After all of the terrible effects of FAS and FASD that have taken place, it is a surprise that it has taken our government so long to promote medical awareness of the effects of a woman drinking while pregnant. It is one of the absolutely most important things a mother-to-be must remember, the problems than can and will most likely occur from the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.

One extremely moving story of such a problem is the story of Bonnie Buxton and the father of their FASD diagnosed child, Brian Philcox became strong advocates encouraging the absolute awareness they feel that everyone must have. I agree with the parents, they want to show what the effects of their daughter, Collette. Collette suffered the effects of FAS and is now 27 years old. She was diagnosed with an alcohol related Neurological Disorder in 1997.

Often, the neurological effects of fetal alcohol syndrome present right away, but there is still danger – even for a child that is seemingly born healthy. Just because you try to be “careful” there is no way to be careful without remaining completely abstinent.

In a much more significant way, abstinence from alcohol is essential to guarantee your child’s health. Just as abstinence is the highest method recommended by doctors to avoid pregnancy. As a matter of fact, while a mother is breast feeding it is still important for her to watch her alcohol consumption until she has ceased to breastfeed.

There are many kinds of scientific protective information accessible to the general public from newer research in fetal alcohol syndrome. Education programs about this syndrome include NOFAS, the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Washington DC. In addition, there are many other programs available and the number is growing.

Let’s continue to keep our children and our future protected by protecting mothers as they prepare to raise the young people of America.