Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

Dr. Lori Gore-Green's Portfolio of Experience as a Women's Health Professional

Attachment Or Gentle Parenting?

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Attachment parenting, commonly referred to as AP, is a form of parenting whose aim is to maximize the bond between the infant and the parent through physical touch by either feeding or sharing a bed with the infant. On the other hand, we can sum up general parenting in empathy, understanding, and respect. The relationship between the parent and the infant is based on the three terms. While the two forms of parenting can be confused easily, they have significant differences, as stated below:

 

Gentle parenting focuses on teaching children that it is okay to make mistakes, and as a result, the parents do not punish the children. Any error is a learning opportunity for the child. Attachment parenting, on the other hand, children are punished for any wrongdoing. The punishment does not cause harm to the children but corrects and disciplines them.

 

Parents who settle on gentle parenting recognize that it is essential to take care of themselves by taking some time out and getting assistance to raise the child. The space they get by being away from the child aims to make them better parents. On the other hand, parents who settle on attachment parenting have a hard time separating their feelings from those of the child. They choose to be fully present with no assistance without realizing its impact on their mental and physical health.

 

Parents who practice attachment parenting tend to reward their children for good behavior. For instance, when a child is given a chore and follows through with the given instructions, the parents reward them with sweets or toys. With gentle parenting, though, children are not rewarded for any reason, the parent’s term rewards as unnecessary and superficial.

 

For gentle parenting, parents acknowledge that the child has an immature but growing brain. As a result, behavioral expectations are lowered. They understand that children will react in childish ways, and it is okay. Parents that believe in attachment parenting view children as little adults. They expect the children to reason and behave as they do. In attachment parenting, children are expected to have the same social mannerisms as parents.

 

Both forms of parenting are socially acceptable. Back in the day, what parents said was considered law, and the children were expected to follow instructions given to the latter. In the modern-day, however, children question authority, and society is slowly learning to embrace this new generation and new forms of parenting. Times change, and we evolve.

Health Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Mother and Baby

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If you’ve been thinking about not breastfeeding your baby, then you probably have plenty of information to sift through.

Before you make a decision, check out all the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that exclusive breastfeeding is the best way to provide optimal nutrition for babies. This means that you should start breastfeeding your baby for at least six months before transitioning to solid food.

The World Health Organization and other health organizations recommend that new moms breastfeed their babies until they are two years old.

How Breastfeeding Benefits Babies

  1. Breast milk contains essential nutrition for babies

Most healthcare professionals also recommend breastfeeding for at least six months. It provides the nutrients needed for a baby’s first six months.

During the first few days after birth, your body produces a thick and yellowish fluid called Colostrum. It’s high in protein, low on sugar, and loaded with beneficial nutrients.

Colostrum is the ideal first milk for a newborn because it helps the baby’s digestive tract develop.

Although your milk supply is magical, it won’t provide enough vitamin D. To get enough in your system, consume vitamin D drops.

  1. It also contains antibodies 

It also contains anti-virus and bacteria-fighting antibodies, which help protect the baby from illness during the early months.

When a baby is exposed to bacteria or viruses, the IgA antibodies begin to form in the milk. This immunity system helps protect the baby from getting sick.

Unfortunately, formula doesn’t provide enough protection for babies; not being breastfed increases a baby’s chances of getting sick.

  1. The nutrients and antibodies may reduce disease risk

Exclusive breastfeeding is beneficial for your baby. It can reduce your child’s risk of many illnesses and diseases.

It’s also important to exclusively breastfeed for the protection of babies from various illnesses. Breastfeeding can also help protect babies from respiratory tract infections and other gastrointestinal illnesses. It can also decrease the risk of getting a serious cold.

Also, breastfeeding can help prevent infant mortality due to intestinal tissue damage. It’s also linked to a reduction in the risk of Sudden infant death syndrome. Being breastfed can also help prevent a baby from developing various diseases, such as colitis and Crohn’s disease. It can also decrease the risk of type 1 diabetes and childhood leukemia.

Studies show that breastfeeding can promote healthy weight gain and prevent childhood obesity. It’s believed that the beneficial bacteria in the gut of breastfed babies can affect the storage of fat.

