March 2001 Newsletter

Mother Spring

In this issue:

MOTHER TO MOTHER- from Catherine Young
LITTERS
DEAR MOTHER DEAR
MATTHEW PRICE CIRCUMCISION CASE

<<<>>>
<<<>>>

Mother to Mother

The fast went slowly.

Each morning I woke, dreading the thought of another sip of strained beet juice, another cup of sage tea, but each day I asked myself if I preferred bacon, eggs and tumours and always headed for the juicer instead.

At church on e Sunday with Helen, a visiting doula from Florida, we were invited for coffee hour. We smiled; I never drank coffee in my pre-Nestle Carnation Mild Breast Cancer days but brewed it regularly for enemas during the "Rudolph Breuss Cancer Cure"  fast. Thanks, but we don't take it orally, said my sister.

On day 28, my pain-free fast existence had a rude wake up call. Dull, achy, sore tumour growth on my ribs. I walked slowly to my bountiful everbearing raspberry patch, ate my fill and cried. I had lost 25 pounds but I hadn't lost my cancer.

Soon after my hip developed a noticeable limp and I added a shiny blue cane to my Nestle Carnation Milk Breast Cancer war arsenal. Friend Aliss came to visit, to hug me and cry for the disease robbing my future and overtaxing my present. She too was a Carnation Condensed Milk baby, who struggled with food allergies and digestive problems as an adult. We
mourned my surgically removed left breast and hated my metastasis to my bones. She had been the author of one of The Mother's first letters to the editor, 16 years earlier. A week later, an email: she found a lump in her own breast, and a biopsy confirmed it was cancerous.

Over the summer, an Ottawa researcher made bold headlines when he announced his work with the reo-virus, which, when injected into the bloodstream will destroy cancerous cells. I faxed him my status, 4th stage and terminal, and dreamed he might pick me for a clinical trial.

He called, and my heart leapt. He said I was a most interesting candidate since I hadn't had a cough, cold, sneeze or fever in my year in cancerland. But the Health and Welfare arm of the government forbade him to release the reo-virus for two, maybe three years, he said.

I asked what would happen if I got a special permission.

He hesitated a minute, then said he would have to give me the reo-virus. It took letters from my family doc and the pro-breastfeeding oncologist, an impassioned pleas to the Special Access Program, and special permission was given. The Ottawa researcher apologized and said he didn't  have
enough reo-virus to give me.

Being Catherine in Cancerland is similar to being a single parent looking for a significant other. So close, and yet so far, so often.

Eight years ago I met a bridge player who loved country living, home grown meals, mystery novels, travel to hot countries in cold months, and me. He gave me a ring covered in rubies and diamonds and said I made him happier than he thought possible. Then he told me it was over. I wept buckets and threw the ring back in his face.

He called me during the fast, to ask me out to dinner. After my session in the raspberry patch, I eased into a vegan-type diet and went with him to the salad bar of the poshest place in town. Over avocado and tomatoes I asked him if he had met anyone special. No, he admitted. He hadn't kissed anyone since me, seven and a half years ago.

The day before he went south to Georgia for the winter he brought over a book of poetry we once read together after a bridge game. Sitting on top was the ruby and diamond ring.

British Columbia lay midwife Gloria LeMay urged me to get an ozone generator to fight my Nestle Carnation Milk Breast Cancer war. I told my bridge player I would join him in Georgia after #61 was put to bed. I was certain the ozonated drinking water, ozone funnel cupping on tumours, and vaginal insufflation of ozone would have my cancer on the run before Valentine's Day.

To be doubly sure of cancer victory, I began megadosing on Ambertose and Phytaloe, the Rolls Royce of health food supplements generously donated by the Mannatech company.

My firstborn visited for the weekend and helpfully agreed to paint the staircase to the attic with boiled linseed oil, Saturday morning. An hour after she left for her university assignments Sunday morning, these attic steps were in flames. We're non-smokers, and there were no electrical wires under the stairs so it was officially blamed on spontaneous combustion.

