the risk to the fetus is very low and is not reason enough to terminate the pregnancy, says ACOG. According to the new opinion, rubella vaccination is also believed to be safe for women who are breastfeeding.

Although the overall incidence of rubella infection has decreased in the United States over the past decade, there have been cluster outbreaks of the disease, especially among people born outside of the United States. Most Americans born after 1969 have been vaccinated against rubella and approximately 75 to 80 percent retain immunity to the disease. But because of the high risk of birth defects, pregnant women are routinely screened for antibodies to the virus. (12-17-02)

Study Finds Formula Manufacturers Violating International Marketing Code

Manufacturers of formula milk are violating the international code of marketing of breast milk substitutes in west Africa, say researchers in a recent issue of the British Medical Journal.

Two survey teams monitored compliance with the code, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981 to ensure the proper use of breast milk substitutes, in the African countries Togo and Burkina Faso.

Violations included no statement on the superiority of breastfeeding, no instructions for appropriate preparation or storage, no warning against health hazards of inappropriate use and pictures, drawings or text idealizing use.

They also found that six health facilities had received donations of breast milk substitutes, and health providers in five health facilities had received free samples of breast milk substitutes and promotional gifts from manufacturers. Promotional materials for commercial breast milk substitutes were found in seven health facilities, and special displays to market commercial breast milk were found in 29 sales and distribution points.

Forty commercial breast milk substitutes violated the labeling standards of the code including some manufactured by Danone, Nestle and eight other national and international manufacturers.

Protection of breastfeeding from commercial exploitation should be among the highest priorities for the international community, write two pediatricians in an accompanying editorial. They discuss how we should monitor compliance with the code, how we should train health workers and how we should combine support for breastfeeding with a recognition of the risk of maternally-transmitted HIV infection. (2-04-03)

Cruises Offer Opportunity to Support Breast Cancer Research

What would you say if we told you you could help find a cure for breast cancer while enjoying a cruise? Thanks to a new program called Pink Ribbon Cruises, you can do just that.

CI Travel has partnered with breast cancer survivors and cruise lines to create a program through which a portion of the company's commissions on any cruise booking will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to fund access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.

While the program is valid for virtually any cruise booked through the program, CI Travel has put together a special package onboard the Disney Magic® for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing September 20, 2003. In addition to helping the fight against breast cancer, Pink Ribbon cruisers will get invitations to special gatherings, have opportunities to meet special guests and receive gifts and amenities.

The company is also offering a special booking incentive: Those who reserve their space during the week of February 1-7, 2003 will receive an onboard credit of $100 per cabin for balcony staterooms and suites or $75 per cabin for all other stateroom types.

Joining the cruise will be leading independent Disney aficionado and breast cancer survivor Deb Wills, the creator of AllEarsNet and the Disney resource site www.wdwig.com. Also joining the cruise will be Chuck Wagner (www.chuckwagner.com), a well-known Broadway musical actor who has starred in more than 1,200 performances of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and his wife Susan, also a breast cancer survivor.

For more information, log on to www.pinkribboncruises.com. (1-28-03)

More Babies Bunking With Mom and Dad

More parents are sharing their beds with their babies, two new studies report.

The first study, conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), found that that the number of infants usually sharing an adult bed at night increased from 5.5 percent to 12.8 percent between 1993 and 2000. Nearly half of infants in the study spent at least some time in the past two weeks sleeping on an adult bed at night.

In addition, African American infants were four times more likely to bed share as white infants, and Asian/other infants were almost three times more likely to bed share than white infants.

The study also found that bed-sharing infants were almost twice as likely to be covered by a quilt or comforter than infants who did not share an adult bed. A quilt or comforter in the bed-sharing environment is a potential hazard for SIDS if the baby's face or head gets covered.

A second study, funded by NICHD and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Minority Health, found almost half of mothers in a predominantly low-income, inner city population reported their infant usually shared a bed with a parent or other adult during the infant's first year of life.

Both studies appear in the January issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

Bed sharing, although common in many cultures, is controversial in the U.S. While proponents claim benefits, such as more and longer periods of breastfeeding, there are hidden hazards in letting babies sleep on adult beds, including falls, suffocation and getting trapped between the bed and a wall, the head board or foot board.

More information about bed sharing can be found on the NICHD Back to Sleep campaign home page at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sids/. (1-21-03)

First Case of West Nile Transmitted in Womb

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported the first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) transmitted from a mother to her fetus.

