MORE INFORMATION ON DHA/ARA ARSENIC IN FORMULA

By Dr. Mercola 2012 Last December, the U.S. National Organic Standards Board, an expert panel that advise the USDA Secretary on organic matters, narrowly approved Martek Biosciences Corporation's petition to allow the use of their genetically modified soil fungus and algae as nutritional supplements in organic food. The product is an omega-3/omega-6 oil (DHA/ARA) synthesized from fermented algae and soil fungus. The oil is extracted from this biomass using hexane, a neurotoxic byproduct of gasoline refinement that is specifically banned in organics. The Cornucopia Institute investigated Martek's patent and safety filings at the FDA, and discovered that the product also contains synthetic chemicals, stabilizers, carriers, and some of the ingredients are also genetically modified. (As it turns out, some of their products were developed by Monsanto before Martek bought the technical rights.) Martek's formulated oils are added to "organic" milk, infant formula, and a number of different foods. After a formal legal complaint, the USDA announced in 2010 that it had "inappropriately" allowed Martek oils to be included in organic foods. But enforcement of their removal was delayed for 18 months in an apparent effort to permit corporate lobbyists to petition for review and legal inclusion in organic food. According to the Conucopia Institute: "Although Martek told the board that they would discontinue the use of the controversial neurotoxic solvent n-hexane for DHA/ARA processing, they did not disclose what other synthetic solvents would be substituted. Federal organic standards prohibit the use of all synthetic/petrochemical solvents". How Did Unapproved Ingredients Make it into Baby Food? It is distressing to see that chemical additives have skirted USDA approval and made their way into infant formulas—some of which even bear the USDA Organic Seal! This confirms that even organic certification is NOT watertight, and you, the consumer, will need to stay on your toes. Martek's DHA and ARA products are synthetic attempts at omega-3 fats that have been in the U.S. marketplace since 2002, and in organic products since 2006. They are chemically extracted from certain types of algae and fungi that have never before been part of the human diet, and have never been approved by the USDA. Yet they have made their way into your baby's bottle. In fact, it is unlikely that the production process of these agents has been examined at all—and for good reason. The Cornucopia Institute has uncovered an entire list of questions regarding the source, processing, and other ingredients used in the manufacturing of Martek's DHA and ARA, any one of which could result in a ban from their use in certified organic products. GMOs, Lies, and Petrochemicals For starters, Martek's synthetic oils are extracted using a toxic petrochemical solvent called hexane—a process that's just about as NON-organic as you can get. Hexane extraction is widely used in the production of oils, such as fatty acids and vegetable oils, but is banned in organic produce because it's a non-organic material. So what's their loophole? Martek Biosciences was able to dodge the ban on hexane-extraction by claiming USDA does not consider omega-3 and omega-6 fats to be "agricultural ingredients." Therefore, they argue, the ban against hexane extraction does not apply. The USDA helped them out by classifying those oils as "necessary vitamins and minerals," which are exempt from the hexane ban. But hexane-extraction is just the tip of the iceberg. Other questionable manufacturing practices and misleading statements by Martek includei: Undisclosed synthetic ingredients, prohibited for use in organics (including the sugar alcohol mannitol, modified starch, glucose syrup solids, and "other" undisclosed ingredients) Microencapsulation of the powder and nanotechnology, which are prohibited under organic laws Use of volatile synthetic solvents, besides hexane (such as isopropyl alcohol) Recombinant DNA techniques and other forms of genetic modification of organisms; mutagenesis; use of GMO corn as a fermentation medium Heavily processed ingredients that are far from "natural" Your Body Knows These "Nutrients" are Fake Although DHA and ARA from real foods are indeed important nutrients, the synthetic versions are not even remotely the same. They are foreign to your body, and to your infant's body, which is why many babies are having terrible adverse reactions. Naturally derived omega-3 fats have important benefits to your baby's eyes and brain. Martek