June 15, 2022 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
As the world marks 2 ½ years of a long, hard slog through the global COVID-19 pandemic, a new study was just released in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that may create potential concern for pregnant and new families. Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 1 Year in Infants of Mothers Who Tested Positive for SARS-CoV-2 During Pregnancy indicates a relationship between neurodevelopmental delays on 12 month old impacts and the COVID status of the parent during pregnancy. Infants were diagnosed at 12 months with neurodevelopmental delays at higher rates if they were exposed to COVID in utero.
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November 26, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
Childbirth classes are not only a place to learn and prepare for the end of pregnancy, labor, birth and the fourth trimester, but an opportunity to connect with other people having the same experience. Even if virtual learning is taking place, due to the COVID-19 situation, or other reasons, an engaged and active group of learners leaning in to both learning and the camera makes for a positive and productive experience. What do you do during your virtual classes that encourage a “cameras on” philosophy?
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November 23, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
On November 22, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a statement, with regard to this latest CDC Report, and acknowledged that the impact of the COVID-19 infection on pregnant people and their babies is well documented. They urged health care providers who work with pregnant population to continue to continue to counsel people who are pregnant or anyone who is planning to become pregnant about the known risks of COVID-19 to themselves and their unborn child. They also stated that health care providers stress the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccination series before becoming pregnant, during pregnancy and continuing into the postpartum time.
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August 05, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
August is all about lactation! August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding* Week, August 8th - 14th is Native Breastfeeding Week, August 25th - 31st is Black Breastfeeding Week and in the USA, the entire month recognized as National Breastfeeding Month. Today’s research review summarizes a study that examined nursing and the passage of COVID-19 antibodies from parents who received a COVI-19 vaccination after birth and during bodyfeeding.
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May 05, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
Today is the annual International Day of the Midwife. Every year on May 5th, global attention turns to the role of the midwife in helping families grow all around the world. This year’s theme is “Follow the Data: Invest in Midwives.” Lamaze International childbirth educators are committed to sharing evidence based information and best practices so families can make informed decisions about their perinatal care. The research on midwifery care demonstrates that midwives are critical to ending preventable deaths for birthing parents and newborns. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1 is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, and globally, we are not on track to meet that target. If there is any hope to to reach this important benchmark, there will need to be more midwives, and a greater acceptance of the integrated role for the midwife in perinatal care around the world.
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