Press Release - Mother of 7, Inc.
Dallas Mother Promotes Breastfeeding
Worldwide
Dallas,
TX - With new breastfeeding
facts, findings, and stories making national headlines on a
daily basis, it is no wonder that Stephanie Scholz Neurohr,
a mother of seven breastfed children and Mother of 7: Birth and Breastfeeding Videos are
in the spotlight, as well.
Neurohr
is a published author, film producer, and founder of Mother
of 7, Inc. - a motherhood company specializing in educational
products for the expectant, new mother, and breastfeeding family. Mother
of 7 Breastfeeding Basics (20 min./$37), Breastfeeding
Intensive (45
min./$57), Breastfeeding Comprehensive (130 min./$147),
and Breastfeeding FAQs: Ask The Experts (45 min./$47)
are the first four videos in the series receiving global attention.
Neurohr's
research includes interviews with world experts, studies from
the latest medical journals, stories and tips from experienced
mothers, and videotaped sessions with leading lactation consultants
coaching new mothers.
A
mother's milk contains live antibodies, resulting in fewer
illnesses of the baby, and many diseases and cancers are greatly
reduced when the mother breastfeeds. In fact, the American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends that human milk be the solid
source of food for a new infant for at least the first 6 months
of life and the main source of nutrition for the first year.
Neurohr's
breastfeeding all seven of her children has been a positive
experience. "It was good for them, and good
for me," says Neurohr. Breastfeeding is "a bonding experience
with my children that cannot be replaced," says Neurohr. Recent
studies published in The Lancet and the American Journal
of Epidemiology reveal that breastfeeding helps prevent
breast cancer. Breastfeeding also gives mothers many short-term
benefits. One advantage in particular alleviates a concern many
new moms have - weight loss. Marina Peregrino, a Sunnyvale,
California La Leche League Leader, points out that breastfeeding
burns 500 to 800 calories a day, helping new moms lose weight
gained during pregnancy.
Neurohr's
interest in the subject of feeding is a personal story of a
mother's desire to give her children the best. "My mother and
grandmother did not breastfeed, but I was curious so I chose
to breastfeed my first child," says Neurohr. "I've
been through every issue with seven children. Neurohr's third
child was breastfed while she was meeting a deadline in the writing
of Deep in the Heart of Texas: The Real Story of the Dallas
Cowboys Cheerleaders (St. Martin's Press). "Working mothers
can still breastfeed," says Neurohr, "I'm proof of that." Neurohr's
fifth and sixth children were twins, presenting another set of
challenges. "I want to tell mothers of twins and multiples that
it is not only possible to breastfeed, but it is best to breastfeed.
And if the multiples are premature, breastmilk is especially
critical for health, growth and development." Dr. Jay Gordon,
pediatrician comments, "Breastmilk in Neonatal ICUs can literally
save lives, when used properly."
Neurohr's
seventh child, Autumn, was a special needs baby. Autumn's
Story , a highly acclaimed documentary
film shown on the Discovery Health Channel, is about the miracle
of birth and horrifying aftermath of a baby's struggle for survival
in the Neonatal ICU. Autumn was born with a rare medical condition,
tracheo-esophageal fistula and esophageal aresia, where the lower
part of the esophagus and trachea were abnormally joined together;
and the upper part of the esophagus formed a pouch in the throat,
not extending down to the stomach. Autumn's left vocal cord was
also paralyzed, creating a condition called "silent aspiration," a
potentially life threatening situation in which liquids slipped
into her lungs without a trace of a cough. Autumn was fed breast
milk through feeding tubes for her first four months. When her
swallow study showed signs of strength, she latched on to the
breast for the first time. "From that moment, the bonding, security
and closeness we shared was the key to her continued health.
Autumn has never had even one ear infection, allergies or asthma,
and she almost never gets a virus. In a house with seven children,
that's a miracle," she says. See www.autumnsstory.com.
Neurohr's
interest in this subject goes beyond the scope of her own family. "Estimates
are that over 400,000 babies die each year in South America
because mom's mix formula with bad water. If those mother's
breastfed, those babies would not only be alive, but would
be healthier," says Neurohr. According
to the World Health Organization, "World-wide about 30% of children
under five are stunted as a consequence of poor feeding and repeated
infections." Neurohr says, "Part of the solution is education,
and my video seeks to teach mothers around the world the benefits
of breastfeeding." According to UNICEF, if every baby were exclusively
fed from birth to six months, an estimated 1.3 million additional
lives would be saved and millions more enhanced every year.
"There
is nothing on the market like the Mother
of 7: Birth and Breastfeeding Series," says Neurohr,
who has privately funded the project with her husband, Plastic
Surgeon Dr. Hunt Neurohr. "All footage meets the 'WHO code' - meaning
no funding or promotion from formula/pharmaceutical companies.
Babies deserve to be exclusively breastfeed for six months.
Mothers should think of breastfeeding for a minimum of two
years, or longer, as desired by both mother and child. Breastfeeding
is 'dose-related' - the longer you breastfeed, the greater
the benefits. I also advocate a much longer maternity leave
in the United States. Sweden and Norway top the list for 'maternal
and paternal leave.' Almost all mothers desire to breastfeed
their baby, or babies, if they just have proper education and
support. The Mother of 7 videos will both show and tell you
how."
Scientist
Randa Saadeh, director of the World Health Organization and
policymaker of the Baby Friendly Hospital, distinguishes
Stephanie as "a mother making a difference." Neurohr
concludes, "With proper pre-natal education, women will be inspired
to take an active role in pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. The
Mother of 7: Birth and Breastfeeding Series empowers a mother
to make the right decisions for the health and wellbeing of her
baby and herself. "
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