has manipulated this fact into a clever marketing ploy that convinces mothers that this artificial concoction is as good for their babies as breast milk. But there is no scientific evidence to substantiate Martek's health claims. Martek claims that their formula is "proven in independent clinical studies to enhance mental development." According to the Cornucopia Institute, this claim is based on one single study involving just 19 infants. Martek neglects to mention the numerous other clinical studies that fail to show any advantage in brain development. The Perfect Formula for Diarrhea, Vomiting and Gastrointestinal Pain The Cornucopia Institute has compiled a summaryii of hundreds of adverse reports submitted to the FDA about possible intolerance to DHA/ARA-supplemented infant formula. Of those reports, 98 are said to be "confidently linked" to intolerance to the DHA/ARA oils. Many hundreds more are highly suspect. The reported gastrointestinal symptoms include: Severe gas Diarrhea and vomiting Gastric reflux Constipation and bowel obstruction Agitation, fussiness, crying, and severe distress The adverse reaction reports filed with the FDA represent only the tip of the iceberg, as most parents are unaware that Martek's additives may be the cause of their infants' problems. Some parents and their babies have endured these symptoms for weeks or months before identifying the cause, believing it was simply colic or unexplained fussiness. A few companies have made a conscious decision to not use Martek's additives in their baby food products, in order to protect the organic integrity of their foods. Cornucopia has published a list of "USDA Organic" products containing Martek's additivesiii. Shockingly, ALL organic infant formulas with the exception of ONE (Baby's Only Organic) contain Martek's DHA! Some baby foods also contain it, so it's a good idea to get in the habit of reading ALL of your labels. Beware of Other Known Contaminants in Infant Formula Your child is perhaps never more vulnerable than in the first few months of life, when his or her fragile body is still rapidly developing. Pound for pound, infants experience greater exposure to chemicals than adults, and have immature and porous blood-brain barriers, which allow greater chemical exposures to reach their developing brains. It is best to avoid infant formulas whenever possible. Breastfeeding is best. Infant formulas have been found to be contaminated with a variety of problematic chemicals, including: Perchlorates (a component of rocket fuel) Melamine Advanced glycoprotein end products (AGEs) Please avoid feeding your baby soy based formula due to dangerously high concentrations of manganese and estrogenic compounds, among other problems. Most infant formulas also contain far too much sugar. The most recent contaminant found in infant formula (as well as food and commercial juices) is arsenic. This is particularly worrisome for babies because they are especially vulnerable to arsenic's toxic effects. Is there Arsenic in Your Baby Formula? Researchers at Dartmouth College warned that there is an "urgent need" for regulatory limits on arsenic in food products after levels in two infant formulas were found to be up to six times the U.S. federal limit for drinking water. iv There are currently NO regulations for arsenic levels in foods or juices. The arsenic in infant formulas is thought to come from the brown rice syrup used to sweeten some formulas. Rice is a plant that is very efficient at taking up arsenic from the soil, regardless of whether or not it's grown organically. You Can Avoid All of These Problems by Breastfeeding Breastfeeding offers a list of life-long health benefits for both mom and baby, making it the best food you can give to your baby by far. Many are aware that breast milk contains antibodies, or immune molecules, that are transferred to the baby, giving her immunities to illnesses that the mother is immune to. The converse is also true -- if your newborn is exposed to a germ, she will transfer it back to the mother while nursing. The mother's body will then make antibodies to that particular germ and transfer them back to the baby at the next feeding. So it's not just a matter of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats that makes breast milk far superior to formula. In fact, breast milk also contains substances that may significantly enhance your baby's gut and support the healthy development of her entire nervous system. If you are unable to breastfeed, you may want to consider the option of purchasing human breast