A Week in the News - 27th September 2013

The news this week has been dominated by the tragic story of the shopping mall in Kenya that was taken over by terrorists. Whilst many people were brutally murdered whilst shopping, there have also been heartwarming tales of survival and rescue which ensure that another part of the story can be told. Needless to say we'll be moving our focus onto events that have happened in the world of pregnancy and babies this week, so without further ado here is our round up.

Newborns, TV and MMR

Did you think your baby might smell good enough to eat? Well a report in the Daily Mail this week suggests that it could just be the case. Apparently the smell of a new born tempts a mother the same as the smell of a burger might tickle a fast food lovers fancy. That being said I don't think we could all eat a whole baby could we?

A blog in the Telegraph is concerned that the BBC are considering extending their broadcast of children's programmes beyond 7pm. If I was still a child I would have thought this was the best news in the world, an extra episode of SuperTed would always have been appreciated. Unfortunately if I was a parent I think the blessing of a 7pm cut off would be a sad loss, but try saying that to a 12 year old.

There was also news this week that the number of two year olds having the MMR jab is at its highest level ever, with 92.2% of toddlers receiving the jab. Whilst this may be below the target set by the World Health Organisation it shows how the positive reporting of the jab by the press, rather than the mistaken campaign in the 1990s that scared parents away from the jab. One day we may even see the number of toddlers receiving the jab exceeding that 95% target, something I'm sure health professionals across the country would be delighted to see.

Sleeping, Premature Babies and Placentas

Everyone knows that a nap can be important for young children, but new reports suggest that it can also boost brain power. Following a nap it is suggested that children could recall around 10% more information than those who had not napped. I think even adults can sympathise with that, but it is interesting to see that a nap can not only reduce tiredness but also help to develop the brain of young children.

Findings in New Zealand suggest that a simple dose of sugar gel rubbed into a premature baby's cheek can help to prevent brain damage. It has been discovered that this is more effective than a glucose drip. Whilst we shouldn't expect this technique to be introduced into our hospitals today, it will take some further testing before that is the case, this is an extremely interesting finding and one which could not only help premature babies but also save money in our under threat NHS. Whilst this is a potentially great change in our care for children, a stranger trend is that of lotus birthing, leaving the placenta and umbilical cord attached after birth. Despite concerns from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists this trend is continuing despite the fact that it could potentially kill babies. Would you do this?

We'll be back next week with another look at the news, as always you can contact us through our Twitter account, @MumNetwork, or through our site.

About the author

James Brighton

Since 2011 James has been in charge of working with and organising all our writers to put together Pregnancy.co.uk and Babies.co.uk. Anna, his girlfriend, knows he will be an encyclopaedia of knowledge if she ever falls pregnant!

Click here to read my full biography.

share this page with friends and family

Tweet