Birth Defect Awareness Month

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By Diane Forrest, RN

On December 6, 2011 at 2:30 in the afternoon, my stepson and his wife had a beautiful baby boy named Easton Clark, 7 pounds and 4 ounces.  The news of the arrival of this baby was a very happy occasion, however not all births are as uncomplicated as this one.  In 1986 some friends were expecting their first baby.  These people were healthy, smart, did all the proper things, had regular checkups and she took her vitamins and ate properly.  Did not smoke or drink, did not take any medications.  They had all the expectations of a perfect pregnancy and delivery.   She lived in Atlanta, so I didn't have much occasion to see her, however the first time I saw her, she appeared to be having twins.  She assured me she wasn’t, and all the sonograms and ultrasounds confirmed.  The night her baby was born, however, there was a different story.  It was a dark, stormy night, and her water broke.  Her husband rushed her to the hospital, as all expectant fathers do, and the hospital staff proceeded to ready her for delivery.  What happened next was a shock for all.  What was expected to be a routine delivery ended up being an emergency Cesarean Section, my friend nearly died, and the obstetrician fainted.

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Her baby was born with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.  There was no warning there was any problems with the pregnancy, however, later, research showed that both families had a history of these problems.    There are thousands of different birth defects. About 120,000 babies in the United States are born each year with a birth defect. The most common birth defects are heart defects, cleft lip and cleft palate, Down syndrome and spina bifida.

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There are also birth defects that come from the mother during pregnancy.  If the mother smokes, drinks alcohol, takes illegal drugs and even some prescribed medication, or develops a sexually transmitted disease will also increase the chances of a birth defect.

January is Birth Defect Awareness Month.  What you can do to be aware is to encourage routine medical checkups during the pregnancy, avoid drinking alcohol, smoking and drugs unless prescribed, eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids, exercise and get lots of rest. 

For more ways you can help click on this site for the March of Dimes:  http://www.marchofdimes.com/default.html#

Christmas

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By Diane Forrest,

Celebrate the reason for the season:

The Birth of Jesus

King James Version

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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Hark! The Herald Angels sing,

"Glory to the new-born King;

Peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!"

Joyful, all ye nations, rise.

Join the triumph of the skies.

With th' Angelic Hosts proclaim,

"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the new-born King."

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Merry Christmas from our homes to yours!

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;

Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer

We won't go until we get some;

We won't go until we get some;

We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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