milk, which is becoming a hot commodity online. Nursing women are now earning up to $1,200 a month from selling their extra milk to other families, many of whom are pairing up online via Craigslist and other classified sites. This trend harkens back to ancient times when wet nurses (women who breastfeed babies other than their own) were used for a variety of purposes. For more about this option and some cautions, please refer to this article on the sale of breast milk. Is the U.S. Becoming a "Dumping Ground" for Substandard Products? Food in the European Union (EU) seems to be getting saferv, while American food may be becoming more dangerous. The EU has been progressively tightening their standards, while the U.S. has been loosening theirs. Consider herbicides, for example. Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the U.S. and is the primary ingredient in Monsanto's broad-spectrum herbicide Roundup, which is causing incredible damage to our environment. As a result of Monsanto's lobbying, a U.S. regulation passed in 2011 increased the tolerance for residues of the herbicide glyphosate on corn. The tolerance is even higher than the one allowed by international standards. The Codex Alimentarius Commissionvi has established a maximum residue level for glyphosate on corn at 5 parts per million, but the U.S. regulation now allows 13 parts per million.vii The EU herbicide/pesticide legislation is probably the strictest in the world, a testament to their commitment to consumer protection. Besides limiting these chemicals, they ban genetically engineered foods and the hormone rBGH, whereas the U.S. continues to allow them. Many more such examples can be found. As the European Union and other nations have begun to tighten their environmental standards, manufacturers have begun to use America as a dumping ground for consumer goods that fail to meet other nations' standards for toxic chemical content. Manufacturers ship wood, toys, electronics, pesticides and cosmetics to the U.S. containing substances that are banned or restricted elsewhere, because they raise the risk of cancer or cause reproductive or neurological damage. Think about all of the dangerous and poor quality products we're importing from China that make the news now on a regular basis. Unlike the European Union, which uses a "precautionary principle" that prescribes protective steps whenever there is scientific evidence of risks to public health or the environment, the U.S. EPA relies on voluntary steps from the industries themselves. This model of consumer protection has unfortunately been swallowed up by corporate corruption. If the government is unable to provide the oversight needed to ensure public safety, then it's up to YOU, the consumer, to protect yourself. What You Can Do The Cornucopia Institute has posted an Action Alert in the form of a proxy letter you can sign and mail off today. They will hand-carry your letters to the USDA spring meeting to protect organic products from synthetic additives. You can print out this proxy letter here. Signed proxy letters should be mailed to: The Cornucopia Institute PO Box 126 Cornucopia, Wisconsin 54827 Also consider including a donation check with your letter, to support the invaluable work the Cornucopia Institute performs to protect your and your family's right to clean, wholesome, truly organic food. As of right now, there does not appear to be any additional benefit to contacting your congressman, but if the need arises, Cornucopia will notify all their members and subscribers with the information. I can't encourage you enough to participate in this process. It's important to recognize that you CAN make a difference! Always remember that collectively, we have the most effective power in the marketplace that can exceed the power of these multibillion dollar, multinational corporations. We can vote with our pocket books. But we also need to make our voices heard; we have to let these agencies know that we are watching, we're paying attention, and we're not going to allow this immoral, if not downright illegal, industrial favoritism to continue. Until American consumers are willing to vote LOUDLY and CLEARLY with their checkbooks by refusing to purchase cheap products created under poor standards of safety, we will continue to be suckers for substandard and even dangerous products that can compromise our health, along with the health of future generations. So think carefully before you purchase your products! The real cost of "cheap products" comes in the price you pay for your long-term health.

