Top of the Morning: Breastfeeding Preemies Reduces Risk Serious Eye Condition

1. Breastfeeding linked to reduced risk for serious eye-problem in preemies

This is an amazing study. "Infants who exclusively received breast milk had 89% reduced odds of severe ROP... https://t.co/2IL5wMg9H0

— Milk Stork (@MilkStork) November 17, 2015

New research published in the journal Pediatrics claims that exclusively nursing a premature baby may help reduce the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). It's a serious eye problem that causes blood vessels to grow in the retina and could cause the retina to detach, destroying vision. Researchers from China, Canada, and the United Kingdom who reanalyzed the results of five published studies on ROP,   found that exclusively breastfed infants' reduced the risk for ROP at least 75 to 90 percent. (npr.org)

2. Spotify ups its new-parent leave policy

Introducing: 100% paid parental leave for all employees. Read more about it: https://t.co/LfsPsU2CTm #leadonleave pic.twitter.com/2IYvJjI7vL

— Join the band! (@Spotifyjobs) November 19, 2015

The online music streaming company has joined the growing list of companies that offer plus benefits for new parents. Spotify just announced that it would offer six months of parental leave to all full-time employees. The new policy takes effect immediately for all its employees around the world and even for same-sex couples. "We really want to have a culture in our country were you can be a working parent and be productive at work," says White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett when the news was announced in Spotify's New York offices. He also emphasized that giving leave benefits increases productivity and profitability. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek says they can be a role model as its home base in Sweden is extremely generous with giving maternity and paternity leaves. (huffingtonpost.com)

3. Happy couples have sex once a week
New research found that as long as couple get intimate at least once a week, then they'd be happy. The study published in the Social Physiological and Personality Science also says that having sex more often than that doesn't really make a difference when it comes to how happy a couple is--but it doesn't also mean that having more sex made their quality of life any less happy. Researchers analyzed the results of surveys of more than 30,000 Americans collected over 40 years in three different projects. It contradicts previous studies that suggest more sex is always better. (time.com)

4. Pregnant mom completes college exam while on labor

Photo from Shanell Brinkley-Chapman/Facebook

"My goals will not be put on hold," said 21-year-old Tommitrise Collins, who completed her psychology test whil having contractions. She said she wanted to finish it so she could enjoy and focus on her baby afterwards. A photo of Tommitrise ws posted by her sister Shanell Brinkley-Chapman and captioned it, "This is what you call 'Strong Priorities.' Contractions three minutes apart and still takes her psychology test! You are going to be a great mom, baby sis!" After finishing the test in an hour and half, Tommitrise gave birth to her baby Tyler Elise. "I want to show people that just because I am considered a young mother doesn't mean I have to be considered a bad mother." (huffingtonpost.com)

5. Elmo turns 30!
Happy birthday Elmo! The high-pitched and forever three-year-old red furry loveable Muppet just celebrated its 30th anniversary of his first appearance in the longtime running children’s show Sesame Street. He debuted on the show on November 18, 1985 to be precise. He doesn’t look 30 really—that’s because he remains to be as effective today in teaching kids valuable lessons. (today.com)