Friday, November 19, 2010

King Tutankhamen ~ Call Him ~ “DAD”...

It is amazing to me to learn nestled with King Tut in his tomb were two fetuses. One was at least seven months gestation; I guess a 'stillbirth" by today's standards. The second fetus, a tinier more fragile female, was also tucked alongside her dad; I wonder, stillbirth vs. miscarriage?
Were these two little girls the pharaoh's daughters? DNA testing, to confirm true lineage, is the key needed to unlock this vexing scientific question. Although the data is somewhat incomplete, the study suggests one of the infants is truly Tutankhamen's daughter and, most likely, the second infant is as well. Whilst it was believed this King had no heirs to succeed him ~ I guess maybe he “almost” did.


Stillbirth has been around since the beginning of time. The pain and heartache associated with babies who never draw their first breath is as devastating today as it was back in the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. Educating and empowering parents to be, as well as, health care professionals with the tools to end this needless tragedy, is our goal.


Just how precious and irreplaceable is a stillborn baby to grieving parents and family? I guess we only need to look at King Tut ~ as this child king chose to embark on his journey into eternity with his two baby daughters snuggled closely by his side.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

U.S. News and World Report ~ Read It, Digest It, Fight It...

Finally, this week we are seeing in this U. S. News and World Report link , in national print, the tragic global journey of stillbirth which 3 million families embark on each and every year ~ 30,000 in the USA alone.

Read it. Digest it. Fight it. Join us as we strive to educate parents and the medical community to the proactive measures available to stop these needless tragedies...  

Thursday, October 14, 2010

OCTOBER 15TH ~ Let's All Sparkle Together Tonight...

At 7 PM tomorrow ~ where ever you are in the world ~ please light a candle for one hour. The WAVE OF LIGHT - for 24 hours - will be lit across the world to remember babies we have lost, those we carried and held but could not take home and those who stayed for just a short time.


Become a part of Pregnancy and Infant Loss and Remembrance Day on October 15. Please visit http://www.october15th.com/. Let's all sparkle together!!!

Friday, October 8, 2010

QUIET No More ~ JUST Break The Silence..

In October, Pregnant and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we need to remember all babies born sleeping or whom we have carried but never met, or those we have held but could not take home or the ones that came home but didn't stay. If you or someone you know has suffered the loss of a baby, break the silence. Please join us and be the voice for those who will never speak for themselves.

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 314, has designated the month of October, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this month.


NOW, THEREFORE, I RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of October in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth.

Ronald Reagan

Former President

United States of America
 
October 15th is the National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The resolution to declare October 15 a remembrance day passed the United States House of Representatives on September 28, 2006. In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, many grieving parents light a candle at 7 p.m. in their respective time zones to create a wave of light around the world in memory of babies lost to pregnancy and infant loss.


"Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer; the secret of redemption lies in remembrance."
                                                 Richard von Weizaecker

BREAKING The S

In October, Pregnant and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we need to remember all babies born sleeping or whom we have carried but never met, or those we have held but could not take home or the ones that came home but didn't stay. Make this your profile status if you or someone you know has suffered the loss of a baby. Break the silence.....

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

U PICK ~ Run It, Jog It or Tot Trot it...

Hello Wisconsin!!! Is anyone up for a great day at the park and getting in shape at the same time? Please come and join in the fun by joining in Abby's Run. There are two different days, dates and parks available for you in October:

Abby's Run - McCarty Park, Milwaukee, WI
Saturday, October 2, 2010 - 10:00 AM


Abby's Run - Pioneer Park, Oulu, WI
Friday, October 15, 2010 - 6:00 PM

At each event there will be a 5K run, a 1 mile walk and a Tot Trot for children. All proceeds will be used to support the stillbirth research and education efforts of the

Star Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Registration includes t-shirt (for registrations by 9/2/10) and refreshments.
GE Employees: $25 (minimum company match)

Non GE: Adults - $20 on or before 9/15/10; $25 after 9/15/10; Tot Trot - $8

For further information, details and to register go to Star Legacy Foundation, www.starlegacyfoundation.org .

Oh shoot ~ you can't attend! Be there in spirit and please consider making a tax deductible donation...

Monday, September 6, 2010

READY ~ SET ~ WRITE & ROLL!!!

PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL: From Pat Flynn @ 1st Breath, http://www.1stbreath.org/;

MI Stillbirth / Kick Count Bill passed House & going to Senate. Letters needed to get hearing & vote. Bill could be model for other states!!!

