Low Vitamin D Levels Linked with Health Problems

An Austrian study took a look at the health problems that can come with low levels of vitamin D. Researchers followed more than 3,200 men and women from southwest Germany for eight years. Most of the participants had some form of heart disease, and the average participant age was sixty-two. During the study, the participants were tested weekly for vitamin D levels. Over the eight years of the study, 737 participants died — 463 deaths from heart-related problems and the rest from other causes. One of the vitamin tests showed that patients with the lowest levels of vitamin D were … Continue reading

The Best of the 2007 Baby Blog

It has been an exciting year in the baby blog with a few changes in bloggers, several news stories, a few series started, and of course lots of information and reflection. This is a list of the best of the best. . .the best news, the best advice and the best of my personal favorites. With that I wish you all a Happy New Year, and look forward to an exciting year in 2008! Ask a Baby Blogger Series–This, in my opinion is one of the best things the baby blog has to offer. Granted, it’s my advice which I … Continue reading

Valorie’s Breastfeeding Index

Later today I will post a review of the baby blog of 2007 so why does breastfeeding get its own category? Well, in part as an answer to readers who want to read what I’ve written on breastfeeding. I’ve written so much on breastfeeding at this point that you all have asked for an index of sorts so it’s easier to find what you’re looking for. It’s also in part because I’ve become known as the breastfeeding lady. . .guru. . .whatever you want to call it. I’ve been at this breastfeeding business for a long time and many of … Continue reading

Why Does My Body Need Vitamin D?

Back in the 1920s, people prevented rickets by taking cod liver oil. Lucky for us, these days milk is fortified with vitamin D! But vitamin D does more than prevent rickets — do you know what this vitamin does for your body? Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus — two minerals that are important in bone and tooth growth. But it doesn’t only help you absorb the minerals; vitamin D helps your body regulate their use. In other words, the vitamin helps tell your body whether to deposit these minerals into your bones or take them out … Continue reading

Baby Blog Week in Review: Feb. 3 through Feb. 9

Sorry that this is a little late. Poor Heather has been under the weather. Did you miss something last week? We’ve covered everything from products you don’t want in the same house with a baby to hot topics like breastfeeding in public and religious opposition to standard medical procedure. If you missed something, check it out now! Sunday, Feb. 3 Should Medical Exemptions be Justified By Religious Beliefs? We tackled the story of a couple who did not want their daughter’s blood drawn within the state mandated period of 48 hours after birth. There is no easy answer here, but … Continue reading

Ask a Baby Blogger: Vitamin D Supplements & Breastfeeding

Question: I have heard that you are supposed to give your baby Vitamin D supplements if they are breastfeeding. I am not sure how I feel about this, but I am also concerned about rickets. I also follow a vegan diet. What is your opinion on giving vitamin supplements to exclusively breastfed babies? I have to say that I rarely go against the advice of my pediatrician. I think she’s fantastic and I trust her. However, I am still the parent, and I still have the right to decide what is best for my child. Supplementing our babies with vitamins … Continue reading