Strollerderby : Africa

Did Salma Hayek’s Breastfeeding an African Child Mean the End of Man’s Inhumanity to Man?

Cole Gamble — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:00:00 GMT

If you’ve read The Grapes of Wrath, you’ll remember the book ends with Rose of Sharon Joad, still grieving her stillborn baby, breastfeeding a starving man. Any English teacher will tell you by having Rose of Sharon give of her most valuable gift after all the tragedy she’d endured, Steinbeck is commenting on man’s capacity to extend humanity to his fellow man in even the bleakest of circumstances and how collective sharing is the only way out of despair.

So here’s my question, is Salma Hayek much of a reader?

Much has been made about Hayek’s breastfeeding of a starving African child, an action that seemed more impulsive than premeditated. The lovely Ada wrote a piece at Time noting Hayek’s action might bring about a change of perception about breastfeeding in Africa, where men denounce it because it interferes with their sex life.

Could Hayek’s action also be the first symbolic salvo in America’s commitment to Africa’s future? (Yes, I am aware Hayek is not American, whatever) Many critics accuse our country of doing too little to help the depressed people of Africa, and those critics are likely right. One of my favorite examples is how the Bush administration planned to tackle the AIDs epidemic in Africa by giving the people abstinence training (guess no one told Bush a big source of AIDS spreading in Africa is rape. Why won’t those darn rapists just abstain?) Forgive me for making a somewhat stretch literary analogy, but the Salma Hayek BFing incident conjured The Grapes of Wrath to my mind and made me think that perhaps in the new administration we will take a more active role in helping Africans out of the horrors they face every day.

Too much of a stretch??

Salma Hayek Shines Spotlight on Breastfeeding Taboos

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Salma Hayek Shines Spotlight on Breastfeeding Taboos

Hannah Tennant-Moore — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:30:00 GMT

As most people know by now, Salma Hayek’s very public breastfeeding in Sierra Leone was not just a moment of compassion for a hungry child. It was that, but it was also a calculated—and noble—attempt to dispel the notion in some parts of Africa that breastfeeding women can’t have sex. Given this entrenched belief, you can probably guess how husbands feel about their wives breastfeeding.

It’s easy to see such an urban legend as shocking, but, as Ada Calhoun points out in TIME, the U.S. certainly has its fair share of breastfeeding taboos—most notably, against cross-nursing. Indeed, many media outlets and online commenters were disgruntled at best by the YouTube video of Hayek nursing another woman’s child. (EW.com awarded the video “biggest eyebrow-raiser” of the day.)

According to Calhoun, no American institution will support informal cross-nursing, citing concerns about “the possibility of transmitting infections, a decrease in supply for the donor's own baby, psychological confusion on the part of the infant, and the fact that the composition of breast milk changes as children get older.”

Hayek’s very public cross-nursing demonstrated that there are certainly instances in which none of these concerns are relevant. The Sierra Leonean baby she breastfed was born on the same day as her daughter and Hayek knew him to be healthy. She’s not in any danger of her milk running dry from one emergency feeding, and no one would argue that any “psychological confusion” the baby boy may have experienced outweighed the benefits of assuaging his hunger.

Photo: The Daily Mail

Girl with Bowel Disease Kept Alive on Donated Breastmilk

Salma Hayek Breastfeeds Hungry Baby in Africa

Granting Son's Last Wish, Mom Opens Orphanage in Nairobi

Hannah Tennant-Moore — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:35:00 GMT

When 15-year-old John Halgrim told a Make-a-Wish volunteer that his last wish was to open an orphanage in Africa, the volunteer was dumbfounded. Normally, the foundation grants requests such as meeting a celebrity or taking a trip to Hawaii. She wasn’t sure that Make-a-Wish could carry out such an ambitious, long-term request. “Do you have a second wish?” she asked John. The answer was no. “God didn't allow this to happen to me so I would get something out of it," John said, referring to his illness.

