cute babies

As USA Today explains, Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell analyzed the names on 325 million applications for Social Security numbers, each one filed between 1880 and 2007. Their findings? Fewer moms and dads these days are opting for common baby names; for example, in 1955, 32 percent of boys had a name that ranked among the top 10 most popular in America. In 2007, only nine percent of males had a "popular" name. The same trend held true for girls -- the 1955 popularity percentage was 22 for females, but 8 percent in 2007.

There are many reasons that could explain this. Twenge and Campbell have focused on the obsession with uniqueness in our culture, coupled with a desire to imitate celebrities (who love a weird baby name) and good old-fashioned Baby Boomer and Generation X narcissism. Perhaps coincidentally, Twenge and Campbell have co-authored a book called "The Narcissism Epidemic," a tome that explores the many ways that the rise of the Narcissist in America has impacted our society. I'd plan to read it, but I'm kinda busy these days, staring at my own reflection in a pool of water.

Seriously, Twenge and Campbell raise some good points, but I think they've neglected to acknowledge a factor that I'll call the Jennifer Syndrome. We Xers grew up in a world where every class, from pre-school to grad school, included at least seven girls named Jennifer. I know this because I was one of them. It's the reason I never took my husband's last name after we get married; I got very attached to Chaney because it was the only way my friends could distinguish me from the 875 other Jens, Jennys and Jennifers in their lives.

My point is, you meet enough Jens as a kid, you start to think that maybe you should name your daughter (or son) something that will stand out. Of course, as we parents know, duplication of kid names still exists. The many Jordans, Jacobs, Emmas and Ethans out there attest to that. But if the Twenge/Campbell study -- which will be presented Saturday at the Association for Psychological Science conference -- is valid, then our kids' names are more diverse than ever. Call me a narcissist, but I think that's a good thing.

There are a number of reasons for an abnormal result. For example, not enough blood may have been taken, or the sample may not have reached the laboratory quickly enough. The sample may also have been "borderline", which means it was not possible to tell whether or not there was a problem. In these cases, your Lead Maternity Carer will talk to you about taking another sample.

The result may also have been abnormal because the screening test shows thes is an increased risk that one of the disorders tested for has been found. Further diagnostic testing will be required to confirm a disorder.

Many of the effects of disorders can be reduced - either by a special diet or medicine - but treatment is best if started early. Babies with a disorder cannot be "cured" but they can be treated, each in their own special way. Your Lead Maternity Carer and other health practitioners will talk with you about the best treatment for your baby.