With the new mannequin, named Newborn Tory, Norton Clark Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit nurses and women’s services staff can elevate their newborn education through monthly drills, neonatal resuscitation program checkoffs, newborn assessments for all new hires and annual staff competencies.

“The newborn training mannequin is life-like and reacts physiologically as if it were alive,” said Michelle England, MSN, R.N., NE-BC, vice president, patient care services, and chief nursing officer, Norton Clark Hospital. “We have the capability to recreate real-life situations and provide our team with opportunities to practice and refine hands-on clinical skills without the risk of harm to our smallest patients.”

Norton Healthcare has provided newborn training mannequins to Norton Clark Hospital in the past. This is the first to be dedicated solely to Norton Clark Hospital.

As part of the not-for-profit Norton Healthcare system, Norton Clark Hospital relies on the generosity of donors to help fund medical care, groundbreaking research, new technology and better health for the entire community. Learn more at JustImagineCampaign.com.

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“Our midwives are very good. Alison immediately recognized the symptoms of PCOS and did the right thing by recommending testing and reassigning care to me. PCOS is frequently underdiagnosed due to the variety of symptoms that present,” Dr. Grady said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women with PCOS are insulin-resistant and prone to Type 2 diabetes. It is one of the most common causes of infertility. Women with PCOS can develop serious health issues, especially if they are overweight. These issues include diabetes, gestational diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and stroke.

“Having PCOS places an expectant mother and her baby at high risk for complications during pregnancy and delivery similar to having gestational diabetes,” Dr. Grady said.

“Dr. Grady was honest and caring. He listened and knew all about PCOS to prevent me from developing more issues,” Taylor said. “He explained everything clearly, and I was confident we were in the right place.”

Taylor’s pregnancy was going well. At 34 weeks, she had started undergoing twice-weekly fetal non-stress tests. During the second week, it showed an increase in amniotic fluid. Taylor learned from Ronald Wright, M.D., another OB/GYN at the same practice as Dr. Grady, that the condition could cause early labor.

The next day, Taylor’s family held a baby shower. Everyone was excitedly anticipating the birth of a grandchild and great-grandchild. The following day, as Taylor was bending over to start the bath, her water broke.

Taylor called Dr. Grady’s office and was told to come to Norton Clark Hospital make sure everything was OK. The concern was that she could develop an infection. Dawn Moravec, R.N., was Taylor’s nurse and monitored her nearly the entire time she was in the labor and delivery unit. Neonatal nurse practitioner Christine Cooper, APRN, MSN, NNP-BC spoke with Taylor frequently.

“My birth team, especially my nurse Dawn, made me feel calm; they were capable and gave it to me straight without scaring me,” Taylor said. “I appreciated that.”

“My little Graham was already big at a little over 6 pounds and nearly 35 weeks along, and they wanted to go ahead and deliver him to avoid potential infection.”

Taylor knew that the hospital had a Level II neonatal intensive care unit affiliated with Norton Children’s Hospital and that the baby would receive excellent care once he arrived. Hospitals with a Level II NICU can care for babies born at 32 to 35 weeks who may have moderate medical issues and are expected to recover relatively quickly.

After Graham Thomas Spears entered the world, he did not take that first, big breath. The NICU team took over and helped him do just that.

“After they helped him breathe and cleaned him up, they brought him to me. When he opened his eyes and looked at me, I knew he was OK,” Taylor said.

With Taylor’s hormones in high gear, her nurse Dawn made sure to move her into a room right across from the NICU so she could see baby Graham often.

“The entire team of NICU nurses were all so caring and accommodating,” Taylor said.

“Baby Graham had trouble eating and stayed in the NICU 17 days until he was able to maintain his weight,” Dr. Grady said.

“The lactation consultants helped me try to breastfeed but were not pushy.

They conveyed sensitivity showing me how to hold Graham to feed,” Taylor said. “I had to pump to feed him at first, but because of their help, I was able to start exclusively breastfeeding when he was around 2 months old.

“While no one wants a NICU stay, ours was a bit of a blessing in disguise as we learned so much from the nurses. We brought him home with a sense of relief and the comfort of feeling prepared to take care of him.”

Taylor’s family had recently experienced dark times with severe illness and had family members pass away.

