The Labor Of Love Blog -

Dramatic Drop in Teen Pregnancy

While you might not know it if you’re watching the reality shows “Teen Mom” or “16 and Pregnant”, the rate of teen pregnancy is actually on the decline. Not only is it on the decline, research suggests that this is because of more effective use of birth control than ever before.

According to recent studies on teen pregnancy, 7% of teens got pregnant in 2008. (2008 is the most recent year that we have data available.) This is significantly down from just 18 years prior. In 1990, the teen pregnancy rate hit its highest levels, with 11.7% of teens becoming pregnant.

Teen birth rate, abortion rate, drop too

Along with the drop in the rate of teen pregnancies, other numbers have fallen, as well. Here are some interesting statistics that went along with the study:

In 1991, 6.2% of teens gave birth. In 2008, that dropped to 4%.
In 1988 – the highest year on record – 4.35% of teens had an abortion. In 2008, that rate was only 1.8%.
Abortion is also becoming less common a solution for teen pregnancy. In 1986, 46% of teen pregnancies ended with abortion. In 2008, that had dropped to 31%.

Many factors

The research suggests that the pregnancy rate dropped for most groups largely due to the use of contraceptives. That is especially true for 18- and 19-year olds. For teens between 15 and 17, it was because of a mixture of contraceptive use and reduced sexual activity.

It all comes down to the fact that teens are becoming more responsible and smarter when it comes to sex.

Some problems for ethnic groups

While teen pregnancies dropped among all ethnic groups, blacks and Hispanics still face a number of problems. According to the numbers:

The birth rate for both black and Hispanic teens was more than two times the rate for white teens.
Among Hispanic teens, the abortion rate was twice what it is for white teens.
Among blacks, that rate jumps to four times what it is for white teens.

While overall the numbers are encouraging, there are still some troublesome disparities.

So, what do you think? Do these statistics mean that teens are becoming more responsible?

¶ Posted 10 February 2012 § Pregnancy ‡ Comments (0) °

Postpartum Depression Becoming More Understood and Accepted

photo credit: Lars Plougmann

One of the biggest barriers for women experiencing postpartum depression was the feeling that getting treatment would make her look weak, or like she wasn’t a good mother. The guilt that can accompany postpartum depression can be significant, and when you have celebrities jumping on couches declaring how it isn’t a legitimate condition, it can be intimidating.

There was even a time when physicians didn’t really recognize the seriousness of postpartum depression. Women asked for help, only to be told they’re ungrateful or that they should just get over it.

Fortunately, according to a new study, things are changing for women with postpartum depression. That’s good news, because according to the Department of Health and Human Services, 13% of pregnant women and mothers of newborns experience postpartum depression. Some experts suggest that the real number might be almost twice that, at 25%.

Advancements in diagnosis

There have been significant strides among health care providers in recognizing and diagnosing postpartum depression in the past several years. Awareness has blossomed over the past 10 years or so. There is much less stigma.

There are a number of diagnostic tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, being used by health care providers. Some states, such as Illinois, actually require the use of this scale.

Many health care providers are incorporating screening for postpartum depression as part of the normal pregnancy and post-pregnancy care process.

Contributing factors

There are many things that can increase postpartum depression. At it’s root, it’s caused by hormonal changes after pregnancy. Add in things like the basic lifestyle changes that go along with being a new mom and the sleep deprivation that comes from having a baby in the house, and you can see why so many women experience postpartum depression.

Treatment options

There are many treatment options for postpartum depression, too. There are medications that are safe for use during and after pregnancy while breastfeeding. Therapy has been shown to help significantly, as well. The important thing is to talk to your doctor. The good news is that she’s much more likely to be able to diagnose and treat your postpartum depression than she might have been just a decade ago.

¶ Posted 03 February 2012 § Postpartum ‡ Comments (0) °

Controversial Ban on VBAC in Iowa

photo credit: Reading Tom

The rate of Cesarean births has been rising dramatically for years, and that’s caused quite a stir. Many women schedule elective C-sections for a number of reasons, such as wanting to have their baby born on a specific date, getting in under the wire for tax purposes, or just to not have to deal with the surprise of when labor comes. This practice – elective cesareans – is at least in part responsible for the overall rise.

In some places – such as in Sioux City, Iowa – there are other factors. St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center in Sioux City has shown an increase in C-sections every year. In 2006, for example, 27.3% of births were via Cesarean; in 2011, that number was almost 31%.

