News Moms Need

Today is the star-studded March of Dimes Celebration of Babies, a Hollywood luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. The Celebration of Babies brings together and recognizes celebrities and prominent individuals in the entertainment community who are pregnant or celebrating the recent birth of a child, and who are role models for the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies by helping moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies.

Actor and producer Reese Witherspoon will receive the 2012 March of Dimes Grace Kelly Award, which recognizes role-model celebrity parents who share the March of Dimes commitment to healthy pregnancies and families. Cyma Zarghami, President of Nickelodeon Group, will be honored as the Inspiring Woman of the Year for her accomplishments as a leader in the entertainment industry and as a dedicated mother to her three sons, Liam, Wyatt and Ethan. Medical doctor Bryan Oshiro will receive the 2012 Elaine Whitelaw Volunteer Service Award. Oshiro is Vice-Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Director of the Perinatal Institute at the Loma Linda University Medical Center. Oshiro’s work with March of Dimes has resulted in groundbreaking health guidelines for hospitals and obstetricians.

March of Dimes continues our recognition of expecting and new parents by honoring the 2012 Celebration of Babies Stork Club. Stork Club members are entertainment industry leaders who are expecting a baby, or have had baby this past year. Members include Amanda Anka and Jason Bateman, Drew Barrymore and Will Koppelman, Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green and others.

March of Dimes has long-standing ties to the Hollywood community. Since its founding in 1938, supporters over the years have included Eddie Cantor, Grace Kelly, Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz, Sammy Davis Jr. and Bill Cosby, to name a few.

California is facing the most serious outbreak of whooping cough in 50 years. Five infants have died of the disease since the first of the year, and over 900 people have gotten sick.

Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, stated, “Whooping cough is now an epidemic in California. Children should be vaccinated against the disease, and parents, family members and caregivers of infants need a booster shot.”

This is a reminder to all of us to have our children vaccinated and to keep our own immunizations up to date. Stay healthy, everyone!

Have you been following all the reports about the woman in California who just delivered eight babies? I sure have. The babies are miracles, and I’m so thrilled that everyone is doing well.

The news reports say the woman probably had fertility treatments. Did you know that most fertility specialists do not recommend becoming pregnant with so many babies? It’s dangerous for both the mom and the babies.

The California babies were born nine weeks premature. Preterm birth can cause serious complications and even lifelong health problems. That’s why the March of Dimes is conducting a national campaign to fight prematurity.

Any time a woman is pregnant with more than one baby, she and the babies face extra risks. If you’re carrying more than one baby, work with your health care provider to be as healthy as you can. 

If you’re thinking about having fertility treatments or are already having them, talk to your doctor about reducing the chances of having too many babies. Your health and your children’s health will thank you.

CNN has more on this topic.