A visiting family who found "The Mother" in their native Russiea, were still asleep in the guest room, but everyone managed to get out safely, and neighbours helped remove the ozone generator, and stashed the computer and printer in the cab of a pick-up truck. Baby Luba was confused about why we were outside in the wind but busied herself by breastfeeding under coats. (As a newborn in Moscow, doctors ignored her mother and gave formula. Encouraged by your stories, Leila dn Alexander worked hard at relactation. At 18 months, Luba has perfected the art and gives no sign of giving up a good thing.) *Editor note: a picture of Luba breastfeeding is on page 5 of the Spring issue of Compleat Mother Magazine*

I didn't fracture my hip until the eighth pumper truck pulled away. The ozone generator and a month's supply of Mannatech products went with me in the ambulance. Xrays convinced my doctor a steel ball and plate will need to replace my cancer eaten thigh. The insurance agent said it would be two months minimum before my house is back to normal, and in the meantime I'm stashed in town, in a nursing home. The irony is not lost on me.

My grown up kids say when you have cancer you have a wand, and whatever you wish for, you get. Like having the steps oiled. I'm wishing a generous scientist will share with me some reo-virus. I'm wishing Nestle will get out of the business of giving babies a horrible start and the adults they become, a horrible finish. I'm wishing the bridge player never makes me so mad I propel my pretty ruby ring into his face again. I'm wishing Mannateh or ozone or vegan fare or a steel ball and plate will reverse my cancer. And I'm wishing a young cancer-free reader will come forward and say it is her turn to publish a most interesting, international, quarterly breastfeeding and natural birthing magazine.

~your Catherine

<<<>>>

Moms Need Moms

Giving woment leaflets on the benefits of breastfeeding is of little value. Inviting women to participate in small discussion groups with one to one advice sessions achieved the best results, in some cases tripling the rate of breast feeding.
- The british Medical Journal, Aug 2000, 321-467

<<<>>>

Worried Moms Bottlefeed

Moms quit breastfeeding to please their partners, says Dr. Samir Arora after surveying 245 women at a Pennsylvania hospital.

Women who quit breastfeeding early believe their husbands feel it is ugly, unappealing, ruins their sex life, and renders the breast non-sexual.

About 40% of the women in the survey cited worries about their husbands as their reason not to breastfeed.

Another surprise was how early women made their decisions to breastfeed or bottle feed: 78% had decided in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Dr. Arora concluded breastfeeding campaigns should begin much earlier in pregnancy and fathers should be included.
- Pediatrics

<<<>>>
<<<<>>>>

LITTERS

The Birth Rush

Hospitals always scared me because I've seen many relatives die there. I just knew it wasn't a place to give birth. After many months of research I finally found a midwife who let me be in charge.

After 21 hours and nine days over our guestimate due date, our daughter was born at home, in her bag of waters. All 8 lb., 4 oz. Of her.

I raved about that birth for months and months. Many times I cried as I recalled it. I loved the power it gave me. People who are conformers thought I was crazy to love labor so much, yet I'd go through it a million times just for that rush.
- Heather Zanon

<<<>>>

Second Chance

I can't describe the amazing feeling to have delivered our baby at home without drugs or intervention and to be able to recover in the warmth and peace of our home. Birth is truly a miracle from God when we allow it to happen the way He created it to be. My midwife told me to write out my birth story to resolve any negative lingering feelings. I do not have one negative or regretful feeling about this experience.

Thank You, Lord
_ Julie smith, Kitchener, Ontario

<<<>>>

Sacred, Sacred

The most sacred way I can show my love for that young child is through the act of nursing him, where all the love in my heart literally flows from my heart directly into my child in a lving way.
- A Christian Mom

<<<>>>

Winter 2000 was a good read. I spent a peaceful afternoon nursing my sweetheart and reading it, cover to cover. It is like connecting with friends across the country. Two moms and two midwives I know are in the litters section. Sometimes you can even have a friend show up on the front cover, nursing her three-year old daughter. Fun. Hi to everyone!
- Anne-Marie Freeman, Bayfield Ontario

<<<>>>

As a LeLeche Leauge leader, I'm not allowed to mention The Compleat Mother, or hand them out at meetings. So my friend Marva brings her bulk subscription with her and passes them out as soon as the meeting is officially over.
- Lady Elle Tuck, Angus, Ontario