As Make-a-Wish struggled to figure out how to grant John's request, his mother arranged for him to meet with a local pastor and explain his desire to help destitute children in Africa. After he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, John had deepened his relationship with God. So he was thrilled when the pastor asked if he could videotape John discussing his vision for an orphanage that would serve children orphaned by AIDS.

After showing the videotape to a few congregations, the pastor had raised enough money for John’s mom to proceed with designing and constructing an orphanage in Nairobi. Two weeks before he died, John was shown an architect’s sketch of the John E. Halgrim Orphanage in Nairobi. And last month, one year after John’s death, his mother flew to Nairobi to welcome neighborhood children into the building.

Photo: Help the Least of These

Biological Father of Madonna's Adopted Son Very Concerned

Hannah Tennant-Moore — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:30:00 GMT

Yohana Banda, the biological father of Madonna’s adopted son David, is very worried about the boy's happiness. Although Banda and his second wife live simply in a thatched hut in Malawi, he thinks that three-year-old David may be happier living with him than with the most famous woman in the world.

Banda put David up for adoption after his first wife, David’s biological mother, died from complications in childbirth. He hoped that David would have a better life in the U.S., but, he says, “Now I see him in a big bewildering crowd in the street with people pushing and shoving, and many cameras around, and without a mother and father to hold his hand. I’m feeling bad for him.”

Madonna’s divorce from Guy Ritchie has strengthened Banda’s concerns about David’s welfare. “This is a new and terrible thing to happen to him. I am too upset to think clearly,” Banda said.

Although this is clearly a unique case, Banda's concern raises interesting questions about the rights of biological parents to be involved in their children’s lives after adoption. Naturally, Banda cannot know what David’s private family life is really like without personal contact from Madonna. Do you think Madonna has an obligation to reassure Banda of David’s happiness, or are her family’s decisions none of his business?

Photo: Celebpick's Weblog

More and More Twins Everywhere, Especially in the 'Land of Twins'

Madeline Holler — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:08:00 GMT

We’re always hearing about how the U.S. is experiencing an “epidemic” of multiple births. Triplets are the new twins, twins are the new singleton, singletons are the new, uh, red-headed stepchild? I don’t know. What I’m trying to say is there are lots of twins in the U.S.

The rate of fraternal twins in Europe and the U.S. is somewhere around 1.2 percent and .8 percent in Japan. But in western Africa, the rate is much higher, especially among the Yoruba, who live mainly in the southwestern part of Nigeria. There, the rate of twin births is an astounding 5 percent!

Nobody knows why the rate of twins there is so high, though many experts attribute it to yam consumption. Apparently, the indigenous meal staple contains a natural hormone called “phytoestrogen,” which some experts believe may stimulate the ovaries to produce an egg from each side in a single ovulation cycle.

Others say it’s all genetics, though it’s amazing that any twin DNA survived to get passed along. In pre-colonial times, the Yoruba tribes thought twins were evil and routinely killed them. This practice ended when a Scottish missionary convinced them bad things happened for other reasons. Now, twins are revered in the culture and nearly everybody is related to one or more sets of twins.

Oprah Pulls White-Supremacist Kid's Book From Her Shelf

Karen Murphy — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:02:00 GMT

It's got to be hard being Oprah. I mean, people rely on her and her opinions as some sort of expert, and then feel justified in getting all bent out of shape when something goes awry in those from time to time. A rather lot to invest in someone you don't even know, isn't it? I mean, I can snark all day about stuff like what happened at Oprah's school in South Africa, but when it comes down to it, I really can't say what goes on and how much someone like Oprah herself really has to do with what's being held out in her name. Not that it absolves her of the responsibility that goes along with her name, but it seems to me that the flap about the kid's book that's been yanked from her recommendation list is way overblown.

The book is The Education of Little Tree, by Forrest Carter, first published in 1976. I haven't read the book, but I had heard of it long before Oprah's name was attached to it in a negative fashion. The book purports to be an autobiography, a tale of a boy's early life as an orphan raised by Cherokee grandparents just befpre the Depression. But several years ago it was found that the author's real name was Asa Carter, that he was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, and that he claimed to be a speechwriter for segregationist governor George Wallace.