“This precious boy has breathed new life into our families,” Taylor said. “Graham has become their new light.”

“I tell anyone who is trying to get pregnant or looking for a place to have their baby, there is an incredible place with a stellar staff in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Our birth experience at Norton Clark Hospital was one we will never forget, and the staff hold a special place in our hearts.”

The post Midwife finds underdiagnosed condition, helping expectant mom safely deliver her newborn son appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Benefit of doulas for pregnant patients

Doulas are trained, nonmedical professionals who provide physical, emotional and informational support to a pregnant patient through all stages of childbirth in hopes of producing positive health outcomes. Using a doula has been shown to have many benefits for the patient, their labor and their postpartum experience. Doula-assisted pregnancies are shown to be four times less likely to have a low birth weight baby and two times less likely to experience a birth complication involving the mother or their baby. Moms who use a doula are significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding.

Additionally, patients who had support from a doula during labor were less likely to use pain medications, require Pitocin or have cesarean deliveries than patients who didn’t use a doula. The patients were more likely to experience shorter labor and have a vaginal birth without instruments. Patients who received support from a doula were more likely to be satisfied overall with their birth experience. Additionally, a statement from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine affirms that labor support from someone like a doula can help improve labor and delivery.

Barriers to doula use

Doulas can help improve the birthing experience by ensuring that women are supported and have an advocate who is sensitive to their culture and pregnancy care goals. However, a pregnant person contracts directly with a doula to provide services, and average costs for a birth doula can range anywhere between $800 and $2,500. Postpartum doula costs can be between $20 to $50 per hour, depending on services and time of day. According to the National Women’s Law Center, women are 35% more likely to live in poverty than men. Rates are even higher for women of color: 18% of Black women live in poverty, 18% of Native American women, 15% of Latinx women, and 8% of Asian women. Simply put, while doulas can provide many benefits, many people experiencing pregnancy can’t afford to contract with doulas.

Norton Healthcare developed a community-based doula program to help women from groups or communities with statistically poor maternal outcomes have access to a doula and the benefits one offers. The Norton Women’s Doula Program provides eligible pregnant patients with a doula at no cost to them. While doulas are welcome in many birthing hospitals, this is the first program in Kentucky to employ doulas as part of the care team.

“Traditionally, doulas employed by hospitals have served as birth coaches and postpartum support, but our program expands the role,” said Mary L. Schubert, DNP, MSN, system vice president, women’s services, Norton Healthcare. “Eligible patients will have someone who can help reduce the impacts of social determinants of health, as well as reduce the risks for pregnancy loss, health complications and even death.

“By offering the support of a doula in addition to obstetric care, we hope we can help women of color experience better outcomes and have the supportive, healthy pregnancy and delivery they deserve. And by following the patient after childbirth, a doula can help detect many complications that may occur in what we refer to as ‘the fourth trimester.’ Early detection is essential to improve health outcomes.”

Norton Women’s Doula Program services include several home visits throughout the patient’s pregnancy and the period after delivery. The doula team has expanded since launching in 2022 and now includes a Spanish-speaking doula. The doulas are available to pregnant patients who are receiving care from providers at Norton OB/GYN Associates or Norton Women’s Specialists. Participants deliver their babies at Norton Hospital.

The community-based doula program was made possible through the Norton Healthcare Foundation and Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation, with gifts from Edie Nixon and Aetna Better Health of Kentucky.

Interested in a doula?

If you see an OB/GYN provider at Norton OB/GYN Associates or Norton Women’s Specialists, ask your health care provider for a referral to the Norton Women’s Doula Program. If you are not a patient with one of our eligible practices, call (502) 629-4496 (4GYN) to schedule an appointment at Norton OB/GYN Associates or Norton Women’s Specialists.

This program would not be possible without support from the community. Make a donation now to support this important program.

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“Even though all C-sections have some health risks, I believe C-sections should be done in cases when it is medically necessary, when a vaginal birth would have more risk than a C-section,” said Kris E. Barnsfather, M.D., OB/GYN with Norton Women’s Care.

What are the health risks for C-sections?