A woman at 27 weeks gestations was admitted to a New York hospital in September, and health care personnel found that she was infected with WNV. In October, she delivered a baby, who also tested positive for WNV and who was infected through the placenta. The baby was born with severe brain damage; however, doctors say they have not established a link between the virus and brain damage.

The CDC advises pregnant women to take precautions to reduce their risk for WNV. When WNV transmission is occurring in an area, the CDC recommends that pregnant women who have an illness that is consistent with acute WNV infection undergo appropriate diagnostic testing. The CDC does not recommend screening of pregnant women or newborns without symptoms for WNV infection because, they say, no specific treatment for this infection is available.

For more information about WNV, log on to the CDC WNV Web site. (1-07-03)

Study Finds Breastfeeding Does Not Protect Against Colic

A new study shows that breastfeeding does not prevent infants from developing colic.

In a study appearing in a recent issue of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, researchers interviewed more than 800 mothers, both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding, in Ontario, Canada at 1 and 6 weeks postpartum.

They found that breastfeeding did not have a protective effect on the development of colic, although colic was statistically associated with pre-existing maternal anxiety, drinking alcohol at 6 weeks postpartum and shift work during pregnancy.

Being married or having a common-law partner and being employed full-time during pregnancy seemed to decrease the risk of the mothers' infants developing colic. (12-24-02)

Rubella Vaccination Safe for Women Up to One Month Before Pregnancy, According to New Guidelines

OB/GYNs are now being advised that it is safe for women to receive their rubella vaccination up to one month before becoming pregnant instead of the previous three-month wait period, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Rubella, also known as German measles, is an infectious viral disease that if acquired during pregnancy can cause blindness, heart defects, deafness and other birth defects in the newborn. The risk to the fetus depends on the stage of pregnancy at the time the woman is infected. If infection occurs during the first month of pregnancy, the fetus has a 50 percent chance of being affected. The risk drops to 10 percent by the third month.

Rubella immunization is typically given along with the mumps and measles vaccines. Ideally, women who are not immunized or haven't already had rubella should be vaccinated before they become pregnant or immediately postpartum before they leave the hospital.

If the vaccine is inadvertently given early in pregnancy, the risk to the fetus is very low and is not reason enough to terminate the pregnancy, says ACOG. According to the new opinion, rubella vaccination is also believed to be safe for women who are breastfeeding.

Although the overall incidence of rubella infection has decreased in the United States over the past decade, there have been cluster outbreaks of the disease, especially among people born outside of the United States. Most Americans born after 1969 have been vaccinated against rubella and approximately 75 to 80 percent retain immunity to the disease. But because of the high risk of birth defects, pregnant women are routinely screened for antibodies to the virus. (12-17-02)

Surgery to Correct Infant Tongue-Tie Can Improve Breastfeeding

A new study finds that surgical correction of tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, in infants can help improve latch-on problems when breastfeeding and reduce the mother's nipple pain.

Tongue-tie is when the infant's piece of skin connecting the tongue to the mouth is too tight, holding the tongue fastened to the bottom of the baby's mouth. This can cause difficulty with breastfeeding.

Researchers examined more than 3000 breastfeeding infants, 127 of whom suffered from tongue-tie, and found that after performing a surgery to clip the piece of skin, milk transfer, infant growth, maternal nipple pain and breast pathology all improved significantly.

According to the researchers, tongue-tie is more common in boys than in girls and seems to be genetic in origin.

The study appears in a recent issue of Pediatrics. (12-10-02)

Bottle-feeding Before Bedtime Linked to Asthma, Wheezing

Feeding your baby by bottle in his bed or crib before he goes to sleep could cause him to wheeze and have asthma as a toddler and child.

Researchers followed nearly 450 children from birth through age 5 to examine the relationship between bottle-feeding in the bed or crib before sleep time in the first year of life and wheezing and asthma in the first five years of life. Researchers found that that such bottle-feeding was a risk factor for asthma and recurrent wheezing at 5 years of age and wheezing between the ages of 1 and 5.

Each of the children in the study had at least one parent with a history of allergies or asthma.

The researchers concluded that avoiding large-volume liquid meals in the bed or crib before sleep time and perhaps avoiding placing a baby on his or her back immediately after bottle-feeding may reduce wheezing in early childhood.

The study appears in the December issue of Pediatrics. (12-03-02)

Breastfeeding Reaches Highest Recorded Levels

More women are breastfeeding than ever before, according to a new survey.

The Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories has documented trends in breastfeeding in the United States since 1954. In their latest survey, they found that in 2001, nearly 70 percent of women are starting breastfeeding and nearly a third are breastfeeding to at least 6 months of age. These numbers are the highest recorded to date.

The survey also found that increases in the initiation of breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding to 6 months were observed across all sociodemographic groups, but were greater among some groups that have been historically less likely to breastfeed. Those groups included women who were black, younger than 20, no more than high school-educated, employed at the time they received the survey and those who participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). (12-03-02)

Leading Lady to Launch Breastfeeding Advocate Award

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their tireless support and promotion of breastfeeding?

Soon you can nominate them for the new Leading Breastfeeding Advocate award program created by maternity and nursing intimate apparel company Leading Lady.

The award offers the nominees a chance to win $5000 in cash along with national recognition.

“Research has shown that breastfed babies are healthier, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least the first 12 months, if not longer," says Al Corrado, Leading Lady CEO. "We wanted to give some recognition to the people who stand behind these mothers – the ones who offer training, encouragement and support.”

The winner will be chosen by a respected panel of independent judges, which will include representatives from recognized breastfeeding support organizations such as the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and La Leche League International (LLLI). Presentation is expected to take place during World Breastfeeding Week, August 2003.

Look for the rules and criteria for the Leading Breastfeeding Advocate Award, as well as the call for nominations, to be announced in January of 2003.

For more information about Leading Lady and the Leading Breastfeeding Advocate Award, log on to www.leadinglady.com. (11-26-02)

Study Finds Lead, Mercury Levels in Breast Milk Safe

A study of Austrian mothers found that levels of mercury and lead in their breast milk did not exceed harmful levels and that the risk to infants can be ruled out.

Researchers looked at the mercury and lead levels in the mother's breast milk and found that the levels were related to the mother's area of residence, consumption of fish and cereals, vitamin supplementation, smoking and the baby's prematurity.

The study appears in the November issue of Pediatrics. (11-26-02)

Breastfeeding Moms Less Likely to Suffer Rheumatoid Arthritis

Breastfeeding is not just good for Baby, it's good for Mom, too.

A new study presented to the American College of Rheumatology in October suggests that breastfeeding for more than 12 months can significantly reduce the risk that women will develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers also found that the reduction of risk increases the longer a mother breastfeeds. (11-19-02)

Man Breastfeeds Daughters

Get this – an African newspaper is reporting that a man in Sri Lanka has been able to breastfeed his two infant daughters.

According to The Mercury, the 38-year-old man, whose wife had died three months ago during childbirth, was able to produce milk when he put his daughters to his breast.

"My eldest daughter refused to be fed with powdered milk liquid in the feeding bottle," says the man. "I was so moved one evening, and to stop her crying, I offered my breast. I then realized that I was capable of breastfeeding her."

Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe, deputy director of a Sri Lankan government hospital, was quoted as saying it was possible for men to produce milk if the prolactin hormone became hyperactive. (11-19-02)

Online Chats Offer Support for Breastfeeding Moms

Need breastfeeding advice quickly? Help is as close as your computer.

The folks at La Leche League offer free online chats to help moms who may have questions or be experiencing difficulties.

Simply log on to www.lalecheleague.org/chat/chat.html to find scheduled chat times. All moms are welcome! (11-12-02)

Breastfeeding May Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study shows that breastfeeding may reduce the risk that your child will develop diabetes.

According to Canadian researchers, type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasingly being observed among children and youth, including those among the native population of Canada, and only one study to date has looked for risk factors for developing the disease.

Researchers in the study, published in a recent issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, looked at more than 130 native Canadian children 18 and under. They found that breastfeeding a child for more than 12 months was a strong protective factor against the development of type 2 diabetes. (11-05-02)

Response from Chairperson of The INFACT Canada Board of Directors to Reports Relating to West Nile Virus and Breastfeeding

Dr. Jack Newman, chairperson of the Infant Feeding Action Coalition (INFACT) Canada Board of Directors, wrote the following letter to the editor of the Medical Post in response to reports relating to West Nile virus and breastfeeding:

To the editor,

Your quick look at breaking news entitled "Breastfed baby has West Nile virus" (Medical Post, October 15, 2002), was a little too quick a look, without thinking of the implications of what was said. The fact of the matter is that though it is possible, even likely, that the virus was passed in the milk, this is not an indication to stop breastfeeding in a mother who is infected with this virus (unless the severity of the illness makes continued nursing impossible). Unfortunately, that the mother should not continue breastfeeding is the conclusion that too many physicians will make.

