<ē "watson_bio.html ">Dr. Stanley Watson

for the

Family Support Network

PLAN BEFORE BIRTH TO INSURE THE BEST FOR YOUR BABY

The column today is for those parents who are willing to give their baby the best possible chance at good health and a better life. The cardinal rule is to begin before the baby is conceived. This is very important because the mother is the very source of life for the new person. Her body supplies the material for the baby's development. Normally the state of her health and her way of life during the pregnancy can produce problems or an offspring relatively free of physical and emotional difficulties.

Scientists used to believe that almost all birth defects were caused by the egg or sperm materials. Now we know that birth defects are also caused by the mother's diseases, blood disorders, poor diet, irradiation, drugs and oxygen levels. Her emotions can also influence the health of her baby. Her peace of mind calls for a good relationship with the people who are important to her, especially her husband.

Some habits are especially damaging to the unborn child and must be stopped if the baby is given its best chance for good health. Here are some of the most common:

1. Alcohol. Just two drinks of hard liquor can cause birth defects and even one drink a day can do damage.
2. Tobacco. Nicotine reduces the size of the baby and can trigger premature birth.
3. Drugs. Take no drugs unless they are prescribed by a physician. Any drug has its effect, even one aspirin increases the bleeding time of the mother and baby. An infant born to an addicted mother is an addict, will suffer withdrawal pains, and sometimes dies.
4. Stimulants. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, chocolate,and most soft drinks creates a problem. If you canšt lay aside your stimulants during pregnancy you will spend a lot of time coping with a newborn who is restless, finicky, and not as happy as you had hoped for. This nervous pattern will most likely continue as the child develops.

When a sperm and egg combine to begin the life of a new human being all of the genetic information he or she will ever have is present. How well the person develops is conditioned by what happens during pregnancy as well as after the birth. The practice of a healthy lifestyle will not change one's traits but it will make the most of what a person inherits.

It would revolutionize the physical and emotional health of the nation if every baby started life with a loving mother who provided:

1. A clean body free from drugs and disease.
2. Good nutrition from balanced meals and supplements.
3. Exercise that is both reasonable and regular.
4. Peace of mind that results from a positive attitude toward life, trust in self, love for others and faith in God.

How about the father's part? Research shows that a man's physical condition is also significant in producing a healthy offspring. Poor health, especially when it is induced by alcohol or drugs, can damage the sperm materials resulting in a baby with health problems.

After pregnancy, your responsibility and privilege is to cooperate with your wife in her new condition. Support her without trying to control her. Nurture her as she nurtures the child she carries. She deserves it, the baby deserves it, and as the child develops you will be glad you did. Bringing new life into the world is a miracle that requires the cooperation of three persons. You, your mate, and God who is the source of all life. Your part is to honor all three.

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