Dramatic change caused by policy change

In 2006, the hospital instituted a ban on having a vaginal birth for a subsequent pregnancy after having a Cesarean (a practice known as VBAC or “Vaginal Birth After Cesarean.”) The ban was put into effect because the hospital doesn’t have 24-hour coverage for surgery, anesthesia, and OBs.

Because of the risks associated with VBAC, the hospital doesn’t allow the practice. In about 0.8% of VBAC cases, there can be a uterine rupture. While a uterine rupture can be addressed surgically with a very high success rate, it’s still a significant risk: a uterine rupture has a 50% mortality rate.

Other options

Women in Sioux City who want to have a vaginal birth after Cesarean still do have options. There are hospitals in nearby Omaha that do allow the procedure, as they have 24-hour coverage. While it’s not ideal, of course, it can at least give the woman a choice.

Risks of multiple C-sections

Of course, this all brings into concern the fact that subsequent C-sections can also cause problems. There can be things such as pelvic pain, the development of scar tissue, and more. A Cesarean is abdominal surgery, which carries with it a number of risks – just like any surgery.

In the case of VBAC, however, the risks posed can be fatal, and so women really need access to 24-hour surgical expertise in case the worst happens.

So, what do you think? Is the hospital right to institute this practice?

¶ Posted 30 January 2012 § labor and delivery ‡ Comments (0) °

Breastfeeding Support is Close By

photo credit: ammgramm

Over the past couple of decades, breastfeeding has been getting a lot of attention among pregnant women and among health providers who treat women. The benefits to both mother and baby make a compelling case for breastfeeding, and more and more communities are developing breastfeeding support systems.

Take, for example, a new peer-to-peer breastfeeding program in Michigan. This program is run in Washtenaw County, and it’s targeted at low income mothers. Low income mothers are around 65% less likely to breastfeed than other women.

The program connects women who have previously been successful at breastfeeding and pairs them with new moms who may need help, guidance, or support during the breastfeeding process.

Michigan ranks low in breastfeeding

The state of Michigan falls at 37^th among the states in number of moms who have, at any point, breastfed their babies. Consider some of the relevant numbers:

69.3% of moms in Michigan say that they did start to breastfeed, according to the CDC.
By the time babies are 3 months old, only 31 percent of mothers in Michigan were still exclusively breastfeeding.
16% of moms continued to the six month mark.

Why peer support is better than professional support

According to studies, peer support is much more effective than encouragement and education from professionals like doctors and lactation consultants.

The program in Michigan actually employs a total of 85 moms throughout the state of Michigan. The program is funded by the WIC program using federal funds. The mothers who help with peer-to-peer breastfeeding support are themselves WIC recipients.

Women benefit from relating to moms who have been in their shoes. The peer support can say “I know what you’re going through, and here’s what I did to make it through.”

The program tries to capture pregnant women when they first apply for WIC benefits. This allows early intervention, helping to prepare the moms ahead of time, and educate them about the benefits of breastfeeding.

As essential need

The program is doing what traditional approaches to breastfeeding support have not been able to do: reach many low-income women who may not have support in their communities.

So, what do you think? Should we see more of these programs nationwide?

¶ Posted 26 January 2012 § Breastfeeding ‡ Comments (0) °

Encouraging Breastfeeding

photo credit: InnocentEyez

Breastfeeding offers a number of benefits both to mom and baby, which you’re well aware of if you’ve followed us for any amount of time. While we realize that not every mom can or should breastfeed, we do think these benefits are significant and that breastfeeding should be encouraged.

One of the unfortunate realities about breastfeeding is the racial gap. According to research from the CDC, black women fall woefully behind all other ethnic groups when it comes to breastfeeding. Here’s how the breastfeeding numbers break down:

Among black mothers, 54 percent breastfeed from birth. 27 percent continue to breastfeed past the first six months.
Among white mothers, 74 percent breastfeed from birth. 43 percent continue to breastfeed past the first six months.
Among Hispanic mothers, 80 percent breastfeed from birth. 45 percent continue to breastfeed pas the first six months.

In some places, public health workers and breastfeeding advocates are working to address this racial disparity. For example, there is a breastfeeding program in Washington, D.C. seeks to buck that trend.

The program consists of a four-week class, in which pregnant women gather to learn more about the health benefits of breastfeeding. The program is offered in areas of the District where the breastfeeding rates are lowest.

A lack of knowledge is at the root

According to the director of the program, the biggest barriers to breastfeeding tend to be a lack of knowledge and a lack of community support.

There tend to be myths that grow up around breastfeeding, that it might be painful or that it might be hard to get the baby to do it. If a woman is the first in her family to breastfeed, she’s probably going to face a lack of help and support from family members or the community at large.