Okaaaay. But that was years ago this was found out. And, hello, it's not as if other authors haven't turned out to have stretched the truth or at least embellished it a bit about supposed autobographical works (yes, Frank McCourt, I'm talking to you), so what's the big deal? Move the book from "non-fiction" to "fiction." People have varying memories of their lives, anyway, and seriously, who really remembers things from early childhood in scientific detail?

So like I said, I haven't read The Education of Little Tree, so I don't know whether the claims of racial stereotype in the book are true or not. But I did check out readers' comments about the book on Amazon, and they were overwhelmingly positive about the book, even taking into consideration the controversy surrounding it. So what's the big deal? If the book is a good read, if it has a gentle and moving message, the way this one is supposed to have (again, based on those comments), then what kid is going to care about the controversy surrounding it, or care if it was written by George Wallace's speechwriter or personal ass-wiper or an alien from another planet?

I say a good book is a good book. Leave Oprah alone.

Oprah Cries, Begs Forgiveness for School Abuses

Karen Murphy — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:57:00 GMT

Oh, Oprah. if anybody knows the value of sincere tears, it's you. People have been crying in front of you for years now, and surely you have absorbed their impact, made this device your own, used it a time or two yourself perhaps. Pas que je vous accuse aujourd'hui, mais non! In fact, although I've ragged on you about your school in Africa before, I'm going to go with my intuition (because I'm that sort of person) and say that you knew nothing about the abuse there and you're genuinely shocked and dismayed.

Right? Oh please, don't tarnish the reputation you have crafted oh-so-carefully, the image you have built and hold out before us, daring us to be better people too. You have no idea, maybe, just how many people want to BE you, oh dear Oprah.

However, likely nobody really wants to be you NOW, not when all this thing about sexual abuse at your new school in Africa is hitting you in the face right about now. Good thing you fired that matron, she gave me the creeps too. Good call on that one. Especially since she was the one who fondled one of the girls, right? Sexual abuse is nothing to take lightly. As you well know. Damn, I bet you feel pretty bad now, don't you? Not that anyone's blaming you, but oh, people will talk, won't they?

Good move, by the way, of giving the girls at your school not only your email address, but your snail mail address too (or was that a P.O. Box?), AND your home telephone number? Awesome. I think I'm in love.

So ignore what people are going to say, Oprah, because you know and I know you weren't at fault (though would it have hurt to maybe do a background check on the staff?). Though you're such a genuinely caring person, I'll bet it'll be awhile before you get a good night's sleep again (how can I say that without it coming across as snarky? See how people misinterpret even your best intentions?).

But if anybody knows how to make this better, it's you.

("You get a car! And YOU get a car! And YOU get a car!)

(I so didn't say that.)

How Many Godknows, Jupiters, and Hatreds Are in Your Kid’s Class?

Madeline Holler — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:07:00 GMT

In this space, we’ve dealt with the Swedish baby named Metallica, as well as arguments in favor of forming an Office of Nameland Security to bring some order to the unchecked freedom parents have in choosing names and how to spell them.

I think we’ve all just agreed to disagree and keep writing whatever we please on birth certificates: Apple, Pilot Inspektor, Suri, Pax. Anything less isn't even an option.

Now comes this story on names that makes Metallica seem like the next most reasonable thing to calling your son Jack.

How many Godknows, Lovemores, and Honours go to your kid’s preschool?

These names, bestowed on kids in Zimbabwe, are the result of the tradition of choosing a name based on meaning, not current trends (or an obligation to trend-setting). In the past, names given were in the region's various local languages. But with English taking over, the name selections have shifted too.

So it is not terribly shocking to meet an Enough or Oblivious, a Hatred or Jupiter, a Givethanks or Norest. There are stories behind the names, some quite easy to imagine, others not so much (Hatred? That's a little harsh.).