Also, breastfeeding produces higher levels of the hormone leptin in its systems, which helps regulate appetite and fat storage. This helps breastfeeding babies develop healthy eating patterns.

  1. Breastfeeding may correlate to childrens’ intelligence

It’s also believed that breastfeeding helps boost the brain development of infants.

Factors such as breastfeeding’s effect on a baby’s intelligence and the nutrients it provides are also known to have a positive effect on a child’s development.

The long-term effects of breastfeeding are also beneficial for infants with a higher risk of developing developmental issues.

How Breastfeeding Benefits Mothers

  1. Breastfeeding can help mothers lose baby weight

There are also many reasons why breastfeeding babies can seem to gain weight. One of these is that it burns more calories than breastfeeding. After three months, the effects of breastfeeding seem to be less significant.

  1. Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract

During pregnancy, the uterus grows rapidly and fills almost the entire abdomen. This process, known as involution, is caused by the hormone oxytocin.

The high levels of oxytocin that you secrete during labor can help nourish the baby and reduce bleeding. Studies also suggest that breastfeeding can help improve the blood flow to the uterus.

  1. Breastfeeding lowers your risk for PPD

Postpartum depression is a condition that can develop after a woman has given birth. A 2012 study found that breastfeeding mothers were less prone to experiencing this type of depression.

Although women who have had a baby are less likely to experience postpartum depression, those who are still breastfeeding are still more prone to having difficulty doing this.

  1. It also lowers your risk for disease

Being a breastfeeding mother is known to lower a woman’s risk of various diseases and cancer. In addition, being a part of a breastfeeding group is linked to a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

  1. It can prevent menstruation post-birth

Being a breastfeeding mother can also help women maintain a regular menstrual cycle. It’s believed that this process helps nourish the uterus and provides a sense of time for women.

  1. Breastfeeding saves you money and time

Most breastfeeding mothers are free to choose breastfeeding. Not only do they save time, but they also don’t have to spend a huge amount of money on formula. Having a well-trained and organized breastfeeding staff can help you make breastfeeding easier and less time-consuming.

Although it’s recommended that women start breastfeeding at the age of 6 months, most health agencies still recommend it for everyone.

It’s also known that breastfeeding helps protect a baby from chronic diseases and illness.

Since there are many reasons to choose to breastfeed, your healthcare team can help you make the best possible choice for yourself.

What you should take away

Despite the numerous advantages of breastfeeding, most health agencies still recommend it for everyone. Milk contains various antibodies that can protect the baby from illness.

Your healthcare team can help you make the right choice for yourself and your baby.

Understanding the Second Trimester

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The time span of a normal pregnancy is divided into three segments which last between twelve and fourteen weeks each. The second trimester starts with week 13 and finishes at week 28 and is a time when the mother starts feeling better. The nausea, the fatigue, and the severe breast tenderness ease up. The baby is growing larger and the uterus expands and comes up out of the pelvis, eliminating the pressure on the bladder.

However, this trimester does have a few discomforts.

  • Braxton-Hicks contractions – The uterus starts tightening up in usually painless contractions, especially after strenuous physical activity.
  • Breast enlargement – The breasts are preparing to feed the baby. Mammary glands start to swell.
  • Nasal congestion – The nasal mucosa becomes engorged because of increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Besides the stuffiness, the nasal veins are enlarged and bleed easily.
  • Bleeding gums – The same engorgement occurs in the gums and bleeding may occur with flossing or brushing.
  • Melasma – Brown patches may develop on the face or a brown line may show up on the lower abdomen. These changes are also due to hormones.
  • Quickening – The movement of the fetus can be felt at about 20 weeks.
  • Varicose veins and hemorrhoids – These congested veins may appear and be painful, especially with excessive weight gain and constipation.
  • Dizziness – This can happen on standing up and can even cause fainting. Staying well-hydrated is important.
  • Leg cramps – The body is no longer configured as it used to be. The leg muscles have to adjust to the weight above them. Cramping of tired muscles at night is not unusual. Stretching exercises before bed help. Staying well-hydrated also helps.
  • Vaginal discharge – Usually clear or white, this is normal.

 

At each prenatal visit, the mother will be evaluated for blood pressure, weight gain, and edema. Doppler checking of the heartbeat allows the parents to listen. The increasing size of the uterus will be measured to determine fetal growth.

