Badas$ Birthing

06/24/2026

A sports broadcaster criticized Belgian footballer Jérémy Doku for leaving the World Cup to be with his wife for the birth of their son. He went anyway.

The criticism reflected the *very* outdated idea that fathers are spectators in childbirth. Research shows the opposite. When partners are present and engaged during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, mothers experience better emotional support, lower stress, and improved health outcomes, while fathers build stronger bonds with their children from the very beginning.

Doku and his wife, Shireen, welcomed their son, Praise, in London. He is expected to rejoin the Belgian national team in Seattle, and the broadcaster has since apologized following widespread criticism.

Showing up for your partner and your child isn’t taking away from the game. Being present for your family and the people who matter most is part of what fuels greatness.

06/17/2026

Important update for SNOO Smart Sleeper users:

If you have, or are considering purchasing a SNOO Smart Sleeper, please be aware that its manufacturer, Happiest Baby, Inc., has been selling new sleep sack sizes and hospital SNOO bassinet bundles without first undergoing FDA review and obtaining FDA authorization.

The FDA strongly cautions patients, caregivers and health care providers that the X-Small and X-Large sleep sacks, and the SNOO Hospital Bundle, have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the FDA and pose increased risks as described in the Warning Letter. The FDA also cautions that stains, soiling and unsanitary conditions have been reported on refurbished SNOOs distributed to customers, which may pose risk of infection. The FDA also cautions that mold has been reported on SNOO Smart Sleeper mattresses and/or mattress covers. Users should report any problems with SNOO products through the MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/products-and-medical-procedures/pediatric-medical-devices

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home

06/17/2026

06/11/2026

Effect of antenatal colostrum expression teaching on breastfeeding practices and birth outcomes: a retrospective case-control chart review

Abstract
Background
Antenatal colostrum expression is a practice involving self-massage of the breasts starting in late pregnancy (typically 35-36-weeks of gestation), which is thought to stimulate lactation and allow individuals to secrete and store colostrum prior to delivery. To support successful breastfeeding initiation and continuation among patients, some clinicians provide antenatal colostrum expression teaching as part of standard prenatal care. However, the impact of antenatal colostrum expression teaching is unclear due to limited evidence which is largely anecdotal. The primary aim of this case-control chart review was to evaluate the effect of antenatal colostrum expression teaching as part of standard obstetrical care on breastfeeding practices at first postpartum checkups, gaining pilot data to inform future research. Secondary outcomes included the evaluation of preterm delivery, mode of delivery, and repeat hyperbilirubinemia screening between groups.

Methods
A retrospective case-control chart review before (n = 79) and after (n = 96) antenatal colostrum expression teaching was incorporated into standard care at 36-gestational week visits in an obstetrical practice in North Battleford, SK, Canada (2016–2020). Odds of fully breastfeeding at first postpartum check-ups in cases vs. controls was evaluated with logistic regression, adjusted for parity, mode of delivery, and infant age at postpartum check-ups. Odds of repeat hyperbilirubinemia screening in cases vs. controls was evaluated with logistic regression, adjusted for parity, mode of delivery, and infant s*x.

Results
Antenatal colostrum expression teaching increased the odds of fully breastfeeding at postpartum check-ups by > 3-fold as compared to controls (aOR = 3.09; 95% CI = 1.35–7.09). Odds of repeat hyperbilirubinemia screening was 59% lower in cases vs. controls (aOR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.18–0.92). No significant differences in gestational age at delivery or mode of delivery were found between groups.

Conclusion
Antenatal colostrum expression presents a promising intervention to help prepare patients mentally and physiologically for breastfeeding and labour. While these findings suggest that advocacy efforts are warranted to increase standard provision of antenatal colostrum expression teaching in late gestation, results should be confirmed in a randomized intervention trial, which further aims to understand the effect on longer-term breastfeeding rates and infant health." https://rdcu.be/fnEGr

Niessen, C., Hawkins, N., Yen, TW. et al. Effect of antenatal colostrum expression teaching on breastfeeding practices and birth outcomes: a retrospective case-control chart review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-09298-5