So ~ what to do??? If you or anyone you know has endured the devastating pain and heartache of a stillbirth, please write your personal story and tell why you support HB6091. Strongly advocate for a quick hearing & vote.


Send to: Tom George, Chairman, Health Policy Committee, Room 320, Farnum Bldg. Lansing, MI 48933 ~ OR ~ Email: sentgeorge@senate.michigan.gov

Copy please to: Pat@1stBreath.org

Let's all keep fighting the fight for those unable to speak for themselves...

Monday, August 23, 2010

Saying ‘I Love You’ Can Make a Difference articles.mercola.com/sites/articles… via @mercola

Thursday, August 19, 2010

AMAZING NEWS ~ Michigan House Passes STILLBIRTH / KICK COUNTING Legislation « First Candle

Amazing news promoting Kick Counting! Representative Kevin Green (R-MI) lost his sweet daughter, Skylar Anne, to stillbirth in 2007. Skylar's cause of death is unknown. Green states, "Stillbirth is an equal opportunity destroyer...Getting this information to expectant mothers early on in their pregnancy could help them prevent stillbirth. Kick counting is such a simple thing to do that could save your child's life."

This legislative measure is a huge step in stillbirth and kick counting awareness. We do know approximately 30% of stillbirths are caused by umbilical cord accidents (uca). In passing this very important piece of legislation according to Rep. Green, "It allows women to have ownership in their own healthcare by being informed about this potential risk." As we always stress to parents to be and healthcare professionals, it is all about becoming informed and being your baby's, "en utero" advocate.

Michigan House Passes Stillbirth/Kick Counting Legislation « First Candle

Monday, July 12, 2010

"IT'S BIZARRE ~ That The Produce Manager Is More Important To My Children's Health Than The Pediatrician." ~ Meryl Streep

COME TO BEAUTIFUL COLORADO FOR A WEEKEND OF HOPE, LOVE,  FOOD &"GOLF"!!! Please join The Star Legacy Foundation for  ~ The Celebration of Hope Dinner and Educational Event on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 6:30pm. The highlight of the evening will be a presentation by Dr. Jason Collins, MD, of The Pregnancy Institute who specializes in Umbilical Cord and Placenta Issues focusing on Stillbirth Prevention.

Saturday's Golf Benefit, Golfing for Garrett, will begin with a shot gun start at the crack of dawn! Please visit The Star Legacy Foundation for more information, to register, or learn how you can help.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

YIKES!!! What Exactly Is Home Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring?

So ~ you and your doctor decide baby should be monitored on a daily basis for the duration of your pregnancy following your 28 week ultrasound. What now? The first thing is, "Don't panic!" The main reason for monitoring baby is to make sure baby is comfortable "en utero" with the heart rate staying normal and consistent. That means, no decelerations (decels) and no signs of premature labor ~ and ~ less stress for you knowing baby is being watched on a daily basis.

How do you monitor? You first learn to how apply the monitoring belt and how to run the monitor for 30 minutes every day. Next, you monitor baby and send the monitored reading to your doctor for a professional interpretation. Baby is followed closely and if a potential problem is noted ~ further steps may be taken if deemed necessary by your medical professional. For further information on how Home Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring works, go to The Pregnancy Institute and click on Home Fetal Monitoring. It's all part of being your baby's "en utero" advocate... 

Thursday, June 17, 2010

My Grandson, Jacks, Our "Rainbow" Baby...

All new moms have the most amazing look of total love and total bliss on their faces as you glimpse a photo of them and their newborns for the first time. It is a little bit of heaven on earth to say the least. On June 14th I was introduced to a different look ~ the look of a new mom seeing her "rainbow" baby for the first time.  

Besides capturing the look of total love and total bliss, there was a little something different on Danielle's face. I'm not sure if I would call it total peace and total calm ~ or ~ maybe just seeing a snippet of the angelic realm here on earth. 

Welcome, Mason Jackson "Jacks" Hosker! You are loved more than you will ever know...

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Spice It Up With "Food For Thought"...

I received my cookbook today, "Food For Thought." This culinary endeavor boasts the recipes of those touched by the life of a child born still. All the recipes are those special kind of ones ~ the ones you don't usually share ~ but decided to just this once as the cause is so dear. 

So, why not decide to boost your kitchen bookshelf or a friend's? Be creative and give a copy with a pie dish or set of pans for a wedding gift? Like I say to all my pregnant moms, "just go with your gut" and cook up a storm. I promise you, you will not be disappointed one little bit. 