My kids’ names mean “Bringer of Joy” and “A Free Woman” according to this site. And while I was pleased to find this out, actual meaning wasn’t the starting point for my husband and I when deciding on names. Just a bonus. My own first name (which happens to also be the name of a mind-bogglingly large number of today's third-graders) means "Tower of Strength." Doesn't really roll off the tongue.

But the parents of Zimbabwe have certainly raised the bar for the Hollywood name-giving risk-takers. Naming a child Abide, Praise, or Raised-on kind of makes Apple, Kal-el, Neveah and Moxie Crimefighter seem downright bland.

Best of Famecrawler: Mary Louise Parker is My Imaginary Girlfriend

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:38:00 GMT

Posted by sweatpantsmom

Hey, Mary-Louise Parker - that's an odd-looking purse. But an adorable little baby.

The Weeds star was seen in Manhattan with her baby daughter who she recently adopted from Africa. Parker also has a son Will, 3, from a previous relationship with Billy Crudup. Who, as I can't seem to help mentioning, left Parker while she was pregnant to run off with Claire Danes. Mary-Louise seems to have let it go and I probably should, too.

[photo: USmagazine.com]

More inside scoop at the FC:

Tori isn't the sharpest tool in the shed
Britney eats ice cream (on VIDEO!)
This merely proves that Oscar de la Hoya would be gorgeous in Aunt Mildred's floral mumuu

African Activist Breastfed Ten Starving Children as Just One of Her Amazing Activist Deeds

Jessica Ashley (Sassafrass) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:33:00 GMT

To some, Mary Okumu is known fondly as Mama Amani na Maendeleo, or Mother of Peace and Development. This Kenyan activist has earned this nickname through years of public health, humanitarian and peace-championing service that has swept ravaged, impoverished areas of Africa. It has also been given to her for the investment she's given to the individuals who grow up in Rwanda, Uganda,Somalia and other African nations where illness, starvation and violence take too many lives.

I am astounded by this woman who has negotiated with national leaders, earned an honorary doctorate for her decades of work and who also once breastfed ten babies for two weeks to prevent them from starving.

This act alone is astounding and humbling. Serving the needs of one child or the issues of a nation has made Mary Okumu a stand-out activist on her continent and is gaining her recognition on our continent. While receiving an honorary degree and recognition from the University of Victoria in Canada recently, Mary Okumu told students that some of them might also be called to help the people of Africa and others would be needed to address issues here through commitment and consistency.

"The power of one is such that you touch many lives," Mary Okumu told the crowd. It fills my heart with great joy and inspiration to know that this one woman, who has impacted so many lives in her career of activism, saved ten with a responsive body and generous spirit. We -- and our children -- need to hear more stories of individuals changing the world in simple and significant ways like this.

Mary Okumu's next stop is to Darfur, where she will work with the UN Development Fund for Women to strategize ways to protect women and children in the midst of the country's devastating four-year war.

[photo credit: Darren Stone / Times Colonist]

Breastfeeding Cuts Babies' HIV Risk

Karen Murphy — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:58:00 GMT

In a stunning new South African study, HIV-positive mothers who exclusively breastfed reduced the risk of postnatal HIV infection in their babies. The study revealed that infants of HIV-positive mothers who received formula milk in addition to breast milk were nearly twice as likely to be infected by HIV as infants who received breast milk only. In addition, the death rate of three-month old babies who were fed animal milk or solid foods was more than double that of babies who received breast milk only during that time.

The study concluded that current World Health Organization, UNICEF and UNAIDS infant-feeding guidelines need to be revised to include this information. Those current guidelines state, in part: "When replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-positive mothers is recommended...", and also state that: "To minimise HIV transmission risk, breastfeeding should be discontinued as soon as feasible..."

Whoa! So the findings of this study represent a complete turnaround from present practice. And maybe it'll start saving babies, and soon.

