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Dear Babywearing Enthusiast: It is time to BRACE YOURSELF! - A recall of a major baby carrier is being forced through this week. We want you to understand how this has been handled and to appreciate the immediacy of the problem!
- Company was informed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that, after several years, a closed investigation of their product was being reopened.
- Company was told by the CPSC to issue a recall of every product back more than ten years, and to discontinue sales, while admitting that there is no product flaw.
- Company stopped all sales, with the intention of clearing up the matter and reopening shortly.
- Company asked for the Health and Science report that the CPSC later claimed to have, indicating the need for a recall.
- CPSC has NEVER complied; inside word is that there is NOT a Health and Science report.
- Company was sent two draft press releases and asked to voluntarily recall their product or the CPSC would issue a unilateral recall (a forced recall) which included inflammatory language as well as a threat to pursue action against entire class of baby sling products.
- Company held fast, knowing that the product is safe and a benefit to babies and stated they would be willing to work with the CPSC on a public education campaign about sling safety.
- CPSC asked for Company’s financials.
- Company complied.
- CPSC said to company “You are no longer in business, we don’t need your cooperation in order to recall! Prepare to DESTROY all product next week!” Next week is International Babywearing week!
PLEASE NOTE: *THIS IS AFTER THE CPSC FORCED COMPANY TO STOP SELLING! The CPSC has overstepped their bounds, and are bullying small, family businesses who make safe products! This is only the beginning, according to the CPSC’s own words they want to eradicate the whole class of product! A line has been drawn in the sand! Will you help fight the good fight with us? If you care that these products are available to you, to babies, to families across our country, ACT NOW! If you are represented by any one of these legislators, please call and write to them NOW, before this recall happens. We are asking just a few simple things: 1. Stop all recall actions against baby sling companies until 2. We can finalize the ASTM voluntary sling standards (scheduled for November) and 3. Force the CPSC to follow their own internal procedures, stop using bullying tactics, and use sound science. ( List of legislators -- including Senator Isakson and Congressman Gingrey of GACollapse ) ( Sample letter to send to legislatorsCollapse )( Sample telephone script for calling legislatorsCollapse )I called and spoke with two incredibly bored-sounding staffers at Senator Isakson's and Congressman Gingrey's offices. I also emailed. You can email Congressman Phil Gingrey and Senator Johnny Isakson through their websites.
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Date: Sunday, January 10, 2010 Time: 12:00pm - 6:00pm Location: Roberts School (Cafeteria) Street: 4861 School Street, Acworth, GA 30101 The North Metro Birth and Breastfeeding Coalition (NMBBC) is proud to present its first BOLD Red Tent event. Please come out and join us for this day of sharing birth stories and a friendly meal together. This baby/small child-friendly gathering of woman is intended to promote a sense of community and to encourage each other through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. All women are welcome, whether they are already mothers, are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are interested in learning more about birth, are childbirth professionals/educators/advocates, or simply want to support the birthing women and mothers in their lives. Through opening a dialogue about childbirth, we hope that all women can become empowered to make the choices that are best for themselves and their babies. The "price" of admission to this event is a potluck dish to share. Dishes of all kinds are welcome -- vegan/vegetarian or not, main or side dish, sweet or savory. Please be sure to label any containers or serving ware so they can be easily returned. Notecards will be provided on site so that you can let everyone know if your dish is vegan/vegetarian or allergen-free (dairy free, gluten free, etc.). NMBBC will also be hosting a raffle of items and services relating to pregnancy, birth, and natural mothering, generous donated by area businesswomen and craftswomen. All proceeds from these raffles will go to the Pailes family, in support of Sonya Pailes's tireless efforts in the local childbirth community, even in the face of her family's recent, tragic loss. If you would like to donate and products or services to this raffle, please let us know. A list of our sponsors will be posted here and at the event, so attendees can become familiar with the kind and giving businesses in our area. Please contact us in advance if possible so we can get an idea of how many are attending and what dishes will be available, but also do not be afraid to just show up at the door with a casserole and a smile! We hope to see you all there. morgan@mcfamilies.com You can learn more about BOLD here: http://www.boldaction.org/redtent/index.html
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Need last minute gifts, either stocking stuffers or the big "from Santa" present? Here are some (unsolicited, unsponsored *winkwink*) recommendations: Want a Waldorf-style alternative to Barbie, Bratz, and other fashion dolls? This 11" ballerina doll might fit the bill. I love her hair! $60, stocking at 10pm today.