The end of the second trimester is the beginning of the body’s preparations for birth as the mother enters the last trimester.

Understanding the First Trimester

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The first trimester refers to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also critical because it is when the baby develops all the major organs. During the first trimester, the baby’s brain and nervous system develop. The heart starts beating, and blood flows through the veins and arteries. The arms, legs, and backbone form, and the baby’s organs also start to develop, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Here is what to expect during that time.

Fertilization of the egg – The first trimester is when the fertilization of the ovum occurs. The sperm has to reach and penetrate an egg for this to happen. If it doesn’t, pregnancy will not occur.

Implantation – Once conception happens, the zygote attaches itself to the mother’s uterus lining through implantation, which usually occurs about a week after fertilization.

Hormonal changes – The body’s hormone levels go up in this trimester during the first few weeks. This will cause the pregnant to feel nauseous and tired during this time because her body is working hard to support the baby.

The heartbeat – At six weeks, the baby starts developing their neural system along with its heart beating for the first time.

Baby’s head develops – At seven weeks, the baby has developed his or her head. The brain and the face continue to grow at this stage.

Other features start to form – At 8 weeks, the baby’s limbs and fingers start to form, and swellings outlining the ears and eyes also form. At this stage, the nose also forms, and the toes appear at week 9.

The elbows can now bend – In the 10th week, the baby’s eyelids, mouth, and chin are recognizable. The baby’s head is now more round, and they can bend their elbows. The baby is also starting to move around in small movements, although the mother can’t feel it yet.

Baby’s genitalia form – The baby’s external genitalia start to form towards the end of week 11. Red blood cells also start forming in the liver at this stage. During this week, the baby officially becomes a fetus.

More features develop – During this week, the fetus’s fingernails form. Their head becomes more developed, and the intestines form in the stomach. At the end of this week, the baby is about the size of a peach.

What to Expect from your Ultrasound Test

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What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a test used to see images of a patient’s organs, tissues, or unborn baby in the case of pregnancy. The process involves a tool called an ultrasound probe, which emits high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves bounce off of tissues and are reflected back towards the probe. The reflected sound waves are then recorded and used to generate an image of the tissues. This procedure allows providers to visualize tissues and identify possible problems such as tumors. Ultrasounds are also used frequently to monitor the development of unborn babies.

Are Ultrasounds Safe?

When done properly, ultrasounds are safe. The procedure is non-invasive, so it does not require anything risky like an incision. Additionally, unlike other tests like X-rays, ultrasounds function without radiation, so patients do not need to worry about the potentially harmful side effects of radiation.

What Happens During an Ultrasound?

The exact process will vary depending on the body part being examined. In general, the procedure involves having a gel applied to the area. The provider then passes the ultrasound probe over that area. Some ultrasounds, like abdominal ultrasounds (which are commonly used during pregnancy), are performed on the outside of the body. Other ultrasounds involve inserting the probe into the body. For example, if digestive organs are being examined, the probe will be inserted into the patient’s throat. It is normal for an ultrasound to take 30 minutes, but it may take up to an hour. Any patient with concerns or questions should ask their provider for specific details about the procedure before it is performed.

What Happens After an Ultrasound?

After an ultrasound is performed, the images will be examined by a radiologist. The radiologist develops a report to give to the provider who can then discuss the results with the patient. It generally does not take very long to receive one’s results after an ultrasound. If a qualified provider is present while the procedure is being performed, they may be able to discuss the results with the patient immediately. Otherwise, it may take several days to hear back. In some cases, the results of ultrasound may identify issues such as heart problems, tumors, or blood clots. If a diagnosis is made, the provider should then explain the patient’s options for treatment.

Donations as Holiday Gifts

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During the holiday season, you might have family and friends that are tough to shop for. You want to make sure that you can give them holiday fits that are meaningful for years to come.

For some, the right gift can be a donation to others in their name. These are just some kinds of donations you can give to others as a holiday gift.

Local Organizations

An issue might be happening in your family or friend’s local area that they want to get better. Donating to a local organization in their name can be a great way to get some help.

