The End of Premature Births?
Scientists do not know exactly how or why labor begins during a full term pregnancy, what magic switch starts the birthing process. But researchers at the University of Sheffield’s Medical School in the United Kingdom may have found it.
While researching experimental drugs called histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), which stop uterine contractions once they begin, scientists discovered a chemical called TNF. TNF is naturally produced by a woman’s body and released once the uterus gets too inflamed, causing the contractions that begin labor. TNF actually caused muscle contractions to start again even after the HDACi drugs had successfully stopped them.
“Understanding how to prevent this inflammation, or how to stop it blocking those key genes needed to stop contraction of the womb, would lead to new treatments to prevent premature births,” said lead researcher Dr. Neil Chapman. Read the full article here.
Continue reading Medical Research Updates – Premature Birth Prevention, NEC
In honor of Mother’s day this month, we are featuring articles from some of our volunteers about various aspects of motherhood.
 A few days ago I realized with a shock that it was exactly a year ago- January 26, 2012- that I had the awesome experience of seeing a “YES” on a pregnancy test. Continue reading The Best Yes Ever
In honor of Mother’s day this month, we are featuring articles from some of our volunteers about various aspects of motherhood.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” the nurse on the phone asked me. “Yes,” I said tearfully. I was filling out the paperwork to donate our eleven remaining embryos and had called with questions. My husband and I had already had our HIV tests and we were confident, albeit emotional, in our decision. Five years had passed since we’d had triplets via in-vitro and now we had to give up our storage space in the freezer Continue reading An Embryo Donation Story
This was originally published by MOST member Riley D. Smith in Supertwins magazine’s Father’s Forum.
For several years now I have wanted to put into writing what my personal journey as the father of a wonderful set of quadruplets has entailed. It seems that I just never really had the time, or, more likely, had not known just what I really wanted to convey. I actually did, over the course of the last eight years, sit down several times and start to write it all down, but my attempts (for whatever reason) quickly became either blocked or rapidly got bogged down in the details of this pretty hectic life we lead! Finally I decided that what I really wanted to talk about was what I personally went through, how I coped (or didn’t cope so well) with the numerous issues we were confronted with, and how I might help some of the other fathers (and fathers-to-be) meet and perhaps understand these challenges. Along the way, I was hoping that I might even learn a bit more about myself and the “how and whys” that life as the father of higher order multiples has changed me and the way I view myself as well as life in general. Continue reading It’s OK to Cry (My Journey with Higher Order Multiples)
 There is much to do after experiencing a flood, fire, tornado or hurricane. It may feel overwhelming. Here are some practical tips from families that have experienced a disaster to help you get back on your (many) feet!
After taking care of your immediate needs: medical care, shelter, food and water it is time to look at recovery. How will you rebound? Continue reading Rebounding from a Disaster
 Maureen Boyle light-heartedly describes three “languages” parents of multiples learn at the beginning of their parenting journey.
A 1980’s song by the group Men at Work just came on the radio. (What the heck am I listening to anyway?) Not sure how many top 40 songs they had back in their day, but this is the only one I can think of: Land Down Under – Man at work – YouTube. Sometimes I don’t mind when a song gets stuck in my head and I just cannot shake it. This is NOT one of those songs.
While at work that day, I start thinking of how many different languages I have had to learn since this whole higher order multiples (HOM) world collided with my own back in the late 1980’s. (Maybe that was the last time I listened to top 40 radio. I don’t know.)
Almost 86% of triplet parents and 96% of parents of quadruplets had to learn at least a little “RE Speak” Continue reading Do you speak my language?
 Whether your children are babies or grown, many parents ask “Does parenting multiples ever get easier?” Maureen A. Doolan Boyle, MOST Executive Director, gives her thoughts to this often asked question.
Continue reading Does Parenting Multiples Ever Get Easier?
Our Mothership Adventures: Becoming A Mom
(Kun minusta tuli äiti)
January (or February?) in 1999, picture taken by our pediatrician. I think. I always wanted to be a wife and a mom. When my older siblings started their families, my favorite thing to do was babysit. I couldn’t wait to become a mom myself. It probably wasn’t a surprise to anyone when I got married young, but what was a surprise was the fact we couldn’t get pregnant when we thought we were ready to have a baby. During the difficult infertility years a friend told me maybe God was preparing us for something special, like triplets. I remember laughing nervously. Oh no, not me! I also remember telling a friend with twin boys “better you than me”. Boy, was that one coming back to bite me later.. Continue reading Guest Blogger: MOST Mom Sennie
 Elaine Farber is our guest contributor this week joining us with tips in finding and interviewing a pediatrician. Elaine is a Newborn/ Specialist/ Consultant and author of Baby Lists: What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby. This can help to pick a pediatrician or other health care provider. Links to more resources are listed at the end.
Continue reading How to Find and Interview a Pediatrician
 This article by Maureen A. Doolan Boyle, a mother of triplets plus an older daughter and younger son, offers a poignant reminder of how temporary parenting can be, but also how joyful the journey is if taken one milestone at a time.
I speak with a lot of moms and I often hear “I can not wait until they ….” Fill in the blank. I wonder if they are just wishing the time away instead of embracing the beautiful things that are somewhere inside the challenges of the every day.
Continue reading Mother’s Day Memories of Mommy Milestones
By Dorinda Nelson, a mother of triplets plus 2, who discusses her experience having triplets who were born as late-term preemies and did not require care in the NICU. She shares her story and offers advice on preparing for this wonderful, but unexpected outcome to help parents expecting multiples consider all possibilities.
Continue reading Not in the NICU?
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