<<<>>>

I'm in an environment where I stick out like a sore thumb. I'm one of three lone hippies in this area, reading The Mother always brings me back to where my heart really wants to be, where I feel comfortable. So thank you for all the great information.
- Aymee, Mommy of Sara 3, and Joshua 1.
- Also LLL in my spare time. Miami, Florida

<<<>>>

There are no words to express the joy of watching our grown children parenting our grandchildren, and Compleat Mother helped!
-Julia Hoar Fritz, Nuncie, Indiana

<<<>>>

Whoops, sign je up for another two years. My three year old just weaned and my nine month old is nursing up a storm.
- Wendy McNair, Clarkesville, Georgia

<<<>>>

This is the only magazine I read cover to cover. The Mother's strength of vision, commitment and fearless honesty empowers me to raise my children in the way I know is right, and I do it with pride and conviction. There is no more important service to offer humanity, than to help parents
connect in ways to build health, love, confidence, strength and bliss, for generations. And we kick some serious multi-national butt in the process!
The Mother touches my heart deeply and I honor the work.
- Kellie Keys, Crawfordville, Florida

<<<>>>

I feel the same way about formula that I do about cesarean sections, episiotomies and circumcision.

If they are necessary they can be life saving, but they should not be promoted or marketed. And the conditions creating their need must be judiciously scrutinized.

As a baby I was breastfed, but  my older brother and sister were not. The doctor had told my mother she didn't have good enough milk. Interestingly though, if she HAD breastfed my brother, I would not be here. She found she was pregnant (with me) at her 'post-natal' appointment.

I have tried and failed at many things, and suffered much for my incompetence. Then, one day, a friend told me, "You know, Jody, misery is optional." It was like a light went on in my head. I still feel that way sometimes but it doesn't overwhelm me (as much) anymore. I think it was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, "No one can make anyone feel
guilty."
- Jody McLaughlin, US editor, Compleat Mother Magazine

<<<>>>

DEAR MOTHER DEAR

I am a breastfeeding mother of a son who will turn two
February 10, 2001.  He is is still nursing about five or six times a night (co-sleeping).  I don't mind this at all.  However, the problem is with his teeth.  I just took him to a children's dentist who said he has early signs of teeth decay on his top front four teeth.  She has ordered me to stop night nursing immediately!  I did not allow an x-ray, however she has told me that if the decay is in the nerve already his little teeth will have to be pulled. Otherwise he must have them filled.  These are, according to this dentist, the only options.   He eats a no refined sugar, organic vegetarian diet, so the sugar is from the breast milk sitting on his teeth all night.

She also said that brushing was not enough to stop the decay.

Is there anyone out there who has had this problem.  I
haven't got a clue how to start weaning him from night nursing.  He is a very content little fellow who I can honestly say has never been left to cry or made uncomfortable in any way (unvaccinated).  The thought of weaning and dental surgery (in which he would be restrained and given a narcotic) is killing me.  Can anyone offer advice or support?
Has anyone else gone through this?
N. Gauthier
(416) 693-5111
nancy.gauthier@utoronto.ca

<<<>>>

Read the truth about the statistics, the real dangers, and the history of hospital birth, compiled in a booklet. "Hospital Birth - Is it Really Safer Than Home Birth?" is over 40 pages, referenced. Read it and you'll be scared NOT to have your baby at home! Information included on how to prepare for birth at home. send $7US or $10 Cdn to
Sheila Stubbs
P.O. Box 161
Springford, ON    N0J 1X0
Canada
 Website:http://communities.msn.ca/birthingtheeasyway 

<<<>>>

Jim and Jennifer Price are under a strict gag order to never speak about the outcome of this case with anyone.  The case has been closed, and no further details will be revealed.

NOCIRC's very powerful legal brief www.nocirc.org/legal/brief/html was officially filed as court record.  This is one of NOCIRC's finest and most important accomplishments ever and it will have lasting ramifications.

