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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
