Surprising Increase in Infant Mortality

The Centers for Disease Control, CDC –government agency, reported Feb. 12, 2004 that Infant Deaths in the United States have increased by 3% for the First Time Since 1958. Go to http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/releases/04news/infantmort.htm to see their statement.

They stated: " … infant mortality increased from a rate of 6.8 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2001 to a rate of 7.0 per 1,000 births in 2002, the first year since 1958 that the rate has not declined or remained unchanged."

Dr. Tom Brewer, an OB-GYN who specializes in prenatal nutrition has stated that many of these babies have Idiopathic Respiratory Syndrome or hyaline membrane disease which takes the lives of 25,000 babies a year. This is more frequent in premature or low birth weight babies. Dr. Richard Bland in 1972 at Tripler Hospital on Oahu, found that these babies often have low blood protein. A healthy, well balanced diet is important for both mother and baby.

It seems the trend in our society is swinging towards more labor and birth interventions and less parental responsibility and we are noticing the impact on our babies. If you look at the specifics in the report, you will notice there was an 8% increase from 2001 to 2002 where the newborn was affected by maternal factors and by complications of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. According to Dr. Tom Brewer, "No matter how healthy you are or how sick you are, a good healthy diet is a plus. Commercial products and even vitamins or minerals cannot replace good food. Prevention is better than cure. That applies to nearly all the major things that cause prematurity and low birth weight."

To learn more about Dr. Tom Brewer's pregnancy nutrition diet, see below:

Article on Tom Brewer, MD (PDF format)

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