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]