Study: Circumcision Reduces HIV Risk By 50%

Alisyn — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:24:00 GMT

The results of a new study conclude that male circumcision provides significant, immediate protection against HIV. Circumcised men in the study were 63 percent less likely than uncircumcised men to be infected through sex with HIV-positive women, whereas the AIDS vaccine has a target of 30% risk reduction, and may not be available for up to 20 years.

French AIDS researcher Bertran Auvert presented his study's findings yesterday at the International AIDS conference, which are based on 3,300 South African men, the largest study to date. He encouraged the promotion of circumcision, and adaptation of the public health system, as part of a health initiative in Africa.

The idea that circumcision helps prevent HIV is not a new one, but health officials have hesitated to make it part of their overall HIV prevention strategy, because of it's strong religious and social implications, and the risk of complications for those who choose circumcision, if the procedure is not performed correctly, or in unsanitary conditions.

With AIDS becoming increasingly widespread (there were an estimated 5 million new cases last year), and 2/3 of the world's men being uncircumcised, it remains to be seen whether or not circumcision will be a viable means of curtailing the world infection rate.

Would this new information encourage you to circumcise your son, as a means of future HIV protection, whereas before, you wouldn't have?

Uganda Reports 20,000 Children Tested HIV Positive in 2006

JasonAvant — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 20:20:00 GMT

Some sobering news from Uganda: the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation reports that over 20,000 Ugandan children tested positive for HIV last year. According to Uganda's Ministry of Health, the majority of those children were infected by their mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

The article's focus is on the AIDS epidemic in Uganda; it seems almost beyond comprehension that in 2001, there were over 110,000 Ugandan kids living with HIV. Equally hard to grasp is the fact that obtaining something as basic as reliable transportation is a challenge - the story points out that the man heading up the Glaser Foundation's work in Uganda was donating motorcycles to local health officials to assist in communication and shipment of blood samples from clinics.

The spread of AIDS through Africa is one of the great tragedies of our time. There are no easy answers, only mind-numbing numbers. Around the world, 2,000 kids a day test positive for HIV.

Marriage in Trouble? Adopt an African Child!

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:08:00 GMT

I guess Madonna and Guy Ritchie didn't read my post last week about how having a baby causes stress. These two say that adopting David Banda I (it just kills me that adopted someone who already had parents) from Africa has given them a spark.

Hmph. Maybe if we were all rich enough to have a fully time nanny (or two) and other people to do our laundry and cook for us and all of the other small things that took up all of my free time when I first gave birth I would have had time to plan a second honeymoon too.

Or maybe they are just basking in the glow of self-righteousness. I hear that can be a real aphrodisiac.

Strollerderby : Africa

Did Salma Hayek’s Breastfeeding an African Child Mean the End of Man’s Inhumanity to Man?

Salma Hayek Shines Spotlight on Breastfeeding Taboos

6 Reasons My Toddler is a Total Buttwipe

10 (Dumb) Ways to Get Pregnant

14-Year-Old Pregnant Girl Arrested for Drunk Driving

Salma Hayek Shines Spotlight on Breastfeeding Taboos

Granting Son's Last Wish, Mom Opens Orphanage in Nairobi

Biological Father of Madonna's Adopted Son Very Concerned

Will Madonna Have a Baby With A-Rod?

More and More Twins Everywhere, Especially in the 'Land of Twins'

Oprah Pulls White-Supremacist Kid's Book From Her Shelf

Oprah Cries, Begs Forgiveness for School Abuses

How Many Godknows, Jupiters, and Hatreds Are in Your Kid’s Class?

Best of Famecrawler: Mary Louise Parker is My Imaginary Girlfriend

African Activist Breastfed Ten Starving Children as Just One of Her Amazing Activist Deeds

Breastfeeding Cuts Babies' HIV Risk

Study: Circumcision Reduces HIV Risk By 50%

Uganda Reports 20,000 Children Tested HIV Positive in 2006

Marriage in Trouble? Adopt an African Child!