Nix on the Reflux Nest

Positioning
Holding the infant in a head-elevated position for 20-30 minutes after feeding may reduce GERD (Farivar, 2001). The prone position has also been shown to reduce reflux, aspiration, and crying time and speed gastric emptying (Sherman, 2001). According to Borowitz (2002), after meals, the best position to place a baby with reflux is lying prone with the head of the bed raised about 30 degrees. Parents should be cautioned that placing the infant in a prone position should only be done when the child is awake and can be continuously observed. Prone positioning during sleep is only considered in unusual cases where the risk of death from complications of GER outweighs the potential increased risk of SIDS (Rudolph et al., 2001). The semi-supine position after feeding, such as when placing the baby in an infant car seat, exacerbates GER and should be avoided (Rudolph et al., 2001; Sandritter, 2003).

Hip Dysplasia and Swaddling

I added the following video because it was a good representation of the kinds of swaddling we do and to keep you informed on issues with swaddling. Please note that the baby is NOT swaddled tight enough in the demonstrations. Leaving leg room is great and we strongly suggest it, however the swaddling around the chest area will not work as it does not bring enough security to the baby.

Hip Dysplasia and Swaddling -

Ethical Duties of the NCS

Scenario:

You are on a long term NCS job. The baby has severe reflux and the Dr has prescribed a medication that you know is very dangerous. The Dr. has not tired any other medications. He jumped on this medication as the first one to try.

You have voiced your concerns to the parents. They do not seem concerned even though they know the dangers. They have signed the medicine consent form. The medication does not seem to be helping the reflux at all.

Medication is Reglan. It is a black boxed medication which means the FDA will not approve it. It causes irreversible conditions, once a side effect occurs it then becomes permanent. There are numerous lawsuits against the manufacturers of Reglan.

What would you do? Do we as NCS's have moral or ethical obligation to this infant? Would you administer the Reglan on your watch? How would you feel if the child developed one of the side effects, knowing you had participated in the administrating? Would you feel responsible?

Your answer may be posted in the NCSA quarterly newsletter.

THESE ARE THE ANSWERS I RECEIVED: INSIGHTFUL, CARING AND COMPLETELY THOUGHT OUT:

As a Newborn Care Specialist I am hired by a family to provide exceptional care for their newborn(s) and to provide education and training in all things related to the care and development of their infant. While having a vast knowledge of infant development and medical issues, I am not hired or compensated for dispensing medical advice and actually can be held liable for giving such advice. I am never to take the responsibility that should belong to the parent and the pediatrician for making medical decisions related to the health and well-being of the baby. Of course, I am to provide the best in advice, consulting and guidance and should always voice my opinion and knowledge if I believe that a poor decision has been made by either the parents or the pediatrician. My position is that of care-giver, not parent or medical professional.

This issue becomes difficult when an infant is placed on a medication that the FDA and numerous studies have found to be harmful to an infant. In this case, I believe that it is my responsibility to inform the parents of the studies, provide access to the information and give my professional opinion regarding the matter. However, it is not my position or responsibility to make the decision or pressure the parent into making the decision that I deem best. This decision should always remain that of the medical professional and the parent.

In the event that I feel that the best interest of the child is at stake, I will create a document that states the issues related to the medication and my professional opinion. This document will also include a release from liability clause that states that should there be an issue in the future related to this decision I cannnot be held liable for the dispensing of medication prescribed by the pediatrician. The clause would read similar to what follows:

"I (the parent) have been informed of the Black Box warning related to the medication (name of medication) prescribed by (Doctor's Name) for the treatment of GERD for the infant (Child's name). I have also been informed by the CNCS in my employment (Name of CNCS) that she does not agree that this is the best course of treatment for (infant's name) due to the extreme detrimental nature of possible side effects and heath effects of this medication. However, I (the parent) have chosen to follow the recommendations of the pediatrician and I am choosing to disregard the warnings of which I have been advised. I am also requiring the CNCS to dispense the medication to my child during her shift. I am aware that said CNCS can not be held liable for any medical or health complication that may arise from the use of this medication for my child."

If there is a time when the dispensing of medication or other treatment of the child is philosphically opposed to my personal standards, I will choose to excuse myself from the position. As much as I want to protect children from any and all harm, I am not the parent and should never have to take on the responsibility that is meant for the parent and/or the medical professionals charged with the medical decisions for this child.

