Products with Antibacterial Compounds Expose Women and Fetuses to Potential Health Risks This recent study from Arizona State University (ASU) has found two compounds, triclosan and triclocarbon (commonly used germ-killers in soaps and other products), in all of the pregnant women and in about half of the fetuses they tested. There is increased evidence showing that these additives can lead to developmental and reproductive problems in animals, and potentially in humans. Some research also suggests that the compounds may contribute to a resistance of antibiotics which is a growing public health concern. Read about the study here.
The Effects of Breastfeeding Duration and Birthweight on Inflammation in Adulthood Results of this recent study from Northwestern University suggest that lower birth weight (<2.5kgs), not breastfeeding and shorter duration of breastfeeding (<3 months), were associated with elevated concentrations of C-reactive protein which is linked to inflammation that can predict increased cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk in adulthood. Read more about the study here.
New Mothers Still Excessively Sleepy After 4 months, Study Shows In this study from Queensland University of Technology, the sleep patterns and tiredness of postpartum moms were studied and the new mothers were found to still be excessively tired. The findings here caution against returning to work too soon. An author of the research article says, “Sleep disruption strongly influences daytime function, with sleepiness recognized as a risk-factor for people performing critical and dangerous tasks.” Read more here.
Gestures Mothers Use in Teaching Their Infants New Words are Vital for Infant Word Learning. New findings have been presented from this study by the International Society on Infant Studies (ISIS) using eye tracking technology, showing that gestures used by mothers in teaching their infants new words are important in word learning for infants. The researchers noted that gestures mothers use in teaching their infants new words result in enhanced arousal and better attention just at the time the infant sees the object and hears the word for it. Click here to read more.
This News Roundup was compiled and co-authored by Jean Kurnik, M.A.
Leave a Reply