I often check out the many innovative and inspiring videos over on TED. Today I saw this amazing project and innovation created by Jane Chen. Her invention can keep millions of infants warm as the heal from premature birth — a design that’s safe, portable, low-cost ($25) and life-saving.

Because of the generosity of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Illinois, the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Chicago now has the Bilisoft LED Phototheraphy system. This innovative medical invention by GE is the only product of its kind which supports and promotes developmental care, enables infant-parent bonding such as breastfeeding and provides healing light for babies as they heal from severe cases of jaundice. The traditional units which treat such infants prevents parents from holding, touching, and unfortunately breastfeeding during treatment. (Mothers can still express their milk and have it feed to the baby through tubes).

Click here to learn more about this incredible technology.

According to the March of Dimes, nearly 60% of all newborns develop jaundice after birth. Jaundice is the yellow discoloration of baby’s skin and the whites of his or hers eyes. Usually, the discoloration arrives on the 2nd or so day after birth and then naturally goes away around day 8. The common form does not cause any discomfort for your infant or harm. There are some cases where a baby’s bilirubin levels (the cause of Jaundice) can peak to a severe rate and as a result pose a risk of brain damage to a baby. It is for this reason that your baby’s bilirubin level should be checked both before you leave the hospital/birthing center or if you are having a home birth, by your midwife and then 3 to 5 days after birth.

The exact cause(s) for these spiked levels still are being researched though there are some schools of thoughts that believe bilirubin levels are altered due to the clamping of the umbilical cord during birth. In 1996, the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed delaying the clamping of the cord, though for some reason, this is still a standard protocol in most American hospitals. Judith Mercer, a CNM published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, concluded her study in 2001 and derived, “Early clamping of the umbilical cord at birth, a practice developed without adequate evidence, causes neonatal blood volume to vary 25-40%. Such massive change occurs at no other time in one’s life without serious consequences, even death. Early cord clamping may impede a successful transition and contribute to hypovolemic and hypoxic damage in vulnerable newborns.”

After learning about this research and that some midwives report seeing fewer cases of jaundice in babies born at home, I do wonder if the early clamping of the chord has a direct effect on the amount of bilirubin released into the baby’s system. For those cases where babies who were born at home and then developed jaundice, I wonder if in those cases the umbilical cord was wrapped around the neck of the baby. If anyone can comment on that, it would be interesting to hear your feed back.

To learn more about jaundice, click here.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the team at Renew Physical Therapy. Located in mid-town Manhattan , Renew specializes in orthopedics and women’s health issues. Using state of the art technology as well as having a passionate and talented staff, Renew-PT empowers, strengthens, and heals amazing women who are experiencing sciatica, low back pain, abdominal diastasis-recti, c-section or episiotomy scar pain, painful sex and more . Just check out the video testimonials on their website and you’ll hear & fell the enthusiasm for their services.

What I really admire about Renew-PT is the center’s unique approach to women’s wellbeing. You come first. The private treatment rooms have spa-like atmospheres and incorporate custom pregnancy tables to accommodate your beautiful growing belly. The treatment sessions are up to 1 hour long and when applicable incorporate innovative biofeedback technology or the magical power of the hands using Arvigo Mayan Abdominal Massage. The team works with your doctor by providing them a written note within 24 Hours of your evaluation, detailing their findings so that your doctor can make well-timed changes to your medical care if necessary.

You can also get one-on-one training at Renew-PT to strengthen your core and pelvic wall in your pre and post natal state among other services. Isa Herrera, Clinical Director of Renew, also has a book out entitled, The Pregnant Couple’s Guide to Working Out Together. It is filled with many techniques and tips for you and your partner staying in shape and preparing for childbirth.

Renew Physical Therapy truly is an empowering and healing oasis. In a world and culture that does not necessarily allow women to have a safe and comfortable platform to discuss our health issues and concerns, it truly is inspiring to know that such a center exists for women. We are all entitled to the power to reclaim our health, live a pain free life, and be embraced and supported. Renew-PT helps to bring you to that realization. They do accept insurance (certain rules may apply) and offer flexible payment plans. Do check out and explore their website for further information.
**(they also provide physical therapy services for men to support pelvic and bladder health).