Pregnancy

What Is Black Maternal Health Week?

Black mother breastfeeding baby with assistance from lactation consultant

On April 11-17, we celebrate  Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW). According to the CDC, black women are currently three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This article will review the current state of the U.S. maternal mortality rate, recommendations for pregnant families and healthcare providers, and how to be an advocate for maternal and reproductive health.

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Essential Tips for Birth and Breastfeeding

mom holding baby close to chest for skin-to-skin contact

Being pregnant and becoming a new mother is an exciting time that is often filled with questions and decisions you will need to make. What can you do to be as prepared as possible for birth and meeting your lactation goals? Let's take a look at some essential tips for birth and breastfeeding. 

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4 Household Chores to Avoid During Pregnancy

pregnant mom holding bump

During pregnancy, you are not only responsible for your own well being but for that of the life growing inside of you. You’ve been eating well, taking your vitamins, and avoiding alcohol. But what about all the household work that need to be done? Many chores require heavy lifting, using chemicals, and exposure to toxins, so it can be hard to know what is actually safe for you and your baby. Though many basic household tasks are safe for pregnant women, there are a few household chores that should be avoided. Ask your partner or a friend to help keep you and your baby safe. 

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Questions To Ask At Your First Prenatal Appointment

hands holding positive pregnancy test

Congratulations! You just found out you are having a baby! What do you do next? It is time to schedule your first pre-natal appointment. Let's take a look at what you can expect at your first prenatal appointment and what list of questions you should have to ask your healthcare provider.

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Can You Fly While Pregnant?

You’ve got places to go and people to see, Mama! Air travel can be especially exhausting when you are expecting, and it may also cause swelling in the feet and legs. So before you take off, learn how many pregnant women use compression socks to protect their health.

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10 Common Questions About Getting a Breast Pump Through Insurance

Mother Holding Baby While Breast Pumping

Breast pumps can be costly. Because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health insurance providers will cover one pump per pregnancy. If you're interested in learning more about how to get an insurance-covered breast pump, this guide will walk you through the process and answer some frequently asked questions you may have along the way.

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Top 12 Most Common Pregnancy Questions Answered

Pregnancy FAQs

From the earliest weeks of pregnancy, lots of questions arise on what can feel like a daily basis. Take a break from Google and enjoy some much-deserved rest as we covered the twelve most frequently-asked pregnancy questions.

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Can I Exercise with Preeclampsia?

Pregnant Woman with Stethoscope on Belly

Exercise is one of the most effective tools we have to keep our bodies healthy throughout our lifetimes, and this is especially true during pregnancy. If you have high blood pressure, chronic hypertension, or a family history of preeclampsia, you may be wondering if exercise during pregnancy is safe for you. Research has shown that regular physical activity before and during pregnancy can help keep blood pressure concerns in check & reduce the risk of developing serious conditions.

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Best Pregnancy Exercises to Prepare for Childbirth

Physical activity during pregnancy can help you stay strong and comfortable as your body grows. Once you reach the third trimester, you might find that your body wants to slow down. So how do we keep up with the benefits of exercise & staying strong for labor when our bodies don’t want to do much? These are the best exercises to focus on during the third trimester to stay prepared for labor, delivery, and postpartum. 

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Labor and Birthing Positions for a Comfortable Delivery

One thing that is often left out of pregnancy decision-making is choosing which birthing positions to use during labor and delivery. The most popular birthing position in the U.S. is the semi-sitting, or lithotomy position. This position has become popular over time because it facilitates labor and delivery interventions, such as forceps or placement of a vacuum. 

However, there are a myriad of other birthing and delivery positions, all of which have their own pros and cons.

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