No abstract

In this column, the author reviews statistics that reflect MARY BETH FLANDERS-STEPANS is an Assistant Professorthe disparity of maternal mortality rates among black, in the School of Nursing at the University of Wyoming in nonwhite, and white women. Laramie, Wyoming.Journal of Perinatal Education, 9(2), 50-51; maternal mortality, pregnancy, childbirth education.

Abstractstudy was to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding in a group of Alaskan Inupiat Eskimos, who live in northern Alaska. A convenience sample of 36 women making up three age cohorts was utilized (women ages 18 to 25, N‫;11ס‬ ages 26 to 40, N‫;41ס‬ ages 41 to 60, N‫.)11ס‬ Data collected from these women on their choice of infant-feeding method contributed to measuring the prevalence of breastfeeding. Prevalence was also measured by categorizing the children of these women into three age groups and further classifying them as to how they were fed when they were infants. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing 95% confidence intervals. Results revealed that, in this sample and over the past 20 years, a substantial decline has occurred in the percentage of Inupiat infants exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months or longer. Data also indicated a downward trend in the percentage of mothers between the ages of 26 and 39 who initiate breastfeeding; however, among the mothers aged 18 to 25, data reflected a rising trend.

The Environmnetal Working Group, Health Care With- MARY BETH FLANDERS-STEPANS is an Assistant Professor inout Harm (1999)

Researchers continue to find new ways to protect the indicates that for women infected with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, antibiotic treatment reduces the incidence of harmful effects this infection can have on the fetus. In addition, researchers have concluded that women's breast milk can be a source of lead exposure in infants. Maternal use of calcium supplements, however, can decrease the risk of lead transfer by reducing the mobilization of skeletal mineral stores. MARY BETH FLANDERS-STEPANS is an Assistant Professor inJournal of Perinatal Education, 8(3), 36-37; toxoplasmosis, infections, lead poisoning, breast milk.