The Allergy Epidemic

[kandrathe]

I was dragged kicking and screaming to the second iteration of LaMaze, since I had had one already, but I would not be allowed into the delivery room/or the C-section (which happened as it turned out) without a complete new La Maze course. Why? Some effing insurance/HMO deal. :angry:

So, I got to be exposed to more and different new age stuff. I also met a lady who was still breast feeding her son, who was 3. :blink: Yes, she was a rabid member of La Leche.

Occhi

I <strike>had to</strike> cheerfully went through birthing classes for both of my boys. :D As for breast feeding, my rule of thumb is... when they can ask for it, they are too old. There are probably benefits for the baby in the way of digestion and nutrients, but poor mom can't be expected to handle everything. Bottle feeding has been the standard way that we handled those times when it was impossible for mom. I've read a study that some nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids are supplied in breast milk, which help the babies brain develop.

Also about Chicken Pox (Herpes Zoster)... Your initial infection is system wide, then the immune system eventually wins but some virus can remain dormant in the spinal cord or a nerve fiber. Usually when later as an adult, when one is highly stressed or in an immune compromised state the virus re-emerges following the nerve and erupting near nerve ganglia. This virus behavior is also seen in HSV-1 and HSV-2. Anyway, that is why the 2nd emergence (as shingles) is so painful but less lethal.