Nurse-Family Partnership Berks County

06/10/2026

A new study from Brown University has found that babies who are exclusively breastfed for at least three months develop unique chemical fingerprints in their bodies. Researchers analyzed DNA from 173 healthy infants and discovered distinct methylation patterns in the cheek cells and intestinal cells of breastfed babies that were not present in formula fed infants.

The study looked at methylation, a process where small chemical tags attach to DNA and influence whether genes are turned on or off without altering the underlying code itself. More than 450 genes showed different methylation patterns in breastfed babies, many of which are involved in metabolism, digestion, and immune function . The study accounted for other factors like maternal weight, age, income, and education to isolate the specific effect of breastfeeding.

The research suggests a potential mechanism for why breastfeeding is linked to lower rates of asthma, obesity, allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders later in life . The differences in DNA methylation were most pronounced in the cells of the intestines, which are the first point of contact for breast milk . The epigenetic changes were not permanent. The study tested all children again at age four and found the methylation patterns had largely faded, though it remains unclear if that erasure has any lasting health impact.

06/09/2026

A routine newborn shot that has protected babies for decades is being rejected by a growing number of parents — and doctors say the consequences can be deadly.

A new investigation found that more families are declining the vitamin K injection given shortly after birth, a simple treatment that helps newborns’ blood clot properly. Without it, babies face a rare but potentially fatal condition called vitamin K deficiency bleeding, which can cause catastrophic internal bleeding, brain damage, and death.

Research shows babies who don’t receive the shot are 81 times more likely to develop late vitamin K deficiency bleeding, and about 1 in 5 affected infants die. Yet refusal rates have been climbing, with one national study finding that more than 5 percent of U.S. newborns did not receive the injection in 2024 — a 77 percent increase from 2017.

Doctors say much of the trend is being driven by misinformation on social media, where the vitamin K shot is often incorrectly grouped with vaccines despite serving a completely different purpose.

06/06/2026

Check out Berks County’s Parks!
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/01c8bcae75894dcaa58237ecc47437c1

05/30/2026

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05/29/2026

“Babies remember.”

This year at our LEARN Conference 2026, Child-Parent Psychotherapy is not just a conversation; it's a full learning pathway woven throughout the conference, with opportunities to explore clinical practice, research, and real-world application across settings.

And it begins with a powerful Pre-Conference Forum led by Chandra Ghosh Ippen, PhD and Katie Stone, PhD.

Through eight clinical sessions, participants will explore how Child-Parent Psychotherapy uses play, relationship and reflection to help children and caregivers heal from trauma together.

This immersive learning experience will examine:
- symbolic play
- clinical microinterventions
- CPP fidelity and intervention
- ghosts in the nursery work
- the evolution of therapeutic play across sessions

Expect deep clinical reflection, rich dialogue and a rare opportunity to observe treatment unfold. Join us in Portland: https://bit.ly/42SIyDA

05/28/2026

Influences from a child’s developmental environment shape their developing biological systems, with implications for lifelong health and well-being. This includes everything from air quality to stable access to nutritious foods.

Many of the most prevalent, chronic, and costly diseases of adulthood, such as diabetes and dementia, are rooted in young children’s experiences and exposures. Efforts to address these diseases must also have their roots in early childhood.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3P34k0h

05/28/2026

Glowing from the inside out? Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can also be emotionally complex. This , remember it’s okay to not feel okay. Mood swings, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed are all common. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone! SAMHSA has resources to support your mental health journey. ➡️ 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/maternal-mental-health/

05/28/2026