A C-section is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through incisions in the uterus and abdomen. Health risks for C-sections include infection, hemorrhage, uterine rupture and respiratory issues for infants. Mothers who undergo a C-section can face additional health risks during future pregnancies and deliveries.

What is a good C-section rate?

Norton Women’s Care, with childbirth services at Norton Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, has been recognized as High Performing in Adult Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report, rated “excellent” at minimizing avoidable C-sections.

Caregivers at Norton Healthcare’s two labor and delivery locations deliver more than 8,000 babies a year, and fewer than 23.9% of first-time, low-risk pregnancies at full term were cesarean deliveries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, nearly one-third (31.8%) of all live births in the U.S. were cesarean deliveries. CDC data shows the C-section rate in the U.S. has risen from being less than one-quarter (23.5%) in 1991, and providers have been encouraged to minimize the health risks for otherwise healthy patients.

Extra support for patients of Norton Women’s Care

Norton Women’s Care offers special resources and programs that can enhance a patient’s birth experience:

• Midwives
  • A nurse practitioner who offers holistic support during labor and childbirth, can deliver babies and is highly trained in low-risk pregnancies. Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) practice in a medical setting and collaborate with OB/GYN physicians.
• Doulas
  • A doula is a trained support person for the mother other than a partner or a family member. Doulas offer additional physical and emotional support during labor and childbirth. Studies show that women with extra support during labor can reduce their risks of needing a C-section in a low-risk pregnancy.
• Childbirth classes
  • Patients can learn strategies for comfort and coping with pain during labor, reducing medical interventions and receiving continuous support during labor and birth. Most classes offered by Norton Women’s Care are free.

While many deliveries are uncomplicated, Norton Women’s Care also specializes in high-risk deliveries, with a specialty maternal-fetal medicine program and connection to specialists in two neonatal intensive care units.

Upcoming childbirth classes include:

Birth to Baby

Learn about signs, stages and phases of labor; Lamaze principles; cesarean delivery; medical interventions; anesthesia; comfort techniques; and more. This class is recommended for first-time moms and their partners during the fifth, sixth or seventh month of pregnancy.

The post Unnecessary C-sections pose health risks for mother and baby appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

While patients who attempt to have a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) have about a 60% to 80% success rate, your safety and the safety of your baby are the most important thing to keep in mind.

“Vaginal birth isn’t right for everyone,” said Kimberly S. Barnes, APRN, CNM, a midwife with Norton Women’s Care. “The main thing is to weigh all the risks to determine what is best for you and your baby.”

What are the benefits of vaginal birth?

Some patients will be better candidates for a vaginal birth after C-section than others. If you and your doctor agree to try, you will have what is called a “trial of labor after cesarean,” or TOLAC. This means you will prepare for a vaginal birth and go into labor with the goal of delivering vaginally.

There are many reasons to consider vaginal birth. Some of the benefits include:

• Shorter recovery time. You may have a shorter hospital stay after a vaginal birth than you would for another C-section. Avoiding surgery will help you have a faster recovery after baby arrives.
• Some patients want to have the experience of a vaginal birth. Your partner, spouse or doula may be able to play a larger role in your delivery experience.
• Family planning. If you are thinking of having a larger family, a vaginal birth may help you avoid some of the issues that can arise from multiple C-sections.
• Lower risk of complications. Vaginal deliveries have lower rates of infection, bleeding, blood clotting and injury to abdominal organs.

What are the risks of vaginal birth after a C-section?

The primary risk is rupture of the uterine scar from a prior cesarean delivery. However, a rupture occurs in only about 1 in 500 patients who choose to deliver vaginally.

Even though ruptures happen in only about 1 in 500 pregnant patients, it can be very dangerous. You and your provider will need to weigh your options and evaluate your health status before deciding.

Are you a good candidate for vaginal birth after a C-section?

Being in good health and having had a prior vaginal birth make a patient a good candidate for VBAC.

Other factors include:

• The reason for the previous C-section is not present during this pregnancy.
• The baby is a normal size and is head-down.
• There is no prior history of preeclampsia, stalled or induced labor.

Having a birth plan can help make sure everyone involved in delivering your baby knows what you want to happen, whether it’s a VBAC or another option.

The post Can you have vaginal birth after a C-section? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

What is group B strep and how does it spread?