The key is helping women make an informed choice. That’s what this program, and other programs like it, tries to do. In all reality, education is the best weapon we have in advocating for breastfeeding change. Give women the information they need and then empower them to make the decisions that are best for them and their baby.

¶ Posted 10 January 2012 § Breastfeeding ‡ Comments (0) °

How to Keep Potty Training Moving

photo credit: abardwell

It’s a common question: how do we keep potty training moving forward when our child seems to have very little interest? Many parents face this problem, and it’s even been the subject of books.

Some children will not only seem disinterested after an initial period of progress, but they’ll actually get angry. Tantrums aren’t uncommon, with some toddlers throwing a fit when the potty is even mentioned.

Understanding regression

If your child’s potty training has regressed, recognize that there are some possible causes. Understand, first of all, that regression just happens, sometimes; there’s not always an underlying cause.

Sometimes, however, a child will regress due to stress. For example, a toddler whose parents are going through a divorce may likely become less interested or less ready for potty training. The same holds true for a toddler who’s having trouble with daycare.

In some cases, it isn’t truly regression. A child may have an initial period of interest really as sort of a random occurrence or fluke. She wasn’t really ready; she just seemed like it.

Moving forward

The key is to be able to follow your child’s queues. Reward systems and reinforcement can help for some kids, but don’t hold onto these strategies for too long. Sometimes, they just create stress.

At this point, moving forward is less about convincing your child to move forward and getting used to the idea that you’re going to have to wait.

Keep in mind two important facts:

Eventually, your child is going to learn to use the toilet. It may not happen on your preferred timetable, but it will happen.
A child will learn better and faster if he’s in control of the process. If he’s really not ready for potty training, no amount of encouragement is going to help (and some expers suggest that it may actually cause harm and delay the process.

It’s not about you

It can be frustrating waiting for your child to be ready for potty training, but as long as it’s not bothering her you need to find ways to cope.

What about you? Did your child experience some potty training regression?

¶ Posted 30 December 2011 § Potty Training ‡ Comments (0) °

Yet another Public Breastfeeding Incident

photo credit: various brennemans

Some people just don’t get it.

Breastfeeding is not only completely natural, it’s just good for your baby. While not every mom can or wishes to breastfeed, those that do deserve plenty of respect. Somehow, though, there are those in our society who continually refuse to recognize just how important it is that a breastfeeding mom be allowed to do so with dignity.

Last month, a breastfeeding mom in Webster, Texas learned just how close-minded and difficult some people can be.

The woman found a relatively remote corner of the store in which to feed her baby. Employees of the store insulted her and asked her to breastfeeding a dressing room of the store.

Not a national policy

Target has generally been in favor of allowing public nursing, and even has an official corporate policy on the practice. They support public nursing, as long as it’s done discreetly, which the mom was doing. Yet, some employees weren’t familiar with the policy and decided to make an issue of it.

A national response

It’s easy to feel a bit bullied when something like this happens. However, this mom instead created a movement. She created a nurse-in at Target stores, with more than 7,500 supporters on the Facebook page.

Breastfeeding and the law

Currently, 45 states have laws that support breastfeeding in public. That said, many employees don’t seem to realize just how important the practice is, or how humiliating it is to be asked to feed your child in a bathroom.

It’s not just men, either. Many women – some of them moms who have breastfed in the past – have been part of the overall problem. Somehow, this basic act of feeding your baby has become something that should not only be treated discretely, but relocated to a place where you’re completely out of sight.

This isn’t a new problem, and it’s not likely to go away any time soon, either. The best we can do is to continue to raise awareness, and talk about the issue. Perhaps one day women will be able to feed their infants without insensitive onlookers declaring it a social crime.

So, what do you think? Have you encountered this kind of resistance to public breastfeeding?

¶ Posted 23 December 2011 § Breastfeeding ‡ Comments (0) °

5 Factors that Might Contribute to Autism

photo credit: Lance Neilson

When you talk about the possible causes of autism, inevitably someone is going to bring up vaccines. While there is certainly disagreement among parents, the bulk of scientific research doesn’t demonstrate any link between the two.

We’ll sidestep the vaccination debate today¸ however, and look at some of the other factors that may be related to autism in children.