In fact, I use a clause similar to the one above if a parent chooses to use bumper pads in the crib, tummy sleep their baby or even sleep their baby in a car seat after being informed that these are all considered SIDS risks.
Angel M. Crow, CISC/CNCS

I read your letter below and the scenario sounded very much like a home care case that I had years ago, not involving Reglan, but herbal supplements. The child was a NICU graduate and went home with nursing care. The mother insisted on giving the infant herbal supplements although we all voiced our concern about the baby's safety. Sadly, the mother continued to give the herbs and the child later died and no investigation was done because the child was medically fragile.

As a home care nurse, you have to remember that you are in someone else's home and taking care of someone else's child. The parent is ultimately responsible for direction of care and can choose to follow doctor's orders or not. The nurse/NCS walks a fine line when disagreeing with a parent. Perhaps the nurse/NCS can request the parent to administer Reglan to their infant but if the parents continue to be awakened during the night or dislike the fact that the nurse/NCS refuses to give the medication, you are pretty much out the door or asked off the case. Personally, I would try to educate the parents and document wherever I could that the parents were educated about the side effects of the medication. If I chose not to give the meds, I would document why. If I chose to give the meds, I would document that the meds were given at the request of the parent even after education to the side effects. Document, document, document!
Mary Ann Amole

After careful consideration... and being uncomfortable with it the first and only time I administered it, I have chosen NOT to administer it to the baby. After researching the product myself, I could not feel comfortable giving it to a baby who was in my care. I would give the family all product information, they would then make their own opinion as to whether they would continue the medication or to discontinue its use... but if they chose to continue, I would have no part of administering it to the baby and they would have to get up in the middle of the night to administer it themselves.
Desiree Nessline

I feel that if you have warned the parents about the danger and you have givening all the facts and they still do nothing...I would quit because it is are ethical duty to protect that child at all cost. And maybe they will realize how important this is to you as a NCS. That you will not be held accountable for their actions to this child.
Summer Hartman

Personally, as a professional I will give you my point of view.

First of all this baby is my client's child, so they have the right whether to choose to follow the pediatrician instructions or to go to another pediatrician as per my advice.

I will suggest to have a second opinion from another professional. If they decided to go with the instructions and medications from the doctor in question I will just do my job.

If they signed the medication consent and they allow me to give to their child such medication I will do it as part of my job. If the side effect takes place. I will never feel guilty or such since I did open my mouth and expressed my concerns.

I always give choices and they are the one who decided which way to go even if sometimes doesn't go with mine. THEY ARE THE PARENTS, THEY HAVE THE RIGHT

As mentioned before, this is my point of view as a professional and the way I will procede,
Veronica Hinojosa Stang


I cannot believe the parents are so unconcerned!!! It really is up to them and if they want baby to have Reglan than YOU ARE NOT responsible for any adverse conditions. As long as the parents are aware of the dangers and fully apprised of the possible side effects and outcome than you cannot be blamed. Whether or not you administer the medication, or refuse is a personal choice. If you feel strongly about its' dangers than I would not administer the medication, looking out for the best interest of the baby. Let the parents administer it, and only the parents, then they are fully responsible.

I have a baby that started showing major reflux issues, spitting up, abdominal discomfort, pooping every two or three days, very gassy, pulling up legs and grunting a lot, and I recommended Simply Thick be added to his formula. The parents did not want him to go on medication so they tried the Simply Thick. The babys symptoms have all but gone away. He is less gassy, pooping twice a day, and not spitting up. Just thickening the formula with this thickener which is odorless, tasteless and adds no calories, did the trick. Also using a Nap Nanny to elevate him for sleeping. They did not want to do the reflux nest as he is VERY wiggly.
Nancy Gerberding