Group B strep bacteria live in the intestines as well as the urinary and genital tract. The strep bacteria occur naturally. Group B strep is not something one can catch from eating, drinking or sexual intercourse. Sometimes it can invade the body and cause GBS disease, which is infections such as:

• Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
• Bone and joint infections
• Meningitis (tissue infection of the brain and spinal cord)
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis (body’s extreme response to an infection)
• Skin and soft-tissue infections

Group B strep affects newborns much more than it does adults. A baby can become infected during birth.

Group B strep symptoms in mothers and newborns

The pregnant patient usually does not appear sick or have symptoms of GBS. However, a baby experiencing GBS can have:

• Difficulty feeding
• Difficulty breathing
• Blue tint to skin
• Fever
• Irritability or limp appearance

These symptoms are similar to other health issues newborns can experience. Babies who have GBS in the first week of life are diagnosed with early onset GBS disease. Many times, these babies show symptoms at birth. However, children who develop the condition later, after appearing healthy at birth, are diagnosed with late-onset GBS disease. These conditions are the leading cause of meningitis and bloodstream infections in the first three months of life for newborns in the U.S.

How to protect baby from group B strep

About 1 in 4 pregnant patients carry group B strep bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Babies are at risk of developing GBS disease if the pregnant patient:

• Tests positive for group B strep late during pregnancy
• Develops fever during labor
• Has 18 hours or more pass between the water breaking and when baby is born

To help protect children, OB/GYNs test patients for group B strep between the 36th and 37th week of pregnancy. If the patient tests positive, they can be given intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor to prevent early onset GBS disease in the child. According to the CDC, a patient who receives IV antibiotics during delivery has a 1 in 4,000 chance of delivering a child who develops GBS disease. However, in cases where the pregnant patient does not receive the IV medication, the chance increases to 1 in 200. Antibiotics during pregnancy don’t work as a preventive, because the bacteria grow back quickly; the best defense is to receive the antibiotics during labor. Because of testing and prevention methods for GBS, there are low rates of early onset and late-onset GBS disease.

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“A successful VBAC can help avoid bowel or bladder issues, hysterectomy or even issues with the placenta in other pregnancies,” said Christopher Watkins, M.D., OB/GYN with Norton Women’s Specialists.

The more immediate benefits are a potentially shorter recovery, lower infection risk, less risk of blood loss and, of course, no surgery needed.

The VBAC risk is a uterine rupture, which means the scar from the previous C-section breaks open.

“When you have a C-section, there is an internal scar on the uterus and an external scar on the skin,” Dr. Watkins said. “If the scar on your uterus is vertical, there is a higher risk of rupture.”

Aside from VBAC risks, sometimes patients may need to have a C-section for other reasons. Those can include a pregnancy that has gone past 40 weeks, a large baby, high maternal weight, advanced maternal age, two or more previous C-sections or a C-section in the past 18 months. VBAC is less likely to succeed if the patient has preeclampsia, stalled labor or induced labor.

“The main thing is to talk with your obstetrician to determine what is best for you and your baby,” Dr. Watkins said.

Having a birth plan can help make sure everyone involved in delivering your baby knows what you want to happen, whether it’s a VBAC or another option.

Writing down how you imagine the birth going in detail will give you a birth plan starting point. Then, you can prioritize, strike out ideas and categorize thoughts.

It will also give you a framework for discussions with your health care provider, especially if you want to discuss VBAC risks and benefits.

Things don’t always follow the plan, so be flexible.

Include in your birth plan the childbirth classes you want to take and new parent classes to learn about taking care of your baby. Consider whether you want to discuss cord blood storage, any concerns around substance abuse and a checklist of what to take to the hospital.

The post Vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) risks and benefits appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you may wonder how the coronavirus/COVID-19 could affect you and your baby. The OB/GYNs, midwives and other staff providing obstetric care with Norton Healthcare are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation continues to evolve, patient safety remains our top priority. We have plans and protocols in place that are consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and we continue to update them as needed. Additionally, our obstetric providers are following recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Does a pregnancy make me more at risk for COVID-19?