In the first place, the viremia almost certainly occurs before the mother is even aware that she is sick, and only when there is viremia is it possible for a virus to get into the milk. Thus, the baby would have been "infected" before it was rational (but incorrect) to stop breastfeeding. Secondly, the most important sentence was buried in the quick look. In fact, the issue is that the baby remained healthy. Not only that, it is possible he was even immunized against the virus. This is what breastfeeding is about, at least some of what it is about. Breastfeeding doesn't prevent infection; it helps prevent the illness which may occur as a result of infection. This is what we want, isn't it? This is why we promote immunizations, isn't it?

The Medical Post article in itself is not so bad, but coming hard on the heels of the completely irresponsible CNN and New York Times coverage, it should have made this point. We already have too many mothers being told to stop breastfeeding, unnecessarily, for maternal illness, maternal medication use and infant illness.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC
Toronto

(10-29-02)

Breastfeeding Infant Infected With West Nile Virus

According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan baby whose mother's breast milk was found to carry West Nile virus (WNV), is showing signs of WNV infection, though the baby remains healthy.

This infant is now the youngest person reported with WNV-specific IgM since WNV was first recognized in the United States in 1999.

This suggests that WNV may be transmitted through breast milk. However, because the health benefits of breastfeeding are well established and the risk for WNV transmission through breastfeeding is unknown, the CDC does not suggest a change in their breastfeeding recommendations.

Their recommendations say the only two conditions where women should not breastfeed are when the mother has HIV infection or human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. Women who are ill or experiencing difficulties, as always, may wish to consult with their physician about breastfeeding. (10-15-02)

West Nile Virus Found in Breast Milk

New reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that genetic material from the West Nile virus can be found in human breast milk.

The virus was found in the breast milk of a nursing mother from Michigan, who is believed to have contracted the virus via a blood transfusion. The woman has since recovered, and the child remains healthy.

The CDC stresses that it has received no reports of West Nile virus being transmitted by breast milk and that the findings do not suggest a change in breastfeeding recommendations. The only two conditions where women should not breastfeed, according to the CDC, are when the mother has HIV infection or human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. Lactating women with documented West Nile virus infection may wish to consult with their physician about breastfeeding.

The CDC is continuing its investigation of these cases. (10-08-02)

Get the Facts on the Flu Vaccine

It's that time of year again – flu season! And this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging parents to vaccinate their 6- to 23-month-old children because they are at substantially increased risk for flu-related hospitalizations.

The CDC is also encouraging household contacts and outside-the-home caretakers of children 0 to 23 months old to be vaccinated when feasible, as well as pregnant women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season, as they are also at an increased risk for flu complications.

If you're breastfeeding, don't worry. The flu vaccine does not affect the safety of breastfeeding mothers or their infants, nor does it adversely affect the immune response, says the CDC.

When should you get your shot? For children less than 9 years old who are getting their first flu shot, they should be immunized in October, as they need a booster dose one month after the initial dose. Persons at high risk, such as pregnant women, should also aim to get their vaccination in October or earlier if possible. Other healthy persons should be vaccinated in November.

Flu vaccines have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use among children younger than 6 months.

The influenza vaccine is the most effective way to protect against influenza disease and its many complications, according to the CDC. For more information, log on to the CDC's Flu Season Web page. (10-01-02)

Breastfed Babies Have Lower Cholesterol Levels as Adults

A new study has shown that adults who were breastfed have lower cholesterol levels.

The study, which appears in the September issue of Pediatrics, looked at more than 1,500 adolescents and reviewed studies of cholesterol levels in infants, children, adolescents and adults, comparing those who were breastfed vs. formula-fed.

The results suggest that breastfeeding is associated with different effects on cholesterol at different stages of life. Breastfeeding seems to be associated with high levels of cholesterol in infancy. Although the authors found no relation between the infant feeding pattern and cholesterol in childhood and adolescence, cholesterol levels were lower in adults who had been breastfed.

This suggests that early exposure to breast milk may program fat metabolism in later life, resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels and thus a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. (09-10-02)

West Nile Virus Update

Worried about West Nile Virus (WNV)? iParenting has the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the CDC, 371 human cases of WNV have been reported in the U.S., with more than half reported in Louisiana, which reports the highest number of cases at 171. Mississippi ranks second with 91 cases, followed by Texas with 28 and Illinois with 26. All other states have reported less than 12 cases each. Sixteen people have died from WNV this year.