Amber Craig  amberc@attglobal.net

The Star Ledger  Thursday 25, 2001

ACCORD NOT TO CIRCUMCISE SON STILL LEAVES HEATED LEGAL DEBATE

by Kate Coscarelli

        A divorcing couple who went to court over the circumcision of their 3-year-old son settled the dispute yesterday when the boy's mother withdrew a request to have the surgery preformed.   

      The case, which attracted significant attention from medical groups, legal scholars and the media, was decided behind closed doors in the Somerville County Courthouse.

        State Superior Court Judge Paul Armstrong signed the consent order yesterday morning, which said the request for surgery had been dropped and the issue resolved.  No other terms of the settlement were disclosed.

        "We are certain that our decision will promote Matthew's best interests and welfare," read a joint statement released by the boy's parents, James Price of Raritan and Jennifer Price of Clinton, who share custody.

        James Price has previously maintained that if a judge - at any level - granted the circumsision, he would oppose it. "We are going to do what's right for Matthew.  We love him very much," the father said yesterday.

        The case, which went on for seven months, became a focal point in the debate over the need for circumcision.  A California-based nonprofit group called the National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers, came to the aid of James Price, setting up a website to
raise funds for his legal battle, and filed court papers to support his opposition.

        About 64 percent of the nation's boys are circumcised shortly after birth, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, but in 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics stepped back from its position that the procedure should be done at birth.

        The medical community also weighed in. A "friend of the court brief" was filed by the Medical Society of New Jersey and the Urological Society of New Jersey opposing court-ordered treatments. The medical community says those decisions should be made by doctors and parents.

        Legal scholars said the case had the potential to set an explosive precedent that could have sent divorced or separated parents back to court to settle routine health matters normally decided by the custodial parent.

        As the case made headlines, James Price appeared on the Howard Stern radio show and on the Montel Williams TV talk show.

        While yesterday's settlement might have resolved the issue of a circumcision in Matthew's immediate future, it has not resolved the debate over the case's legal impact.

        Edward O'Donnell, the attorney appointed to act as quardian in the case, said the decision "reaffirms the familial autonomy accorded health care decisions, even in the context of divorce litigation."

        Another family law professor says the case could have a different predential value.  "Even custodial parents' viewpoints of medical treatments can only be sustained if they can prove that treatment is medically necessary," said Claudette St. Romaine at Seton Hall University Law School in Neward.

        But Norman Cantor, a professor at Rutgers University Law School in Newark, said it's hard to tell what long-term effects the case may have.

        "If a private settlement is reached in a case and there is not real authoritative ruling then there is no...impact," said Cantor.

        Jennifer Price, 32, filed for divorse last spring.  When the boy suffered through two cases of foreskin inflammation, doctors suggested a circumcision to help alleviate the possibility of recurring infections.

        But James Price objected, citing personal trauma from penile surgeries he had as a child and the possiblity that Matthew might have diminished sexual pleasure in the future.

        As is often the case with divorcing couples, the Prices turned to the courts to intervene.  In August, Armstrong ordered the procedure.

        However, the doctor involved backed out after James Price, 40, threatened legal action against him.  The parties returned to court and Armstrong stuck to his initial decision.

        An appellate court agreed.

        Then, in October, the state Supreme Court sent the matter back to Somerville for a full hearing to determine if the procedure was "medically necessary."  Yesterday's order brought the case to an end.
                                ###
NOCIRC's legal brief can be found at:
http://www.nocirc.org/legal/brief/html

<<<>>>

Peace!

Catherine Young
Jody McLaughlin
Greg Cryns

Inside Mother

Home
Subscribe!
What's New?
Mother's Tea
Guest Article
Homebirth
Editorial
Best Articles
Breastfeeding
Dear Mother Dear
Reader Letters
Eternally Pregnant
Circumcision
 

Read past issues
of our newsletter

Site Features

Book Reviews
Mother Books
Cartoons!
Poems
Links
Birth Stories
Site Map
Advertising

Contact Us

Birth, Joy, & Raspberry Leaves
-a new video compiled by Catherine and Amanda Young
of The Compleat Mother

Go HERE for more information on the waterbirth video! 

Click here to read: The Farmer and the Obstetrician

Click here for the Home Sweet Homebirth (Video)