While I've never actually seen a child use a hobby horse in recent years, a felted wool Hobby Moose might be enticing (if pricey). $100, stocking at 10pm today.
Coffee ninja for the coffee-drinking grown up ninja in your life ($7, in stock) or boo boo ninja for the boo boo getting little ninja in your life ($10, in stock). Ninjas. Ninjas. Do I really need to say more?
Pretty and tough. What's not to like about a girly dinosaur? Auction, starting at $8, stocking at 9pm today.
For those who prefer an all-natural approach to art, try Busy Bee Natural Non-Toxic Bath Crayons ($7.50, in stock) or Beeswax Crayons ($9.50, in stock).
Don't forget to buy the knitters on your list some knitter's balm. $5.50, stocking tomorrow at 12pm.
My kids get socks and underwear in their stockings. If your child is persnickety about his/her underdrawers, these undies might appeal to his/her sensibilities. $7, stocking at 1pm tomorrow.
If your child like memory games, try these wooden memory card sets in different themes. $15, in stock.
For something a little different, maybe add some matryoshka finger puppets to the Christmas stocking. $14, in stock.
Waldorf dolls might not be your thing, but maybe knitted dolls are. Holly, the 12" knit doll is less expensive than a Waldorf doll, but adorable. $37,in stock.
Simplicity is "in." Rag dolls are making a comeback. This Plain Jane dolly would be easy to sew for to create a whole wardrobe of clothing. $40, in stock.
If I'm posting lots of dolls, I have to post this guy. Billy the Kid is an 18" Waldorf doll that comes dressed as a satyr. His horns, furry legs, feet, and beard are all removable, and he comes with a change of "normal" clothes. He would be a good doll for a child who is really into Percy Jackson and the Olympians. $175, in stock.
Does your child like trains? A wooden train with colorful wheels could play a starring role under your tree this year! $45, in stock.
I like Calvin the plush monster. He has personality. $22, in stock.
All of the wooden toys from Anne Moze All Wood Toys are beautiful, but I particularly love the farmer set ($40, in stock) and Hansel and Gretel set $60, in stock.
This wristlet camera case is a pretty gift for the photographer in your life. $12, in stock.
Ok, hopefully some of these suggestions are helpful in wrapping up your shopping. Good luck!
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Army of Women is looking for 200 volunteers for a study of the breast cells normally found in breast milk to see if there are any differences in the DNA of women whose biopsies turn out to be healthy and those whose biopsies show a problem, such as cancer. The volunteers they need should be currently breastfeeding and have either had a breast biopsy at any time in the past or are scheduled to have a breast biopsy to diagnose a lump found in your breast. At this time, I believe the volunteers do have to be in the US (they have for previous studies of this nature), but it might be worth looking at if you're in Canada. You'll be asked to fill out a survey and donate about 2.5 ounces of breastmilk from each breast. The study is being conducted by Kathleen Arcaro, PhD, Douglas Anderton, PhD, and Sarah Lenington PhD, at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. You should be able to sign up for the study by joining at their website (they don't spam, just send you information on occasional studies designed to find ways to eliminate causes of or to facilitate the early detection of breast cancer).
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I was going to filter this to just the people who asked to see it, but screw it. I've barely been on LJ lately, but took the time to make this list, so y'all can all see it. Scroll on if you don't like to buy presents for small people. ;) Here's my first set of recommendations for holiday gifts, mostly $20 and under, made by work-at-home parent-owned businesses. I don't work for, get kickbacks from, or in any way benefit from these recommendations other than the satisfaction of helping you find something cool. Disclaimer: I haven't tried all these products myself, but have tried to indicate the ones I have. Need play food for your play kitchen? Fair Trade Family's wool food is my favorite. This farmers market set in Peace Fleece is adorable, and check out this turkey dinner!
Rosie doesn't have enough hair to clip, but if you have a little one who does, check out this cute little owl clip.
Speaking of owls, I like this little rainbow Half Hootie (a small bamboo velour owl). He has a little blue friend if rainbows aren't your thing.