WNV is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, some birds and other animals. Most people who become infected with WNV will have either no symptoms or only mild ones. On rare occasions, WNV infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness known as West Nile encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain). The risk of severe disease is higher for persons 50 years of age and older. There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.

You can reduce your chance of contracting the disease by avoiding mosquito bites. Here are some tips from the CDC on how to avoid bites:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when you're outdoors. For safety information when using insect repellent, log on to the CDC's Insect Repellent Use and Safety Web site.
• When possible, wear long-sleeved clothes and long pants treated with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. If you spray your clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
• Consider staying indoors at dawn and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
• Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
• To avoid helping mosquitoes breed in your environment, drain standing water. Routinely empty water from flowerpots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans and other items that collect water in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Check to see if there is an organized mosquito control program in your area.
• Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.

For more information about WNV and how to protect yourself, log on to the CDC's West Nile VirusWeb site. (08-27-02)

Bill to be Presented in Scotland to Make Preventing a Mom From Breastfeeding in Public Illegal

A member of the Scottish Parliament hopes to soon make it illegal to prevent a mother from breastfeeding in public in Scotland.

Elaine Smith will propose the bill at the next session of Parliament which begins September 2.

UNICEF UK recently pledged its support for the bill. Recent statistics, according to UNICEF UK, have shown that 40 percent of breastfeeding mothers have reported problems in finding somewhere public to feed their baby. Research shows that mothers commonly decide against breastfeeding or will give up early because they have anticipated embarrassment or difficulties in feeding their babies in a public place, says UNICEF UK. (08-27-02)

Bedsharing Before Age 6 Causes No Negative Consequences

Sharing your bed with your child before age 6 has no negative impact on your child's development or behavior, says the first long-term study on the topic.

Concerns have commonly been that bedsharing could lead to sleep disorders and abnormal psychosexual development in children.

The study, which followed more than 200 children since they were born in 1975, found that children whose parents reported that they were regularly part of a "family bed" at 5 months were no more likely than their non-bedsharing counterparts to experience sleep problems at 2 and 3 years of age.

At age 6, the researchers found no connection between a child's behavioral maturity, emotional maturity, mood and affect, or creativity and bedsharing. Nor was there evidence that bedsharing had a negative or positive effect on a child's sexual fantasies, concerns or preoccupations.

At age 18, the amount of time a child had spent in the "family bed" had no significant impact on his or her ability to relate to parents, adults in general, other family members or peers. Nor was there evidence of a link between bedsharing history and a child's likelihood of using alcohol, tobacco or hard drugs; having problems with self-acceptance or considering suicide; engaging in vandalism, fights or serious crimes; being sexually active; or having either positive or negative sexual experiences. (08-20-02)

Woman Forced to Drink Own Breast Milk at New York Airport

According to a recent report by the Associated Press, a Long Island woman was asked to drink her own breast milk as a security precaution at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Elizabeth McGarry, a 40-year-old mother of one, says a security guard forced her to drink from her three milk-filled bottles before boarding a flight in April. A U.S. Transportation and Security Administration spokesman said at that time security personnel were allowed to ask passengers to drink from containers as a "clearance procedure." (08-13-02)

Breastfeeding May Protect Against Asthma

A new study says that breastfeeding may protect your child from yet another disease.

The findings reported in the July Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology show that mothers who exclusively breastfed their infants for at least four months reduced the chances that their child would develop asthma.

The findings held regardless of whether or not the mother suffered from asthma. (08-06-02)

World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7

La Leche League International (LLLI) and the World Alliance for Breastfeeding will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7, 2002 in conjunction with UNICEF and the World Health Organization. The theme for this year's celebration is Breastfeeding: Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies.

As part of the celebration, La Leche League will host a number of World Walks for Breastfeeding in cities across the world. The walks aim to make communities aware of the importance of breastfeeding and to help raise money to help LLLI fulfill its mission of giving mother-to-mother support, education and encouragement to all women who want to breastfeed their babies. Those interested in getting involved in a walk may contact LLLI at (847) 519-7730 or visit the Web site at www.lalecheleague.org for information about activities in your area.

August 1 also marks the 12th anniversary of the signing of the Innocenti Declaration on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding which was adopted in 1990 by 32 governments and 10 United Nations agencies. The Innocenti Declaration recognizes the importance of breastfeeding to infant and maternal health, as well as the social, economic and ecological benefits it provides to the family and society. (07-30-02)

Breastfeeding Decreases Risk of Breast Cancer

There's now another reason why breast is best. A new study published in The Lancet found that reduced breastfeeding in Western countries is contributing to more cases of breast cancer.

