| Our Newsletter -- September 2007 - PWS & Pregnancy |
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Welcome to the Fall 2007 issue: PWS & Pregnancy.
Most mothers will agree that pregnancy is a wondrous time, filled with many physical and emotional changes and acceptance of those changes. The hormonal changes and increased blood flow that many women experience can cause everything from bleeding gums, high blood pressure, and acne to a radiant glow and beautiful emotional highs (and sometimes the not-so-beautiful meltdowns).
For women with a port-wine stain, pregnancy can also cause changes in the texture and color of their birthmark. In this issue, you will find an intriguing collection of some of our members' personal experiences in response to this topic. We have also included an abstract discussing the related concerns of Klippel-Trenaunay (KT) and pregnancy, which we hope will provide reassuring information for our members with KT who are currently pregnant or are planning a family. We also feature an updated and humorous look at “old wives tales” relating to port-wine stains.
September brings a “back to school” article written by Victoria Crawford. Children with birthmarks may have worries or concerns about how to address questions from curious children and adults. Victoria provides a personal account of how she and her daughter, Laura, handle this issue.
Linda Rozell-Shannon from the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation has graciously added an article detailing the upcoming Port Wine Stain and Vascular Birthmarks Conference in Irvine, CA. If you plan to attend the conference, and have not already done so, please complete your registration at Birthmark.org.
We want to thank Dr. Stuart Nelson of Beckman Laser Center (the host for this year's PWS Conference) for his long-time support of our organization. Cynosure, manufacturer of the new Cynergy laser, has also renewed as a Diamond Sponsor. NeoStrata, maker of many fine makeup and skincare products such as CoverBlend, has also renewed as a longstanding sponsor of our organization. Without our sponsors we would not exist, so if you have the chance, please thank them.
We are always looking for new sponsors. If you think your doctor would be a good candidate please let them know about us.
We would also like to introduce you to Estelle Schweizer, our new Editor and Director of Content Development. Estelle is taking the reigns over from the capable hands of Stephanie Cale. Stephanie will now be working on grants and strategic direction for our organization. This issue reflects Estelle's work.
We hope you enjoy this issue and welcome all feedback and suggestions for future newsletters.
Next issue: December 2007—Insurance Issues. |
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Meet Estelle Schweizer: Our New Editor and Director of Content Development
As of this issue, Estelle Schweizer has taken over the reigns of Editor and Director of Content Development from Stephanie Cale. |
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PWS and Pregnancy: A Compilation of Member Experiences
By Estelle Schweizer
A gathering of member responses and comments to PWS changes they experienced during pregnancy. |
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Folklore, Facts, and Fallacies
By Estelle Schweizer
A gathering of folklore, facts, and downright fallacies about birthmarks. |
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Expert's Corner: Obstetric Management of Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
By Rebarber A, Roman AS, Roshan D, Blei F.Departments of *Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Plastic Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
We report our experience with 3 patients in whom Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome complicated 4 pregnancies. Successful delivery of a healthy infant at or beyond 36 weeks of gestation was achieved in all pregnancies. One of the 4 pregnancies was complicated. |
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Back to School . . . Again!
By Victoria Crawford
Victoria shares her and Laura's personal approach to questions from curious adults and children. |
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2007 Port Wine Stain and Vascular Birthmarks Conference
By Linda Rozell-Shannon
VBF Founder, Linda Rozell-Shannon's, article detailing the events and speakers at the upcoming PWS conference in Irvine, CA., sponsored by the VBF and Beckman Laser Institute. |
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The Makeup Room: Covering a Darkening Birthmark
By Joie Davidow
Helpful makeup tips for covering a darkening birthmark. |
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Book Review: "every crooked pot"
By Renee Rosen
In a debut novel that could easily have been published as an adult memoir, Rosen looks back at the life of Nina Goldman, whose growing up is tied to two pillars: a port-wine stain around her eye and her inimitable father, Artie. |
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Link Highlights: Fall 2007 |
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Letters to the Editor
A sampling of the email sent to us in the last several months. |
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| Disclaimer: Information accessed and provided through Birthmarks.com resources (website, newsgroup, newsletters, and e-mails.) is presented in summary form in order to impart general information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of port wine stains, tattoo removal, and other skin disorders. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician, health care provider, or board certified specialist. Information accessed through our resources is not exhaustive and does not cover every aspect of port wine stains, tattoo removal, and other skin disorders. Birthmarks.com makes no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Should you have any health care related questions regarding this matter, please see your health care provider promptly. Information provided in response to email questions is generic and not intended to be specific to any one patient. Each patient should see his or her physician, health care provider, or board certified specialist regarding their condition. |
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