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

A Previous Stillbirth But a Normal 28 Week Ultrasound!!!

It is important to know your baby's patterns of movements from 20 weeks onwards. If you have had a previous stillbirth and your ultrasound around 28 weeks is normal ~ meaning no problems are seen with the umbilical cord and placenta ~ what's next?

Following Dr. Jason Collins protocol of The Pregnancy Institute, http://www.preginst.com/, discuss with your OB the possibility of daily home fetal heart rate monitoring. Monitoring baby for 30 minutes every night and sending the results to Dr. Collins or your own OB will let you and your doctor keep a close check on baby. If any variations are noted in the monitoring, your doctor will be aware of the changes and can investigate further.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Hmmm ~ An Abnormality with Baby's 28 Week Ultrasound...

So, you have your 28 week (or thereabouts) ultrasound; there's an abnormality with the cord. What happens next? You"ll have to discuss the possiblities with your OB. Will home fetal heart rate monitoring, frequent ultrasounds or kick counting be the plan? You and your medical team will choose the best approach to keep a daily check on baby. Visit http://www.preginst.com/ to watch home fetal heart rate monitoring in action...

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Why a 28 Week Ultrasound???

A 28 week - or there abouts - ultrasound checks the placenta and umbilical cord (knots, nuchal cords, torsion or length variations) for abnormailites. This new and proactive step in being your baby's "en utero" advocate lets you and your doctor begin a plan to keep a closer eye on baby if any abnormalities are found. Ultrasounds, home fetal heart rate monitoring and diligent kick counting may be options...

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Commit to Stillbirth & Vote Daily in May @ Pepsi...

Great news! Two grants submitted to Pepsi by The Star Legacy Foundation, dedicated to Stillbirth Education and Research, will be voted on during the month of May ~ so ~ send all of your family, friends and relatives to http://www.starlegacyfoundation.org/id106.html and place your vote daily this month!!! Let's all commit to vote this month...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Springing Ahead...

Hello to All,

I have a new page up on Facebook for the Family Advisory Council of The Star Legacy Foundation (SLF), same title as this, Families Need to Know! One of the greatest things about being pregnant these days is the information available for all the parents to be. Back in the day when I was pregnant, who knew about keeping track of your baby's movements ~ who knew about kick counting??? Today, it is a whole new day and age. The information is available for you, and there are lots of people there to help you if you don't quite understand what is presented to you.

At the SLF, we believe when you have your 20 week ultrasound, it is a good thing to have the doctor and ultrasound tech visualize the baby's placenta and umbilical cord for normalcy along with the baby's anatomy. This is the scan you will be able to see if you are having a little girl or little boy! After this scan it is time to begin to keep track of what your baby is doing. Keep a log and write down when baby is awake and moving around and when baby is sleeping. It is easy to do and fun at the same time.

My daughter in law was telling me her little son was always up from 10 pm - 11 pm. Then one night he was quiet at 10 pm - not up to his usual tricks! So, she monitored for 30 minutes (per Dr. Collin's protocol of The Pregnancy Institute) -- and after another 30 minutes - there he was - moving around. What had happened? Danielle forgot to take into account daylight savings time. It was spring so we "spring ahead." So, baby was on his own 24 hour clock and no one told him he had to "spring ahead" as well!!!

For further information and to be added to the SLF newsletter, please go visit, www.starlegacyfoundation.org.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Proactive Measures to Insure a Happy Healthy Delivery

Welcome to "Families Need to Know!" This is an exciting step for The Star Legacy Foundation which is dedicated to stillbirth education and research in forming a Family Advisory Council. We hope to educate families, parents and friends on simple proactive measures available to you to insure the happy safe delivery of your baby. Placental complications and umbilical cord accidents (UCA) are all too prevalent in the USA. UCA account for 30% of the 26,000 stillbirths a year in our country. I hope to provide information and education while guiding you how to be your baby's "en utero" advocate!

This foundation has formed an alliance with Dr. Jason Collins of The Pregnancy Institute in New Roads, LA. We support the Institutes's research and endeavors and hope you will too. We are strong advocates of visualizing the placenta and umbilical cord at your 20 week ultrasound for any abnormality. We also advocate a 28 week ultrasound be mandatory in the doctor's office for visualization of the umbilical cord.

We are also huge proponents of kick counting. We want moms to know their baby's movements well before the 28th week. Moms should know when baby's movements change it is time inform their doctor. When your baby's movements speed up or slow down ~ become involved and let your doctor know!

I look forward to hearing from you, getting to know you and having fun!