When you donate in their name, your family member or friend should receive some feedback about their donation. They will also learn more about how they can start donating their own money or helping out by volunteering.

International Causes

Every year, many organizations raise millions of dollars to help out causes people around the world have to deal with. This can include charities for cancer, poverty, other diseases, and more.

By sending out a donation in someone else’s name, you’re helping stamp their name as someone helping out a good cause. This can be a great thing to look back at when their money eventually helps eradicate or greatly reduce the threat of that issue.

Emergency Causes

Sometimes, an emergency might strike that requires a lot of money to be raised suddenly. People who help out these causes can be remembered in books as people who stepped up during a time where people needed donations.

When an emergency like that is on people’s minds during Christmas, you might want to make others feel better about what they are doing for a good cause. That’s why you should think about giving out donations in the names of your family members and friends during these difficult times, allowing them to show their support in the books.

Just make sure you give some contact information with those donations for those in your life who like to give. Charitable organizations like to follow up to talk about how additional donations can help them cover certain products and services or they might even ask if they are interested in helping out with any volunteering opportunities.

Understanding the Stages of Breast Cancer

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Mammograms are an essential part of cancer prevention. Regular screening provides the best chance of early detection when cancer is easiest to treat and cure.

When breast cancer is detected, its pathology report will place it in one of five stages. Categorizing cancer into stages helps the doctor and patient decide upon and implement the best treatment options.

Recent advances in cancer staging guidelines from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) make the staging and treatment of breast cancer more complex but more accurate. Information on tumor grade, hormone-receptor status, and possible Oncotype DX test results are considered in all stages when developing a treatment plan.

One of the best ways a patient can alleviate fears of a cancer diagnosis is to understand the stages of breast cancer and the treatment options available.

Stage 0

Stage 0 defines non-invasive breast cancer such as DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). There is no evidence of cancerous or other abnormal cells invading tissue outside of the immediate area where cancer began.

Stage I

Stage I defines invasive breast cancer, meaning that cancer cells are present in normal tissue immediately outside of where cancer started but still confined to the breast. The chance of cure for Stage 0 or Stage I is high. Stage I is further divided into subcategories IA and IB.

Stage II

Stage II describes invasive and growing breast cancer that’s larger but still confined to the breast. It may have spread to some axillary lymph nodes. Stage II divides cancer into subcategories IIA and IIB.

Stage III

Stage III comprises three subcategories–IIIA, IIIB, IIIC. Stage III generally describes a more aggressive and invasive cancer. Its size is more than 5cm and, it may be spreading into nearby muscle and lymph nodes. But it has not spread to distant organs.

Stage IV

In Stage IV, breast cancer has become metastatic. This means that it has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to distant organs in the body such as the lungs, liver, brain, or bones.

The cure rate of stage IV is reduced dramatically. But, with today’s treatments, a relatively normal life can be prolonged for several years.

Most Important Questions to Ask Each Trimester

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What is your favorite question to ask during the first trimester? What about the second or third? In this blog post, we will discuss four questions that you should be asking yourself each trimester. Whether it’s through a simple check-up at the doctor’s office, or just some self-reflection on how you’re feeling, these are all important questions that will help keep your mind healthy and happy!

1st Trimester:

Am I feeling more tired than usual? Fatigue is a very common symptom of pregnancy. Many women will find that they need to take naps during the day, and will find it difficult to wake up in the morning or stay awake past 9 pm! This is because, throughout pregnancy, your blood volume increases by almost 50%, creating a greater demand for oxygen-rich red blood cells. For this increase to happen as quickly as possible, your body produces certain hormones, such as progesterone and estradiol, causing overall fatigue.

2nd Trimester:

Is my baby moving more than usual? Typically around week 18-20 gestational age (or the second trimester), most women will begin to feel their babies move for the first time. This can sometimes be startling and uncomfortable at first; however, it’s important not to panic until having confirmed with your doctor! Fetal movement is vital for proper development and growth. The more active and healthy your baby is, the better he or she will be able to fight off infections and sickness during pregnancy. It’s also important to know that the amount of movement your baby does in each session can vary – sometimes they can be very active, while other times they might not move much at all!