According to the CDC, pregnant and recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 — including illness that requires hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator or special equipment to breathe, or results in death — compared with nonpregnant people. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk for preterm birth and might be at increased risk for other poor pregnancy outcomes.

It’s always important to protect yourself from illnesses while pregnant. If you’re pregnant, you can follow the same precautions as everyone else to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is especially important for pregnant people, and those who live with or visit them, to take steps to protect themselves from getting and spreading COVID-19.

Can I pass COVID-19 to my baby in the womb or through breast milk?

According to the CDC, mother-to-child transmission of coronavirus during pregnancy is unlikely, but after birth a newborn is susceptible to person-to-person spread. The virus has not been detected in amniotic fluid or breast milk. A very small number of babies have tested positive for the virus shortly after birth. However, it is unknown if these babies got the virus before or after birth.

If I’m pregnant, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people ages 12 and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine strongly recommends that pregnant, postpartum and lactating people and those considering pregnancy receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination is the best method to reduce maternal and fetal complications of COVID-19. Likewise, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that that all eligible persons, including pregnant and lactating individuals, should receive a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine series. Be sure to talk to your OB/GYN or midwife to discuss what’s best for you and your baby.

Do I need to stay away from my baby if I have COVID-19 or think I could have COVID-19?

The risk that a newborn will get COVID-19 from their mother appears low, especially when the mother takes steps such as wearing a mask and washing hands when caring for the newborn. Discuss with your health care provider the risks and benefits of having your newborn stay in the same room with you.

Should I breastfeed if I have COVID-19?

Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not likely to spread the virus to babies.

You, along with your family and health care providers, should decide whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding. Breast milk provides protection against many illnesses and is the best source of nutrition for most babies.

Should I keep my prenatal and postnatal appointments?

Your prenatal and postnatal care is important for your health and your baby’s. We urge all pregnant patients who are well to attend their appointments. If, however, you are pregnant and have symptoms of possible coronavirus infection, call your OB/GYN or midwife for advice. You may need to delay your routine visits.

Can someone come with me to my prenatal and postnatal appointments?

Please refer to our visitor policy for the latest information before you visit.

It’s time to go to the hospital. Will my delivery be affected by visitor policies?

We understand the unique need of families during the birth of a child. Please refer to our visitor policy for the latest information before you visit.

Coping with stress

A pandemic can be stressful for everyone. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children. Coping successfully with stress will make you and the people you care about stronger.

Depression during and after pregnancy is common and can be treated. Postpartum depression is depression that can happen after having a baby. If you think you may be experiencing depression, seek treatment from your health care provider as soon as possible. Find more information on depression during and after pregnancy.

The post Coronavirus and pregnancy: What you need to know appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Si estás embarazada o planeando un embarazo, es posible que te preguntes cómo el coronavirus/COVID-19 podría afectarte a ti y a tu bebé. Los obstetras y ginecólogos, parteras y otro personal que brinda atención obstétrica en Norton Healthcare están monitoreando de cerca la pandemia de COVID-19. A medida que la situación continúa evolucionando, la seguridad del paciente sigue siendo nuestra principal prioridad. Contamos con planes y protocolos que son consistentes con las recomendaciones de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) y continuamos actualizándolos según sea necesario. Además, nuestros proveedores obstétricos están siguiendo las recomendaciones del Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos.

¿Un embarazo me pone más en riesgo de COVID-19?

Según los CDC, las personas embarazadas y recientemente embarazadas tienen un mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave por COVID-19 —incluida la enfermedad que requiere hospitalización, cuidados intensivos o un ventilador o equipo especial para respirar, o resulta en la muerte— en comparación a personas no embarazadas. Además, las embarazadas con COVID-19 tienen un mayor riesgo de parto prematuro y podrían tener un mayor riesgo de otros resultados de embarazo deficientes.

Siempre es importante protegerse de las enfermedades durante el embarazo. Si estás embarazada, puedes seguir las mismas precauciones que todos los demás para protegerte y prevenir la propagación del COVID-19. Es especialmente importante que las personas embarazadas, y las que viven con ellas o las visiten, tomen medidas para protegerse de contraer y propagar COVID-19.

¿Puedo transmitir COVID-19 a mi bebé en el útero o a través de la leche materna?

