News Items

Columbia Center Sweet Moments

Jan 19, 2012

Promotional Period: January 19, 2012 – February 29, 2012

Visitors to Columbia Center who check-in on Foursquare will receive a complimentary sample of the latest amenity being offered to patients: Otis Spunkmeyer cookies.

To redeem the sample, guests must show a Columbia Center staff member their check-in confirmation or unlocked special offer on their mobile device.

Guests may also enter to win by following @ColumbiaCenter on Twitter, liking Columbia Center on Facebook, or answering trivia...

Read more

Baby born in van on way to Columbia Center

Jan 10, 2012

Little Owen Todd Hinze of Grafton didn't quite want to wait until his parents made it to the hospital before he entered the world. Owen was born in the front passenger seat of a van as his parents made their way to Columbia Center on Friday, January 6, 2012.

Read news item from WITI-TV Fox6.

Read more

Santa Baby Photos

Dec 03, 2011

Columbia Center held Santa Baby! on Saturday, December 3. Photos from the event on posted on Columbia Center's Facebook page.

Read more

Drive By and Donate Holiday Toy Drive

Nov 30, 2011

Columbia Center served as a donation drop off location to benefit the seven Family Enrichment Center charities on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 9 a.m. to noon. Drive-up donation bins, complete with elves, were available outside at the Columbia Center entrance. Columbia Center also hosted Santa Baby!, a sold out event where registered families received free photos with Santa in exchange for their donations of toys or other necessities.

Columbia Center is located at 13125 N. Port Washington Rd....

Read more

2nd Annual Santa Baby at Columbia Center

Nov 30, 2011

For the second year, Columbia Center families will avoid the hassles in the mall when having holiday pictures taken with Santa. Columbia Center's Santa Baby event brings Columbia Center children and Santa together for photographs, while collecting donations that help local families in need during the holiday season. This year's Santa Baby takes place on Saturday, December 3 from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon.

Santa Baby is sold out and registration is closed. For additional information about Santa...

Read more

Unscripted Conversations with our Physicians

Nov 07, 2011

Learn more about Columbia Center OB/GYNs and pediatricians. Watch our new series of Unscripted Conversations videos.

(Check back soon for more Unscripted Conversations.)

Read more

Trick or Treat Photos

Nov 07, 2011

Columbia Center held Trick or Treat on Monday, October 31. Photos from the event on posted on Columbia Center's Facebook page.

Read more

Drop Side Cribs Recalled by Dutailier Group

Nov 02, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Dutailier Group Inc., of Quebec, Canada, today announced a voluntary recall of their drop side cribs.

Units: About 440

Importer: Dutailier Group Inc., of Quebec, Canada

Hazard: The slats on the drop side can detach from the top and bottom rails creating a space between the slats. An infant or toddler's body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib.... Read more

National Cancer Institute Says Exercise and Breastfeeding May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

Oct 26, 2011

From the United States Lactation Consultant Association:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a designation made over 25 years ago to spotlight a disease that afflicts one out of ten American women. The United States Lactation Consultant Association applauds efforts to raise breast cancer awareness. Most research efforts to date have focused on early detection and treatment. But there is now evidence that many cases of breast cancer can actually be prevented.

 The National Cancer Institute...

Read more

Wooden Rattle Recalled by Manhattan Group Due to Choking Hazard

Sep 02, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Manhattan Group LLC, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, today announced a voluntary recall of their Twirlla(tm) Wooden Rattle. The toy's U-shaped parts can break, posing a choking hazard.

Units: About 3,300

Importer: Manhattan Group LLC, of Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hazard: The toy's U-shaped parts can break, posing a choking hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The painted wood rattle is approximately 6 inches long and has a...

Read more

Safety Latch and Outlet Cover Recall

Jul 28, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Prime-Line, of Redlands, California, today announced a voluntary recall of their Child Safe brand safety latches and outlet covers. The screws on the safety latches and outlet covers can loosen and/or break. When this happens, young children can gain access to electrical outlets and other potentially hazardous items.

Units: About 37,000

Importer: Prime-Line, of Redlands, California

Hazard: The screws on the safety latches and outlet...

Read more

Zooper Stroller Recall

May 27, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Lan Enterprises, LLC, of Hillsboro, Oregon, today announced a voluntary recall of their Zooper strollers sold with an optional use snack tray and armrest bar. The strollers  pose a strangulation hazard to young children when a child is not harnessed.

Units: About 42,300

Importer: Lan Enterprises, LLC, of Hillsboro, Oregon

Hazard: The opening between the armrest bar/snack tray and seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant's body...

Read more

Dream on Me Drop-Side Crib Recall

May 24, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Dream on Me, Inc. of Piscataway, N.J., today announced a voluntary recall of their full-size and portable drop-side cribs.

Units: About 22,000

Importer: Dream on Me, Inc. of Piscataway, N.J.

Hazard:

  • Full-Size Cribs: The drop-side rail hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop side and the crib mattress. An infant or...
Read more

Fashionviews Inc. Recalls P.Jamas Children’s Sleepwear Due to Flammability

Apr 07, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Fashionviews Inc., of New Rochelle, NY., today announced a voluntary recall of their P.Jamas children's sleepwear. The garments fail to meet federal flammability standards for children's sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injury to children. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Units: About 4,000

Importer: Fashionviews Inc., of New Rochelle, NY.

Hazard: The garments fail to meet federal...

Read more

Infantino Recalls Toy Activity Trucks Due to Choking Hazard

Apr 04, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Infantino LLC, of San Diego, Calif., today announced a voluntary recall of their Troy the Activity Truck due to a choking hazard. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Units: About 40,500 in the United States and 1,900 in Canada

Importer: Infantino LLC, of San Diego, Calif.

Hazard: The plastic beads on the activity truck's bead runs can detach, posing a choking hazard to young...

Read more

Second Infant Death Prompts Re-Announcement of Drop-Side Crib Recall

Mar 22, 2011

Missing Safety Pegs Create Risk of Entrapment and Suffocation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Delta Enterprise Corp., of New York, N.Y. are re-announcing the 2008 recall of more than 985,000 drop-side cribs with "Crib Trigger Lock and Safety Peg" hardware. In January 2011, CPSC and Delta learned of a 2009 death in which 7-month-old girl from Colorado Springs, Colo. became entrapped and suffocated between the detached drop-side and mattress of her...

Read more

Fun World Recalls Halloween Costumes with Toy Stethoscopes

Mar 09, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Fun World, Inc. a Division of Easter Unlimited, Inc. of Carle Place, N.Y., today announced a voluntary recall of their Little Pet Vet costumes and Dr. Littles costumes with a toy stethoscope accessory due to a choking hazard. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Units: About 1,800

Importer: Fun World, Inc. a Division of Easter Unlimited, Inc. of Carle Place, N.Y.

Hazard: The costumes...

Read more

OBall Links & Mini Rattles Recalled

Mar 03, 2011

TThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Rhino Toys Inc., of Santa Cruz, California, today announced a voluntary recall of OBall Links & Mini Rattles. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Units: About 14,000 in the United States and 14,000 in Canada

Importer: Rhino Toys Inc., of Santa Cruz, Calif.

Hazard: The hard plastic C-links on both ends of the rattles' soft plastic chain can break, posing a choking...

Read more

Lamaze International spotlights Columbia Center’s Ann Grauer

Feb 24, 2011

Lamaze International, the nonprofit organization that promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting, is spotlighting Columbia Center family educator Ann Grauer. Click here to read the Lamaze interview with Ann Grauer.

Read more

Jogging Strollers Recalled

Feb 23, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of B.O.B.(r) single and double strollers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Units: About 337,000 in the United States and 20,000 in Canada

Importer: B.O.B. Trailers Inc., of Boise, Idaho

Hazard: A drawstring on the stroller can get...

Read more

IKEA Recalls to Repair Cribs Due to Mattress Support Collapse

Feb 17, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with IKEA Home Furnishings, today announced a voluntary recall of SNIGLAR non-drop-side, full-size cribs with model number 60091931. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Units: About 20,000 in the United States and 6,000 in Canada

Manufacturer: IKEA Home Furnishings

Hazard: The four bolts provided with some SNIGLAR cribs to secure the mattress support are not long enough....

Read more

Bassinets Recalled by Burlington Basket Company Due to Fall Hazard

Feb 16, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Burlington Basket Company, today announced a voluntary recall of Burlington Basket Company bassinets. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Units: About 500,000

Manufacturer: Burlington Basket Company, of Burlington, Iowa

Hazard: If the cross-bracing rails are not fully locked into position, the bassinets can...

Read more

Sassy Recalls Infant Teethers / Rattles Due to an Ingestion Hazard

Jan 31, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Sassy Inc., of Kentwood, Michigan, today announced a voluntary recall of Refreshing Rings Infant Teethers / Rattles. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Units: About 37,000

Manufacturer: Sassy Inc., of Kentwood, Michigan

Hazard: Small pieces of the plastic ball can detach as a result of children chewing on the...

Read more

It’s A Girl!

Jan 27, 2011

Real Stories mom Erika's new daughter — Gretchen Elaina — arrived in the early hours of Thursday, January 27, 2011. Follow Erika as she blogs and otherwise shares the story of her second pregnancy.

Read more

Pajamagram / Vermont Teddy Bear Infant and Toddler Footed Pajamas Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

Jan 11, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with The Vermont Teddy Bear Company/Pajamagram, today announced a voluntary recall of Hoodie Footie Infant and Toddler Footed Pajamas. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Units: About 800

Manufacturer: The Vermont Teddy Bear Co. Inc. (also known as Pajamagram, of Shelburne, Vt.)

Hazard: The metal snaps that attach...

Read more

Hot Kids Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts & Jackets w/ Drawstrings Recalled Due to Strangulation Risk

Jan 11, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Hot Kids, today announced a voluntary recall of Hot Kids children's hooded sweatshirts and jackets. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Units: About 18,000

Manufacturer: Hot Kids (also known as Mejoong Corp.)

Hazard: The children's hooded sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood and/or waist that can pose...

Read more

New information about vaccines and autism

Jan 07, 2011

NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman discusses claims that a landmark study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield that linked childhood vaccinations to autism was an "elaborate fraud," according to a British medical journal. Watch Video

For additional articles and resources about vaccines and childhood vaccinations, please refer to Columbia Center's "Topics and Tips" page on vaccines.

Read more

BabyLegs recalls baby socks and leg warmers due to choking hazard

Dec 23, 2010

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with BabyLegs of Seattle, WA, today announced a voluntary recall of BabyLegs brand baby leg warmers and socks. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Units: About 4,500

Hazard: The leg warmers and socks have a heart applique that can detach, posing a choking hazard to small children.

Sold at: Babylegs.com and at...

Read more

Columbia Center Santa Baby Photos

Dec 08, 2010

Photos from the recent Columbia Center 2010 Santa Baby event have been posted. (Click to view the event photos.) Santa Baby was held on Saturday, December 4, 2010, and infants and toddlers were able to have their pictures taken with Santa.

Read more

The First Years Recalls American Red Cross Cabinet Swing Locks

Dec 02, 2010

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Learning Curve Brands/The First Years., today announced a voluntary recall of American Red Cross Cabinet Swing Locks. The installed latches can break and children could gain access to contents of a cabinet, posing the risk of exposure to hazardous items. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Units: About 41,300

...

Read more

Bassettbaby Recalls Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

Nov 22, 2010

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Units: About 90,000

Manufacturer: Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Va.

Hazard: The cribs' drop-side rail can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing...

Read more

Infant Car Seats Recalled by Britax Due to Laceration and Choking Hazards

Nov 04, 2010

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary product recall involving 23,000 Chaperone Infant Car Seats manufactured in China and imported into the US by Britax Child Safety. The harness chest clip can break and pose a laceration hazard. Due to its small size, it also can pose a choking hazard.

This recall involves Chaperone infant car seats with model numbers E9L95P2 (Red Mill), E9L95P3, E9L95P5 (Cowmooflage), E9L69N9 (Moonstone) manufactured between April 2009 and May...

Read more

FDA Recall: Hyland’s Teething Tablets Contain Belladonna

Oct 28, 2010

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Standard Homeopathic Company have voluntarily recalled its Hyland's Teething Tablets.

The product recall involves:

  • Hyland's Teething Tablets, 125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75041
  • Hyland's Teething Tablets, 250 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75042
  • Hyland's Teething Tablets, 125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75066
  • Hyland's Teething Tablets, 50 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75044
  • Hyland's Teething Tablets, 145 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75121
  • Hyland's Teething Tablets, Clip Strip...
Read more

Consumer Advisory: Evenflo Company Recalls 13,792 Evenflo Maestro Child Safety Seats

Oct 25, 2010

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is alerting consumers of a recall involving 13,792 Evenflo Maestro child safety seats. In the event of a crash, a crack could form at the front of the seat, adjacent to the harness adjuster, causing the child to be improperly restrained.

Evenflo is recalling the child seats with model numbers beginning with 310. Those include 3101198; 3101980; 31011048; 31011049; 31011059 produced between November 24, 2009, and April 9, 2010. The model number...

Read more

Columbia Center Family Reunion Photos

Oct 22, 2010

Photos from the recent Columbia Center Family Reunion have been posted. (Click to view the reunion photos.) The reunion was held on Sunday, October 10, 2010, and parents were able to reconnect with the physicians and nursing staff that shared in their childbirth experiences.

Shown at right are the Eimes family (seated) and the Castillo family (standing). View the other reunion photos here.

Read more

Graco recalls 2 million strollers sold between 2000 and 2007

Oct 20, 2010

On Wednesday, October 20, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and Graco Children's Products, Inc. announced that Graco is recalling about 2 million baby strollers.

The recall includes Graco Quattro Tour and Metrolife strollers sold at retailers including Babies R Us, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart between November 2000 and December 2007.The strollers are being recalled due to risk of entrapment and strangulation. CPSC and Graco have received four reports of infant strangulation...

Read more

Fisher-Price Recalls 10 Million Children’s Products

Sep 30, 2010

On Thursday, September 30, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and Fisher-Price announced that Fisher-Price is recalling more than 10 million children's products that were sold in the United States.

The Fisher-Price recall includes:

Read more

Remembering our Colleague and Friend Mary Maechtle, RN

Sep 26, 2010

To share your memories of Mary Maechtle, RN, please visit the Columbia Center blog.

From Candy Casey, President and CEO of Columbia Center

I am deeply saddened as I share the news that Mary Maechtle, RN, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Mary worked at Columbia Center since 2007. Prior to that, she worked at Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee Birthing Center since 1995. Mary's love for providing compassionate care to her patients, her teamwork and positive spirit will be deeply...

Read more

Voluntary Similac Infant Formula Recall

Sep 22, 2010

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Abbott is voluntarily recalling certain Similac Brand Powder Infant Formulas because they did not meet Abbott's quality standards.

Here is the full FDA press release about this recall:

Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of certain Similac-brand, powder infant formulas in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some countries in the Caribbean.

Abbott is recalling these products following an internal quality review, which detected...

Read more

Top 10 Breastfeeding Mistakes

Aug 31, 2010

In August 2010, the She Knows Parenting website interviewed Columbia Center's Ann Grauer, CD(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, a board-certified lactation consultant, about her advice for preventing and fixing breastfeeding mistakes.

Read more

DIY Baby Food

Jun 30, 2010

On Wednesday, June 30, 2010, the Express Milwaukee newspaper and website published an interview with Columbia Center Family Educator Diane Oakland about how to make your own baby food. Read the article "DIY Baby Food" on the ExpressMilwaukee.com website.

Read more

“Making Your Own Baby Food” event: Recipes and Resources

Feb 06, 2010

On Saturday, February 6, 2010. Columbia Center family educator Diane Oakland was joined by professional chefs Beth & Scott Shully, and Bridget Nagorsen from Shully's Cuisine and Events who demonstrated just how easy and fun making your own baby food can be. This was the second time Columbia center offered the special event "Prepared with Love: Making Your Own Baby Food."

Here are some additional resources to help you further explore the topics discussed at the "Prepared with...

Read more

Timely “Children & Vaccines” event gives parents facts (10/22/09)

Oct 22, 2009

The Columbia Center special event “Children and Vaccines: Addressing Parents' Concerns” took place on Thursday, October 22, 2009. Gary S. Marshall, MD, nationally known pediatric infectious disease specialist, and local pediatrician Dan Hagerman, MD, spoke and answered parents' questions on childhood immunizations, claims of a connection between vaccinations and autism, the recommended immunization schedule, and much more.

Related Resources

If you weren't able to attend, below are some great...

Read more

Sling Fling events a success

Sep 26, 2009

Columbia Center's first Sling Fling was held on Saturday, September 26, 2009 and over 50 moms watched demos of correct sling use, tried different slings and heard practical tips.  A second Sling Fling took place on Saturday, January 9, 2010 and was attended by over 60 parents. Thanks to everyone who joined us at either of these events.

If you weren't able to attend, here are some great resources from the Sling Fling events:

  • Video of...
Read more

“Prepared with Love” event provides recipes, nutritional information (5/14/09)

May 15, 2009

The special Columbia Center event "Prepared with Love: Feeding Your Baby, From Newborn to Toddler" took place on Thursday, May 14, 2009 and provided advice for starting your baby on the path to a lifetime of good health.

Here are some additional resources to help you further explore the topics discussed at the "Prepared with Love" event.

Event Handouts:

  • Organic grocery shopping list
  • Featured recipes

Online Video:

  • WTMJ-TV's Morning Blend — Pre-event interview with Dirk Steinert, MD, pediatrician and...
Read more

Annual Cookie Sale Gives Hope to Families During Holiday Season

Jan 05, 2009

Columbia Center's Annual St. Nick's Day Cookie Sale is much more than a fun event or an opportunity to satisfy our sweet tooth. It's a way of supporting those in our community who are suffering. For 14 years, the Annual Cookie Sale has been the source of hope for many families and children suffering from either medical afflictions or financial hardships during the holiday season. The proceeds are given to selected children or families who need some extra help and support.

People come from all...

Read more

Diane Oakland earns IBCLC status (11/1/07)

Jan 01, 2008

Columbia Center's Family Education & Support Coordinator Diane Oakland became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant this month.

The prestigious certification for specialists in lactation management requires extensive practical experience in breastfeeding counseling and a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education in lactation, which is completed in three years prior to taking the rigorous certification examination.

With Diane's certification, Columbia Center now boasts two...

Read more

New Mequon location welcomes mothers-to-be (9/19/07)

Sep 19, 2007

Our new birth hospital in Mequon began welcoming mothers in labor on September 19. Columbia Center combining our exceptional care and unique approach to birth services with a brand new state-of-the-art facility. The new specialty birth hospital is located on Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee campus.

“As our Columbia Center families know, we are an intimate, nurturing birth hospital that provides women, families and their physicians with a wide-range of birth options,” says President and CEO Candy...

Read more