FROM: Sturgess, Frances Coulter
TO:[log in to unmask]
   [log in to unmask]
SUBJECT: HEalthy BOdy Healthy Baby/preterm labor
DATE: 05-15-97   20:14 EST
PRIORITY:


Has anyone on these lists worked with this program?  We are of course very
concerned about preventing preterm labor and LBW, and the presentation they
made at a conference titled "Born too Soon" was reportedly very slick and the
response overwhelmingly positive.  I do not know if "we" (the Health Dept)
arelooking in to it further.  THe costs are unspecified except to say that
"saving just one high risk delivery, including the necessary extended
neonatalcare, can pay for the entire program"  (considering a 1500 gram
neonate costs about $200,000.00)  It apparently worked well for the Medicaid
population in an HMO /managed care setting, so it *sounds* great.

I am sure by now you have guessed the clincher.

This not inexpensive (to initiate) program is brought to you by Mead Johnson
Nutritionals.  Experts in perinatal (!) nutrition  (and here I thought it was
infants and old folks and sick folks--excuse me...)

They are partnered withBiomedical Systems, 1930 South Alma School ROad, Suite
A 115, Mesa AZ, an "International COmpany" based in Brussels Belgium, aleader
in data acquisition and transmission for over 20 years.

The pilot was apparently called the Preterm BIrth Prevention PRogram and was
based in Oregon--any of you Oregonians familiar with it?--and was to be
presented at ACOG annual meeting in Dec 96.

My concern (of course) is what kind of support breastfeeding education got in
this--there is no mention of improved survival of NICU babies on breastmilk,
(i suppose because they are trying to* prevent* NICU babies-)-and of course
the "high quality premiums" and "education and communications program,
focusing on infant care and nutrition, that continnues through the infant's
first year of life" are probably covered with little bunnies....If it didn't
have MJ on it I'd probably not have thought a whole lot about it, and just
written to inquire for more info on the nutrition support issues..  BUt since
it does..

Anyone want to write to Daniel R. Ketcherside, VP, Perinatal Services
DIvisionto express concern re: detrimental effects of proprietary education on
breastfeeding rates, that has seen this program in operation?  Or could fill
me in re:  that what i fear is or is not true?

TIA   email: [log in to unmask]