Sometimes a baby just needs to bite something. This Friday, you can snag a Bite Me Dino (they come in various prints), which serves as both a teether and a taggie-type toy for kids who like that additional sensory input.
If you prefer simple, wooden toys for your baby, this maple rattle might be a good stocking stuffer.
Speaking of teethers and wooden toys, here's a velour and wood gnome teether that looks like a nice first Christmas gift. We have a bamboo fleece/wooden bird teether from the same WAHM and it's so nice!
It's a freaking cute teddy bear hat. How much more flavor text do you need?
I-Spy bags are pretty much the coolest thing ever. I like the Whiffy See-Its best, but Donovan loves his police car I-spy bag from Closet on Queen Creek.
My very favorite WAHM business right now is Mommy's Busy. I'm even a fan on Facebook. She makes really cute soft rattles (Rosie is getting a whale and a starfish), dinosaurs and other creatures of various sizes (Donovan is getting a pillow-sized triceratops and a dragon), and games.
The sensory clutch balls from Bright Life Toys are one of my favorite things ever. I love multisensory toys! They also sell a plainer version of the clutch ball.
Weird funny little monkey doll thing, looks snuggly and is also discounted! I love a bargain.
If your kid doesn't already want to eat his playdough, you can get some deliciously pumpkin spice scented all natural playdough to encourage him to do so. Ok, maybe that's not a great selling point, but if you can't be bothered to make your own playdough and the commercial stuff squicks you out, Natural Madison's magic dough is supposed to be a nice alternative.
Donovan has always liked little bitty dolls. He still loves his tiny babies (Moondrop dolls) that he got two Christmases ago. This mini baby is a bit bigger, but still small enough to pocket.
Ok, that's probably enough stuff for round one. Get shopping!
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40 Days for Life will be picketing Atlanta women's clinics, including the wonderful FWHC (www.feministcenter.org). The center provides a range of services, including fertility treatments, well-woman care, well-care for transmen, and abortion services. If you support a woman's right to choose and to exercise that choice without harassment, you can help in the following ways: A donation to the clinic, food for employees who can't leave for lunch because it would mean going past the group outside (and we eat cookies and/or coffee for lunch!), volunteering at the clinic or outreach offices. NO counter-protests will be staged at FWHC. Please spread the word on LJ, Twitter, FB, and anywhere else where people support choice and the people who help provide options for those choices.
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Outcomes of planned home birth with registered midwife versus planned hospital birth with midwife or physicianPatricia A. Janssen PhD, Lee Saxell MA, Lesley A. Page PhD, Michael C. Klein MD, Robert M. Liston MD, Shoo K. Lee MBBS PhD Abstract Background: Studies of planned home births attended by registered midwives have been limited by incomplete data, nonrepresentative sampling, inadequate statistical power and the inability to exclude unplanned home births. We compared the outcomes of planned home births attended by midwives with those of planned hospital births attended by midwives or physicians. Methods: We included all planned home births attended by registered midwives from Jan. 1, 2000, to Dec. 31, 2004, in British Columbia, Canada (n = 2889), and all planned hospital births meeting the eligibility requirements for home birth that were attended by the same cohort of midwives (n = 4752). We also included a matched sample of physician-attended planned hospital births (n = 5331). The primary outcome measure was perinatal mortality; secondary outcomes were obstetric interventions and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: The rate of perinatal death per 1000 births was 0.35 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00–1.03) in the group of planned home births; the rate in the group of planned hospital births was 0.57 (95% CI 0.00–1.43) among women attended by a midwife and 0.64 (95% CI 0.00–1.56) among those attended by a physician. Women in the planned home-birth group were significantly less likely than those who planned a midwife-attended hospital birth to have obstetric interventions (e.g., electronic fetal monitoring, relative risk [RR] 0.32, 95% CI 0.29–0.36; assisted vaginal delivery, RR 0.41, 95% 0.33–0.52) or adverse maternal outcomes (e.g., third- or fourth-degree perineal tear, RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28–0.59; postpartum hemorrhage, RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49–0.77). The findings were similar in the comparison with physician-assisted hospital births. Newborns in the home-birth group were less likely than those in the midwife- attended hospital-birth group to require resuscitation at birth (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.14–0.37) or oxygen therapy beyond 24 hours (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.24–0.59). The findings were similar in the comparison with newborns in the physician-assisted hospital births; in addition, newborns in the home-birth group were less likely to have meconium aspiration (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21–0.93) and more likely to be admitted to hospital or readmitted if born in hospital (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09–1.85). Interpretation: Planned home birth attended by a registered
midwife was associated with very low and comparable
rates of perinatal death and reduced rates of obstetric
interventions and other adverse perinatal outcomes compared
with planned hospital birth attended by a midwife
or physician.
