Could BPA and Breast Milk be the Mercury-Fish Catch22 for the Next Generation?

Last week the New York Times reported that the Food and Drug Administration is now willing to look into the health hazards of Bisphenol-A (BPA). Given that BPA is present in the lining of infant formula cans, the article tells us the FDA recommends that nursing mothers continue breastfeeding for twelve months. But there’s a catch. [...]

Continuing the Drumbeat for Breastfeeding Rights.

Breastfeeding rights is a big topic with MomsRising members. In fact, as we were developing this blog to update our members and allies on the current status of breastfeeding legislation, the issue again came to the attention of the MomsRising team when several MomsRising members expressed concern that showing a photo which included babies with [...]

Rub a Dub Dub: Watch out for chemical-induced rashes in the tub

The products are advertised as “extra gentle” and “for sensitive skin,” yet new medical papers indicate that many children’s bath products contain a chemical preservative that can cause chronic skin problems that are often misdiagnosed as eczema or other diseases. Quaternium 15 – a chemical found in Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Mr. Bubble Bath, and Huggies [...]

Societal Barriers to Breastfeeding

When people think of breastfeeding difficulties, the things that probably come to mind are supply issues, bad latch, cracked nipples, constant feedings, and the like. Certainly, there are women who are afflicted by those difficulties and who cannot overcome them. But I believe the societal barriers to breastfeeding (propagated by the kyriarchy) have a much more significant impact on breastfeeding rates than the medical or technical issues.

Lifesaver Advocacy — Fun & Effective

Honestly, I never knew visiting legislators at the State Capitol could be this fun. On Tuesday, nine MomsRising members, five kids (the youngest was 5 months!) and I spent the day urging legislators to do their part to expand healthcare coverage for kids in California.

Why is the CPSC Denying the Risks of Chemical Exposure for Kids?

When I became a mother, I always thought that I could trust products that I purchased for my children. Now, every day, it seems, a new scientific study emerges showing chemical exposure in products we once thought to be safe.

How did this happen?

Help Protect Californian Children’s Health and the State Budget!

Through the recently enacted federal economic stimulus package – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – the federal government has made available over $11 billion to California for our Medicaid program, Medi-Cal. However, receipt of these additional dollars is contingent on maintaining July 2008 Medicaid eligibility levels and enrollment/renewal procedures.

This time, candy is good for kids’ health!

Thanks to your amazing and sustained effort, Congress and President Obama have thrown a lifeline to children who need healthcare! Our national leaders have made healthcare for families a top priority during this time of economic crisis by passing several pieces of legislation that give states the additional money they need to cover more kids. They’ve thrown our kids a lifesaver, quite literally.

Support Children’s Health Coverage in California; Take Action Now

SB 1, authored by Senate President Steinberg and Senate Health Committee chair Alquist (with principal co-authors, Assemblymen Jones and Chesbro), would ensure all California children have health coverage. The bill will be heard in the Senate Health Committee on Wednesday, January 28th.

Will CA Leaders Take the Lead? Help Them Decide!

Great news! Thanks to your incredible advocacy, the U.S. House of Representatives voted this week to expand children’s health coverage through a strong re-authorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week. Congress is on the right track by demonstrating that kids are a top priority.