News of Interest to Moms: April 8, 2009

News to know:

Among preschoolers, 1 in 5 is obese
Almost 1 in 5 American 4-year-olds is obese, according to a new study. Based on the research, more than half a million 4-year-olds are obese.

Obesity is more common in Hispanic and black youngsters, but the disparity is most startling in American Indians, whose rate is almost double that of whites.

Multiple births increase risk of postpartum depression

Women who give birth to twins or triplets are at higher risk of postpartum depression, according to a study in Pediatrics.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins looked at data from more than 8,000 mothers who gave birth in 2001. The study found that nine months after delivery, mothers of multiple births had 43 percent greater odds of having moderate or severe postpartum depressive symptoms compared with mothers of single babies.


April is National Autism Awareness Month.

Here are some links with additional information about autism:
Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism -- a picture book about autism

Autism Society of America

Autism Speaks

National Autism Association