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Willy-nilly circumcision sparks legal fears for doctorsBy Paul Carter, AAP August 19, 2009 11:54am LAWS protect girls from genital surgery but parents wanting to circumcise boys can "go around willy-nilly chopping up bits of their sons", a state children's commissioner says. Tasmania's commissioner for children Paul Mason and the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute have embarked on what they say is the largest review into the legalities of male circumcision in Australia's history. Mr Mason said a critical issue for any non-therapeutic circumcision is whether parental consent is sufficient to protect a surgeon from legal action if the child's genital autonomy is thought to have been infringed. "The only thing that protects a doctor from an action for assault or a civil prosecution is the valid consent of the patient," he said. "The law is getting pretty hazy about whether a parent can give a valid consent for a child's non-medical procedure." Mr Mason said about 90 per cent of Australian male babies were circumcised in the 1970s, dropping to about two per cent these days. Its infrequency nowadays only heightens the chance of a circumcised boy feeling aggrieved as an adult that his rights were ignored as a child, he said. But High Court rulings and United Nations conventions on the rights of parents and children and legal consent in terms of bodily integrity argue against parental-consent circumcision, he said. "To me they suggest parents are not entitled to cut or wound their children unless it is for a medical purpose," he said. Mr Mason said another grey legal area was that many jurisdiction outlaw female genital alteration, not just the most severe form, because it infringed on girls' rights. "But we have a situation where girls have legal protection from any surgery on their genitals but parents can go around willy-nilly chopping up bits of their boys. "That is a discrimination any way you look at it," he said. University of Tasmania circumcision-law researcher Warwick Marshall is working closely with Mr Mason and the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute review. Mr Marshall says criminal and civil laws fail to provide adequate certainty for parents and doctors. "The crux of the uncertainty is whether the consent of the parent of the child being circumcised provides the circumciser with protection from criminal and civil actions which may be brought against them for performing a circumcision," Mr Marshall said. Public submissions to law reform review close on August 28.
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Aug 09 - Keep Your Toddler in a Rear-Facing Car Seat Until Age 2 (Not 1)AAP comments on rear-facing car seats. There is a well known myth that toddlers in rear-facing car seats whose feet can reach the back of the vehicle seat are more likely to suffer injuries to their legs in a car accident, however these injuries are NOT common in rear-facing seats. New research indicates that children under 2 years of age are 75% less likely to die or experience serious injury when they ride in a rear-facing car seat and, toddlers between 1 and 2 years of age are 5 times safer than toddlers who ride in a front-facing car seat. The reason behind this conclusion is pretty simple. When an accident occurs and a child is rear facing the force of the accident is distributed evenly over the entire body, forward facing children, because the force of the car crash is concentrated on seat belt contact points, can suffer from neck and head injuries because children’s necks are weak and their heads are disproportionately large for their little necks. Dr. Bull, who wrote the commentary for Pediatrics, states, “…it is far better to send children to orthopedic specialists to have lower extremities treated, than to send them to neurological specialists to have cervical spine injuries treated.” Makes sense! According to the AAP, all infants should ride rear-facing in an infant car seat or convertible seat. If an infant car seat is used, baby should be switched to a rear-facing convertible car seat once the maximum height (when the infant’s head is within 1 inch of the top of the seat) and weight (usually 22 pounds to 32 pounds) are reached for that infant seat, as suggested by the car seat manufacturer. Toddlers should remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight recommended for the model, or at least the age of 2. To see if your car seat is installed properly and to find a certified passenger safety technician in your area, visit www.SeatCheck.org or www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.c fm. You also can call 866-SEATCHECK (866-732-8243) or 888-327-4236.
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Backward and Downward 
4 (21.1%)
