A Week in the News - 2nd May 2014

It's been a while since we last looked at the news, and many things have happened in the meantime! This week we've seen the sad news that Peaches Geldof may well have been taking heroin again, and this could have been a factor in her death. Politicians across the country have also gone into overdrive this week as they campaign for the European elections towards the end of the month. Nigel Farage was hit by an egg yesterday in what one can only assume may not be the last 'interesting' tale of this round of EU elections. With the long Bank Holiday weekend to look forward to, we're also hoping for some nicer weather! Time to have a look at some stories which have caught our eye over the past couple of weeks.

Peekaboo, Results and Breastfeeding

Do your children love playing peekaboo? It seems that every baby does, and researchers say that it can help babies too, as the story in the Daily Mail shows. The study concludes that playing peekaboo with your baby can help them to understand that sometimes their mums and dads have to go away, and also an understanding of how they can be seen in the real world. Many babies believe it their eyes and covered that they are in fact invisible, so no wonder why peekaboo can be so much fun.

An interesting story in the Telegraph looks at how children no longer care if they win or lose in competitive sport. It's interesting that this has now become a concern, as for many years people have been wanting to take the competitive edge out of sport for young children. Speaking from personal experience, I have seen parents get extremely angry when their son or daughter has been prevented from winning for whatever reason. Whether it has been a dodgy offside decision in a football match, or the simple thought that their child is better than everyone elses. Seeing as football especially has tried to get away from this kind of behaviour, is it right for people to campaign to make children's sport even more competitive? Perhaps this is a no win situation in itself.

A group of mothers in Nottingham staged a breastfeeding protest against Sports Direct - what do you make of this? Clearly breastfeeding is a natural thing to do, and whilst stores should not throw women out because they are feeding their child, is such a reaction by the mums warranted? Cases like this always spring strong opinions from both sides of the debate, and was also featured in a recent episode of the TV series Doctors.

Infant Mortality, Diet and Abortion

Reports in the Guardian looked at what could be affecting the infant mortality rate in the UK. Statistics show that the UK has one of the highest rates of still borns in the Western world according to a study in the Lancet, and the report looks at how NHS understaffing may play a role in this. There is no doubt that there can be many reasons for a baby being still born, but if understaffing and simple mistakes are causing such terrible outcomes then surely something should be done?

News featured in various outlets, including on the BBC, was a study which reveals how your pre-pregnancy diet can influence a baby's DNA. Whilst the study does not reveal exactly what issues could arise due to this, it is clear that as always a balanced diet is extremely important. We are told by various people, and for various reasons, that a balanced diet is key to our health so perhaps it is time that everyone begins to listen. A balanced diet during your pregnancy can be of real benefit to both you and your baby, so why not start before you fall pregnant?

Whilst this is a story looking at the US abortion is something which always causes intense debate. This mother looks at how her views changed when she had to have an emergency c-section at 28 weeks. It is an interesting read, and is definitely something which I will leave for you to make your own mind up.

Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend, and see you next week, don't forget to follow us @MumNetwork in the mean time.

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.

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