FALL 2002

WOMAN TO WOMAN
A Publication of Family Nurse Midwife Associates
520 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 520
Jeannette, Pennsylvania 15644
724-527-9159
www.JDMH-midwives.com

Fall 2002 Edition

Breast-feeding, Childrearing cuts Breast Cancer Risk
The number of children women have and the length of time they breast-feed them are the most important factors influencing their chance of developing breast cancer-even more important than genetic factors, a major research shows. This Landmark study published the week of July 18, 2002 in the Lancet Medical Journal, found that if women in the industrialized workload breast-fed each of their children six months longer, they could reduce their chance of breast cancer by 5 percent, even in they have a strong family history. Experts say the findings may help explain the discrepancy between low rates of breast cancer in developing countries and the rising number of cases in the wealthier nations. In the developed world, there has been many changes in childbearing patterns and this has lead to the increase in breast cancer rates, said Eugina Calle of the American Cancer Society.

In 1970, a study found that the age at which a woman had her first child was key, but that neither the number of children she had or her breastfeeding habits mattered. Since that time almost every study on breast cancer has confirmed that finding on age at first birth, but there has been allot of confusion about whether the number of children and breastfeeding has any effect on breast cancer. The Oxford Group started to look into this more by looking at 20,000 women who had only one child and who had never breastfed, and compared them with women who do not breast-feed by continued to have children. It was found that the risk goes down with each additional child, even if they were never breastfed at a rate of 7 percent per child. The researchers also found that regardless of the number of children, the risk of breast cancer dropped by 4.3 percent for every year the women breast-fed. They have found that prolonging breastfeeding and having more children pushes down breast cancer rates. The magnetite of protection was the same in all women regardless of ethnic origin, drinking habits and age of menopause. In the developed world, women have an average of two to three children and breastfeed for about two to three months. Fifty percent of mothers in the United States, about twenty five percent in Europe and ten percent in Scandinavia choose not to breastfeed. A century ago, before oral contraception, infant formula, improved infant survival and career opportunities for women, Western women used to have six to seven children and breast-fed each for about two years. This pattern is still dominant in many part of the developing world.

In the industrialized world, women have a 6.3 percent chance of getting breast cancer before the age of 70 compared to 2.7 percent in poorer countries. Part of this reason is that women in poorer countries have children earlier, at about 18 or 19, compared to 23 or 24 in the developed world. But that can not explain all the difference in breast cancer rates.

People have been trying to fill that gap with things like diet, alcohol, et. to explain this difference. But the fact is that prolonged breastfeeding and having lots of children is what truly drives the lower rates. It is calculated that if Western reproductive and breastfeeding habits mimicked those in poorer countries, a women's risk of breast cancer would decrease at the age of 70 from 6.3 to 2.7. The researchers also looked into what would happen if women still only had two or three children but breastfed each one of them six months longer than the norm of two or three months. That would be about nine months of breastfeeding. They found that the risk of breast cancer dropped five percent.

The National Childbirth Trust, which promotes breastfeeding, said the research clearly shows the benefits for mothers as well as children. They hope that this important finding-that women who breast-feed longer, the more they are protected from breast cancer-will encourage more women to consider breast-feeding their baby. The scientists are not sure how childbirth and breast-feeding reduce breast cancer risks but they believe the findings could pave the way for better prevention and treatment methods.

Changes in 2003
Woman to Woman will be reducing its publication to every four months instead of quarterly. We will rely more on our website at www.JDMH-midwives to pass along information. Please log on to check on for updated class schedules and to read our latest birth stories!!!

Birth Announcements
Doug and Shelly Fouser are blessed to announce the birth of their daughter, JoshLynn Kenna Fouser, born January 30th, 2002 at 2:55. She weighed 9lbs 2ozs and was 22 1/2 inches long. Her big brother Joshus, who intends on making her a tomboy, welcomes her to our family.. Ladies, in my short time with your office, I thank you for all that you have done. And a special thank you goes out to Sandy, your support and encouragement made it all a more pleasant experience. I also want to thank the hospital side for a job well done. And by the way, my husband and son were very happy to be included from beginning to the birth. Thank you and God Bless each one of you.

Shelly Fouser. Somerset

Chad and Alison Agnew announce the birth of Silas Gabriel born July 2, 2002 weighing in at 8lbs 21 1/2 inches long. Silas joins siblings Noah (3) and Fiona (2)
Alison Agnew, Level Green

Adam and Sarah Klaum would like to announce the birth of their third son, Grayson Garrett, on July 23rd. Weighing in at 6lbs 8ozs and measuring 20 inches long. He joins brothers Aiden and Tiernan. Great Catch.Gretchen !!
Sarah Klaum, Greensburg

Would like to announce the birth of Douglas Alan Trout Jr (D.J.) to Doug and Peggy Trout of South Greensburg on May 12, 2002. He weighed 8lbs and 14 oz. and was 20 inches long.
Peggy Trout, South Greensburg

Tammy and Andre Stenson of California, Pa would like to announce the birth of their son, Colton Alexander on February 12, 2002. Colton was 8lbs 10 oz. and was 21 inches long. He has proud big sister, Brooke Elizabeth, who is 3
Tammy Stenson, California

Gary and Tamara Smith joyously announce the arrival of their second son, Nigil Harrison Smith. Weighing 6lbs 11 oz and measuring 19 1/2 inches long. Nigel was greeted by his doting big brother, Nolin Hunter Smith. God is good all the time-and all the time, God is Good
Tamara Smith, Irwin

Children Need Smoke Free Air
You can Quite Scholarships for pregnant women and their spouses who smoke and are not covered by insurance for cessation classes are available by calling 724-837-1402. Children who breathe second hand tobacco smoke inhale chemicals in the smoke such as acetone which is also in nail polish remover, ammonia found in cleaning products, cadmium found in batteries, carbon monoxide from car exhaust, cyanide, formaldehyde from embalming fluid, nicotine, tar as found in asphalt and hundreds of other chemical. Smoking tobacco smoke increases Asthma, Bronchitis, Coughs, Ear Infections, Pneumonia, Hospitalizations for respiratory problems and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Please do not smoke around children and ask others not to smoke around them. Not everyone is ready to choose to stop smoking, but every smoker can choose to Take it Outside. The PA Quitline for help to stop smoking is 1-877-724-1090

We hope that you have enjoyed this edition of "Woman to Woman" If you would like to submit a birth story, announcement or article, please forward it to our office. Information can be sent to us via mail, fax or e mail. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!!!! Our next edition will be early in 2003.

The staff of Family Nurse Midwife Associates
Gretchen Cohen CNM
Sandy Mauro CNM
Sue Klosky, Office Coordinator and Editor