Según el CDC, la transmisión materno-infantil del coronavirus durante el embarazo es poco probable, pero después del nacimiento un recién nacido es susceptible a la propagación de persona a persona. El virus no se ha detectado en el líquido amniótico o la leche materna. Un número muy pequeño de bebés han dado positivo al virus poco después del nacimiento. Sin embargo, se desconoce si estos bebés contrajeron el virus antes o después del nacimiento.

Si estoy embarazada, ¿debo recibir la vacuna contra el COVID-19?

Según el CDC, la vacunación contra el COVID-19 se recomienda para todas las personas de 12 años o más, incluidas las personas que están embarazadas, amamantando, tratando de quedar embarazadas ahora o que podrían quedar embarazadas en el futuro. La Sociedad de Medicina Materno-Fetal recomienda enérgicamente que las personas embarazadas, en posparto y lactantes y las que estén considerando el embarazo reciban la vacuna contra el COVID-19. La vacunación es el mejor método para reducir las complicaciones maternas y fetales del COVID-19. Asimismo, el Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos establece que todas las personas elegibles, incluidas las personas embarazadas y lactantes, deben recibir una vacuna contra el COVID-19 o una serie de vacunas. Asegúrate de hablar con tu obstetra/ginecólogo o partera para hablar sobre lo que es mejor para ti y tu bebé.

¿Necesito mantenerme alejado de mi bebé si tengo COVID-19 o creo que podría tener COVID-19?

El riesgo de que un recién nacido contraiga COVID-19 de su madre parece bajo, especialmente cuando la madre toma medidas como usar una mascarilla y lavarse las manos al cuidar del recién nacido. Habla con tu proveedor de atención médica sobre los riesgos y beneficios de que tu recién nacido permanezca en la misma habitación contigo.

¿Debo amamantar si tengo COVID-19?

La evidencia actual sugiere que no es probable que la leche materna propague el virus a los bebés.

Tú, junto con su familia y los proveedores de atención médica, debe decidir si y cómo comenzar o continuar la lactancia materna. La leche materna proporciona protección contra muchas enfermedades y es la mejor fuente de nutrición para la mayoría de los bebés.

¿Debo cumplir con mis citas prenatales y postnatales?

Tu atención prenatal y postnatal es importante para tu salud y la de tu bebé. Instamos a todas las pacientes embarazadas que se encuentren bien a asistir a sus citas. Sin embargo, si estás embarazada y tienes síntomas de una posible infección por coronavirus, llama a tu obstetra/ginecólogo o partera para obtener asesoramiento. Es posible que debas retrasar tus visitas de rutina.

¿Puede alguien venir conmigo a mis citas prenatales y postnatales?

Consulta nuestra política de visitantes para obtener la información más reciente antes de una visita.

Es hora de ir al hospital. ¿Mi parto se verá afectado por las políticas de visitantes?

Entendemos la necesidad única de las familias durante el nacimiento de un niño. Consulta nuestra política de visitantes para obtener la información más reciente antes de tu visita.

Cómo sobrellevar el estrés

Una pandemia puede ser estresante para todos. El miedo y la ansiedad por una enfermedad pueden ser abrumadores y causar emociones fuertes tanto en adultos como en niños. Sobrellevar con éxito el estrés te hará a ti y a las personas que te importan más fuertes.

La depresión durante y después del embarazo es común y se puede tratar. La depresión posparto es la depresión que puede ocurrir después de tener un bebé. Si crees que puedes estar experimentando depresión, busca tratamiento de tu proveedor de atención médica lo antes posible. Encuentra más información sobre la depresión durante y después del embarazo.

The post Coronavirus y embarazo: lo que necesita saber appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

In March 2019, Abbey learned she was pregnant. She worked with Kathryn Kersting, M.D.,  OB/GYN with Advocates for Women’s Health, a Part of Norton Women’s Care, during her entire pregnancy, including delivery. Abbey called her pregnancy “textbook,” with no issues. She knew she wanted to breastfeed, but as she did research about it, she began to feel anxious.

“I would read things, and I was like — I know I want to breastfeed, but I’m just going to wing it, and I’ll get there when I get there,” Abbey said.