Researchers found that having fewer children and breastfeeding only for short periods substantially increases a woman's risk for breast cancer.

Childbearing is known to protect against breast cancer; however, it has been unclear whether breastfeeding contributes to this protective effect.

The study analyzed data from studies done in 30 countries that looked at breastfeeding patterns and childbearing in more than 50,000 women with invasive breast cancer and more than 90,000 without.

The researchers found that the relative risk of breast cancer decreased by 4.3 percent for every year of breastfeeding, in addition to a decrease of 7percent for each birth. This pattern of risk was seen consistently for women from developed and developing countries and for women of different ages and numbers of children. (7-18-02)

Get Rid of the Television

Preschoolers are at risk for obesity – especially if they have a television set in their bedroom, say researchers from Colombia University and Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, N.Y. Their study of 2,761 white, black and Hispanic low-income adults who had preschool children found that children with a TV set in their bedroom watched 4.8 hours more of TV or videotapes per week than those without. (07-16-02)

Random House and Sesame Workshop Launch New Series

Overwhelmed by the overflowing bookstore shelves? Sesame Street characters and Random House Books are making it easier for you to decide what books are best for your baby. Sesame Beginnings is a unique line of literacy books that feature bright, rich colors with clear images of Sesame Street Muppets. With five distinct stages: 0 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, 24 to 36 months, Sesame Beginnings is designed to provide continuity as children grow and develop language skills. Books are priced from $6.99 to $7.99 (U.S.). (07-16-02)

HuggaBébé: The New, Stylish Way for Baby to Wear a Blanket

A new trend in infant care has parents looking for a different piece of wardrobe: the wearable baby blanket. As more and more infant health experts recommend the use of baby bags instead of loose blankets, the wearable blanket is growing in popularity. This new type of garment, which is a cross between a baby bag and a blanket, is primarily used to keep babies warm at night. Some experts believe that wearable baby blankets – or plain baby bags – are safer than loose blankets because they can't bunch up on a baby's face and interfere with her breathing during sleep.

As a newborn swaddling blanket, the HuggaBébé takes the science out of wrapping a baby by being easy to fold and staying put. When Baby is ready to wiggle about, the blanket converts to a baby bag that is comfortable enough for sleeping, yet stylish enough to use during the daytime! In the HuggaBébé, baby can travel safely thanks to the blanket's travel slit, which makes it compatible with most child restraints without bunching up between the legs.

Unless medically inadvisable, a baby should always sleep on her back. You can find the HuggaBébé at www.huggabebe.com. (07-16-02)

McDonald's Now Offering Mom-Approved Snacks

McDonald's will now offer three of the country's most popular kids treats: DANNON Danimals drinkable low-fat yogurt, plus General Mills Go-GURT portable yogurt and Fruit Roll-Ups fruit snacks.

"These great-tasting, fun snacks are some of the best-loved kids' brands on the market. They are kid-demanded and mom-approved," says Richard Yoo, director of marketing, McDonald's USA.

Specially packaged with colorful Ronald McDonald graphics, the treats include two General Mills products: Ronald's Strawberry Splash Go-GURT – a spoonless, tube yogurt that is a good source of calcium – and Strawberry Sensation Fruit Roll-Ups snacks made with real fruit and an excellent source of vitamin C, plus Danimals Drinkable Strawberry Explosion from Dannon, providing a strong bones combo of calcium and vitamin D.

"McDonald's has always been about providing choices for our customers. These new treats are an excellent nutrient package for youngsters," says Ann Rusniak, registered dietitian, McDonald's Corporation. "The two yogurt snacks, Go-GURT and Danimals Drinkable, provide a good source of calcium, and the Fruit Roll-Ups fruit snacks provide 25 percent of the daily value of vitamin C. As a mom and a registered dietitian, I know the importance of having this type of nutrient value in a snack food that kids enjoy."

McDonald's Kids' Treats are available as an additional purchase with a McDonald's Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal or as an a-la-carte snack any time of the day. Suggested retail prices for the new Kids' Treats are 69 cents for Danimals Drinkable, 59 cents for Go-GURT and 39 cents for Fruit Roll-Ups. The Kids' Treat Menu is a limited time offer. (Prices and participation based on independent operator decision.)

McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 29,000 restaurants serving nearly 46 million people each day in 121 countries. Approximately 80 percent of all McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent franchisees. (07-12-02)

Webcast to Promote RSV Awareness gets Celebrity Participation