Evi writes: " In the last trimester of pregnancy, mothers transfer large amounts of calcium and phosphorus to the rapidly growing baby. It is also the time when babies exercise acquire muscle and strengthen bones in the womb. And when a child is born early, its physical activity is limited in the incubator. All of these factors contribute to OPP. The researchers have shown that gentle exercises performed five times a day on the wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle, knee, and hip joints (approximately 10 minutes for each session), and administered five times per week for four weeks, improved bone strength in preemies as measured using bone ultrasound. Daily interactive periods of holding and stroking the infant also influences bone growth and development, they conclude. ...Mechanical strain is known to be a powerful stimulator of bone formation and growth." This is very interesting and I admit I am quibbling a little, but the wording is a tad misleading. I think there is a profound difference between exercising ( the baby moves, and responds to stroking and holding,) and being exercised, in which something passive is "administered" to the baby. Administering exercises would be good for preventing some tightness and asymmetries, but it is really the taking the baby out of the incubator and allowing/encouraging baby-initiated, or at least baby-responsive movements, especially those that occur when being held and stroked that strengthen the bones. Here I think baby-led and mother-sped also are the key. Later they use the word " interactive" which sounds quite different than a treatment that is "administered". As I said, quibbling perhaps, but I think the wording is important. Peace, Judy **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001) *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome