Are you kidding me?

Because we deliver at home, some things go a bit differently than when you deliver in the hospital. For example, the PKU test. Our midwife brings the forms to our house, does the heel prick, and then we send the results in to the MDH (MN Department of Health) and they do the actual testing. When this testing is done, they save not only the results, but also the blood samples for other testing/research. You do have the option of having these things destroyed. I was planning on doing this. However, as I was looking at the form you fill out to have the samples and results destroyed I got more and more annoyed!

First of all, they make you feel like a criminal for even making the request... "I understand that the risks involved in destroying my child's newborn screening blood sample will result in loss of the blood sample for medical or identification purposes." Yup... that's kind of the point, isn't it??

Then, there is the actual request. You check the boxes for what you wish to have done. Your choices are "I request my child's newborn screening blood sample be destroyed immediately or within twenty-four months of test, whichever is later." and "I request my child's newborn blood screening test results stored at the Minnesota Department of Health's Newborn Screening Program be destroyed immediately of within twenty four months of testing, whichever is later."

Gee... I wonder which is later?? And, what are they doing with the samples in that 24 month period before they are destroyed?? Kind of makes the whole request useless I'm thinking.

To top it all off, if you want to request that the samples/results be destroyed you much have the form notarized. Seriously?? Either that, or we have to provide a copy of the birth certificate and photo ID to Public Health or medical personnel. This person must then sign the form as a witness.

I just don't even know what to say? I'm actually thinking that it's not worth sending in the test. Now I'm going to go refresh my memory on the reasons for the test as well as the possible risks of not testing. Then I'll decide if it's worth filling out the form. But, like I said, what are they doing with the samples/results in a 24 month time period? Seems to me they would be doing all the testing they could in TWO years with the knowledge that they would then be required to destroy everything...

Thanks for letting me rant a bit.

**BABY UPDATE**
Jericho is doing great, and finally starting to sleep better at night. I am actually feeling pretty rested. This week will be the first week I'll have all the kids home with no adult help around, so I would covet your prayers as we make a true test of the "new normal" here in our home.

**Prayer Request**
Also, if you could pray specifically for me that my depression issues would not mushroom. Many of you know that I am on meds to treat my depression (have been for several years). I try to keep the dosages at a minimum, and so far, things are going well. However, the postpartum period (first year after baby arrives) can be a difficult one for anyone, and the past would indicate that around 3-6 months postpartum is the worst for me. I would love to keep my meds at the low dose I'm taking now, and would appreciate prayer that this would be a smooth year for me.

Well, off to change Shi -- she's smelling a bit ripe! LOL

(Any input as far as the MDH request and PKU testing is welcome. Keep in mind, however, that I do not desire to be *convinced* one way or the other. Please keep your posts kind, constructive, and factual. Thanks!)