Breastfeeding journey uncovers tongue-tie issue

According to Abbey, daughter Adalynn was born in November 2019 without complications, at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital. Abbey began her breastfeeding journey soon after. Adalynn had trouble latching on one side, so lactation consultant Natalie Brown, R.N., IBCLC, RLC, worked with Abbey to address the issue.

“She helped me learn how to use the nipple shield,” Abbey said.

Abbey went home from the hospital feeling confident about breastfeeding. However, she was experiencing a lot of pain. She had never planned to pump, as she wanted to nurse exclusively, but in talking to Adalynn’s pediatrician, they suggested that Abbey pump and offer Adalynn pumped milk afterward to see how much she would take. In doing so, Abbey said she experienced an overflow of breastmilk.

“I thought everything was fine,” Abbey said. “But I was in a lot of pain, and I thought that’s how it was supposed to be, without having done this before. Two weeks after Adalynn was born, I went to my OB to get checked, and she saw what my nipples looked like. They looked like they had holes. And she was like, ‘Oh my gosh, no! This isn’t right.’”

Abbey’s obstetrician referred her to lactation consultant Tina Martin, LPN, IBCLC, RLC. Tina performed a functional  breastfeeding assessment and weighed Adalynn before and after a feeding to see how much milk she took in. In working with Tina, Abbey learned Adalynn was experiencing breastfeeding difficulties from a posterior tongue-tie. A tongue-tie, also called ankyloglossia, is fairly common, affecting about 5% of newborns. A tongue-tie is more common in boys and frequently runs in families.

With a tongue-tie, the frenulum (stringlike tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is tight, short or thick and can impede the tongue’s movement. The tongue can be  prevented from sticking out past the gums, look heart-shaped, or have difficulty  lifting up to the hard palate. A tongue-tie can pose issues for breastfeeding, because a baby may not be able to open their mouth wide or extend the tongue enough to adequately cup the breast tissue. Also, the tongue’s tightness may keep the baby from doing the necessary movement required to create a vacuum for removal of milk from the breast.

“In December, we got her tongue clipped. I remember the doctor telling me, ‘You might not notice a difference right away; it sometimes it takes a few weeks to see a difference because they’re not used to it, they have to exercise it,’” Abbey said. “At first, I didn’t notice a difference, except she kept making this clicking sound even more because she didn’t know what to do with her tongue. But soon after, she was a completely different baby, just amazing at nursing.”

In January 2020, Abbey returned to see Tina.

“She showed me exercises that I can do to help [Adalynn] figure out what to do with her tongue,” Abbey said. “And I mentioned to her that I wanted to wean off of the pump. So we talked and she told me to just cut out one pumping session at a time and go longer periods between pumping. I did that, and it took me two months to completely wean off of the pump, where I was exclusively nursing. And I got to donate 3,000 ounces that I had stored that [Adalynn] didn’t use. I was able to finally exclusively nurse without the pump, and her tongue-tie was fixed.”

While weaning off of the pump, Abbey needed extra support as she became concerned about a suspected clogged milk duct or mastitis.

“I got my first clogged duct, and I woke up at four o’clock in the morning with it, and I was freaking out thinking it was mastitis,” Abbey said. “I called my OB/GYN office’s after-hours line and I spoke to Regina Mash APRN, CNM, certified nurse midwife with Advocates for Women’s Health] for 15 or 20 minutes. She suggested that I try gravity nursing, where you kind of go over top of [the baby] and let her do it. And the clogged duct was gone within 30 minutes. I remember I talked to Tina pretty late one night because I thought that I was getting a fever or a clogged duct at one point. You can call in the middle of the night and talk to somebody if you need to, which is an amazing comfort.”

For other mothers, Abbey suggests finding out what your OB/GYN’s office offers in terms of lactation consulting.

“It was a support system for me,” Abbey said. “Everyone’s different, and some people have issues and others don’t. Know what resources there are to help you, so that if you need that help in the middle of the night, you can get it.”

Adalynn is approaching her second birthday, and according to her mother is very independent.

“She started crawling at 5 months old, and ever since then when she learned she could do things herself, she just goes,” Abbey said. “She won’t touch a bottle, so I think weaning her might pose a challenge. I’m definitely not complaining; it’s what I wanted.”

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