Reglan For Reflux has been BLACK BOXED BY THE FDA

Reglan Lawsuits Lawsuits for Reglan-induced damages are becoming so numerous that a Reglan class action lawsuit is being initiated. The reflux/heartburn drug's potential side effects — which include the tardive dyskinesia now highlighted in a "Black Box Warning" on the product's label — have harmed a significant number of people, and victims have filed a motion with the federal Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consolidate their Reglan lawsuits.
At least 15 different lawsuits for Reglan drug damages have been filed, in more than 10 jurisdictions across the U.S. A typical Reglan lawsuit is that of Shirlean and Elmer Meade in West Virginia. Shirlean was prescribed a generic version of Reglan (metoclopramide) for her reflux, and she developed tardive dyskinesia. She reported that because of this drug she is now unable to control her:

facial expressions
tongue
mouth
jaw
Reglan Lawsuit Information
Reglan plaintiffs asked in early April 2009 that their lawsuits be combined in the U.S. District of Nevada, where the presiding judge is already familiar with the Reglan issues. He has been handling Reglan lawsuits for more than a year. Thus, the Las Vegas-based federal district court of Judge James C. Mahan may become the central location for lawsuits involving Reglan injuries.
The defective drug attorneys and law firms who are defending Reglan patients who have been injured note that by transferring the Reglan lawsuit to one forum will not only save time, but will also help eliminate conflicting rulings and schedules.

Reglan Lawsuit Settlement
It is hoped that the various lawsuits for Reglan will bring about one or more full and fair Reglan settlement. The many metoclopramide side effects that have been documented by the FDA may result in a recall of Reglan and other versions of this drug (e.g., Maxolon, Degan, Maxeran, Primperan, and Pylomid).

Talk to a Reglan Lawyer
The FDA has already issued a severe-worded advisory regarding potential side effects of Reglan syrup, injections and tablets. A Reglan recall may be next. In the meantime, if you feel that you may have a Reglan lawsuit and are in need of experienced legal support, please contact our Reglan lawyer today.

FDA Alert: Reglan gets Black Box warning
Reglan, generically known as metoclopramide, is a drug commonly prescribed to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), persistent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of stomach fullness. Reglan increases pressure at the point where the esophagus connects to the stomach and helps the stomach deliver food into the intestines to complete the digestive process.
In addition to being prescribed to adults for heartburn and reflux, Reglan has also been prescribed by doctors for use in babies, often to treat GERD. While many medical practitioners assured parents of Reglan’s safety and lack of side effects, we now know this is not the case.

Is Your Child Showing Signs of Tardive Dyskinesia?
Evidence shows that extended use of Reglan can cause the serious neurological syndrome, tardive dyskinesia. Tardive means “delayed” and dyskinesia means “abnormal movement.” Tardive Dyskinesia can mimic disorders such as Parkinson's Disease, Tourette's Syndrome, Huntington's Chorea, tics, cerebral palsy, stroke and hyperactivity. Tardive Dyskinesia is often irreversible, may become permanent, and greatly reduces the quality of life of your child.

Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia include:
Involuntary movements - tongue and facial movement specifically
Making faces through grimacing, lip movement and puckering, and sticking out the tongue
In some cases the arms and legs may also suffer, thereby making walking, running or even moving around the home difficult
Tarvdive dyskinesia is difficult to diagnose in your baby since they are learning to use their arms, legs, and make faces without reason, but be sure to watch the babies face and tongue for involuntary movements. Your baby will appear more agitated than normal and these movements should appear different from others. If your baby is showing these signs, contact your pediatrician immediately to discuss Reglan use and if an alternative may be available.

Free Reglan Side Effects Case Evaluation
If you, or your baby, have been taking Reglan and have experienced signs of tardive dyskinesia, contact us to learn your legal rights. All calls and cases reviews are free of charge. Cases are accepted only after a careful review of the facts, medical records and diagnosis. These cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. Client pays no attorneys fees or expenses unless the case is settled out of court or a judgment is obtained in court.

Swaddling website

Miracle Blanket set up the following website and it is really a good site.

www.SwaddlingTruth.com is in response to some bad information and rumors that have been swirling about the country regarding swaddling. These messages are being created by people who have an unjustified dislike of swaddling or a hidden agenda and it’s obvious that they clearly have NOT read the research on the subject. The bad information is being disseminated via “education” and through mislabeled products. It’s confusing and disingenuous at best, and it’s potentially harmful at worst.