Here are five factors that can have an impact on a child’s risk of autism:

Genetics. Like so many other conditions, there may be a genetic element to autism. In fact, for families that already have one child with autism, there’s a 5% chance of having another child with autism. Among sets of twins with autism, where one twin is diagnosed the other usually is. This happens in 90 percent of cases.
Pesticides. There’s some evidence to suggest that exposure to the chemicals in pesticides may have a contributing element to autism. Generally speaking, these pesticide exposures would need to be in high concentrations. Rather than consuming food where pesticides were used, being exposed to them in the course of daily work may lead mothers to have children that are more likely to have autism.
Medications. There are a number of potential pharmaceutical products that, when taken by a pregnant woman, can increase the risk of autism. Two that are known are thalidomide and valproic acid.
Parents’ age. Older parents have a higher risk of having a child with autism. In fact, for women over 40, there is a 50 percent greater risk than there is for women in their 20s.
Brain development. As the brain develops in the womb, irregularities can occur. In particular, irregular neurotransmitter levels are thought to be tied to autism. Specifically, dopamine and serotonin are the neurotransmitters that research has looked at most closely

Obviously, we’re not yet to the point where we fully understand everything that causes autism, or what factors may be involved. As time goes on, researchers are discovering more and more just how elusive this condition can be.

¶ Posted 16 December 2011 § Pregnancy ‡ Comments (0) °

Abuse and Postpartum Depression

photo credit: sprout_creative

Postpartum depression is, without a doubt, a serious concern. It’s important to do what we can to not only try to prevent postpartum depression, but to be able to seek help when it does happen. Postpartum depression can rob you of some of those most joyful early days of your baby’s life.

Yet, there’s another factor that we need to think about in that vein. Apart from just the hormonal changes and the life impact of having a baby, there are other potential contributing factors to postpartum depression.

One of those factors, according to a recent study from Australia, may be spousal abuse.

Abuse common for women with postpartum depression

In this study, around 40 percent of women who experienced postpartum depression also experienced emotional or physical abuse from a partner. Those statistics are staggering.

The researchers looked at more than 1,300 women, of whom about 16 percent reported symptoms of postpartum depression. Around 40 percent of those women also experienced either emotional or physical abuse.

For women who were emotionally abused, the risk of having postpartum depression was about three times other women. For women who were physically abused, the risk jumped to four times that of other women.

Other contributing factors

There were other contributing factors that made postpartum depression more likely, as well, including:

Depression during pregnancy
Unemployment during early pregnancy
Issues with nutrition during pregnancy

Postpartum depression comes later

Another important discovery from this study was the fact that postpartum depression came later for many women, regardless of whether they were abused. A significant number of the women didn’t experience depressive symptoms until about three months after their baby was born.

This study suggests that there should be more exploration of the connection between abuse and postpartum depression. It also suggests that medical professionals need to be on the lookout for postpartum depression much longer after a baby is born than what happens typical.

So, what about you? Have you had any experiences with postpartum depression? What kinds of things did you do to seek treatment? What was effective for you, and what didn’t work as well?

¶ Posted 14 December 2011 § Postpartum ‡ Comments (0) °

Babies Remember Prenatal Music

photo credit: Sean MacEntee

We’ve often heard about the benefits of playing music for your baby while they’re in the womb. There is some evidence to show that babies who are exposed to certain types of music while you’re still pregnant may actually perform better in school, and have improved health. We also know that babies in the womb are able to hear their mother’s voice clearly, as well as conversations that take place nearby. Now there is a study that suggests babies can actually remember music that they’ve heard in the womb after they’re born.

This discovery underscores the fact that human hearing develops during the final trimester of pregnancy. By the time babies are just five weeks from being born, the portion of the inner ear that is responsible for hearing has typically matured.

The researchers tested this by playing specific melodies so that infants inside the womb could hear it. The mothers were to play a recording – of just a basic piano melody that descends in pitch – from weeks 35 through 37 of pregnancy.

When the babies reached one month of age after birth, the babies were brought into the researcher’s lab again. The same piano melody was played for the baby at that time. What researchers discovered as truly interesting.

The babies’ heartbeats slowed by around 12 beats per minute when the familiar melody was played. The researchers also played an unfamiliar ascending melody for control purposes. The babies’ heartrates slowed an average of five beats per minute with that melody.

What this tells us is that, even though the babies hadn’t heard the melody for six weeks, they still paid more attention to it than a brand new melody. This may explain why newborns tend to be more attentive to their mothers’ voices than voices of other people, even other women whose voices may have a similar pitch.

So, what about you? Did you play music for your little one before she was born? If so, did she seem to be soothed by that music when played for her again, after she was born?

¶ Posted 12 December 2011 § Postpartum § Pregnancy ‡ Comments (0) °