3rd Trimester:

What are my feelings about breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a woman can do after giving birth. The reality is, however, many women feel uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding – whether it’s because they don’t want their child becoming attached to them, or it makes them feel self-conscious about their physical appearance. Either way, it is important for couples choosing to breastfeed to discuss this with their doctor and one another. Breastfeeding can be challenging at first, but it is certainly worth all of the painstaking preparation you put in to ensure success!

As always, it’s critical for pregnant women to monitor their bodies closely and make sure they are taking care of themselves. Pregnancy is not an illness, but it does impact our bodies at a very deep level. Routine checkups and proper nutrition will help to ensure the health and happiness of you and your child during this time, as well as for years to come! Remember: motherhood can be one of the most challenging things you will ever do, but it can also be one of the most rewarding!

Dangerous Breast Cancer Myths

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Breast cancer is a dangerous disease that will affect roughly 13 percent of women at some point in their life. This makes it the second-most common form of cancer in women. Just like other types of cancer, the disease forms when the cells in the breast start to grow abnormally. Despite the prevalence of the disease, there is still a lot of misinformation out there regarding breast cancer. These are the most dangerous breast cancer myths.

There’s Always a Lump

While a lump in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer, they are not present in every case. This is why it is important to get regular screenings. You may think nothing is wrong, but a mammogram can find breast cancer in the early stages. Make sure to look out for the other common symptoms including breast swelling, inverted nipples, and flaky skin around the nipple.

Problem is Almost Solved

There are still a lot of people that think breast cancer is nothing to worry about because it is easily cured. While advancements in science have drastically reduced the death rate associated with breast cancer, it is still the second-deadliest form of cancer in women. A little more than 40,000 women are still dying every year from this horrible disease. A full cure is coming soon, but we are not there yet.

Screenings Are Only Defense

Regular screenings and self-checks at home are great ways to detect breast cancer in the early stages, but they are not your only defense against the disease. You can drastically reduce your chances of developing this disease by living a healthy lifestyle. Obese women are nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer after menopause as those living at a healthy weight. The regular consumption of alcohol also drastically boosts your chances of getting breast cancer.

No Family History, No Problem

You should not take things lightly just because there is no history of breast cancer in your family. Roughly 85 percent of breast cancer patients have no family link to the disease. Those that do have a family history of breast cancer need to be extra cautious because your risk of developing the disease is nearly double of those without a family link.

What to Know About Forceps Births

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Forceps deliveries are carried out to deliver a baby whose head has become stuck in a bent position or help out when all other methods have failed (e.g., ventouse).

The instruments used for forceps deliveries are called “forceps.” They were originally designed in ancient Greece and consisted of two wooden spoons with handles.

Forceps deliveries are carried out under a general anesthetic, so the mother is asleep and will not feel any pain or pressure on her body.

The forceps are placed over the baby’s head through the vagina. The blades of the forceps are then carefully positioned around either side of the chin, cheeks, top of skull, and forehead. 

Gentle, steady pressure is then applied until they lock into place. The midwife or doctor monitors this by listening to sounds inside the birth canal with a “stethoscope.” It may be necessary to apply more than one pair of forceps to ensure an effective fit, and this can take several attempts if the first attempt is unsuccessful. This type of delivery should only take about 5 minutes.

After the delivery, the midwife or doctor will check that your baby is healthy before you are allowed to wake up and meet your new little one. Forceps deliveries may leave you feeling a bit sore and bruised, and it can take a few days to recover fully from having a general anesthetic.

About 1 in 8 labors need to use forceps, so it is not too unusual. Of those, about 4 in every 100 women will need an assisted forceps birth like this. Delivery by ventouse (suction) is becoming more popular as it usually means no after-effects such as bruising or tearing; however, if this isn’t working, forceps are be needed instead of an emergency Caesarean section (C-section).

Some mothers find the use of forceps frightening from the word go, as it sounds as though they are being forced to have a cesarean section. It may be helpful to think about it as an alternative to a ventouse delivery with no bruising afterward. A good way of looking at it is as a ‘helping hand’ that can make all the difference between tearing and not tearing.

In conclusion, forceps can be a successful instrument, although not always effective. It is much easier for the mother to recover from than an assisted ventouse delivery, but it may pose a risk to both mother and baby if not used properly or if the wrong forceps are used.