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

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

What Are The First Things You Should Do When Discovering You’re Pregnant?

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Being pregnant can be an exciting time. If it’s your first time being pregnant, it might be even more exciting. It can also seem scary, and overwhelming. You’ll likely be experiencing feelings you’ve never experienced before, and you might not know what to do, or how to handle the situation. These feelings are all totally normal. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the important things you should do when you first discover you’re pregnant. Some of these things may seem very obvious, and some you might not initially think of. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

 

Call Your OB/GYN

You should always call your OB/GYN to let them know that you’re expecting. Their protocols may vary depending on when they want you to come in for an appointment, but they should be able to provide you with important information, such as changes to your lifestyle and medications. Having an OB/GYN who will guide you through your journey from conception to motherhood is a vital step in this part of life and can make a huge difference in how your pregnancy goes.

 

Start Tracking Symptoms

During your pregnancy, your body will undergo various changes, and you might experience some symptoms that are different from those that you’re used to. It’s important to keep track of these symptoms and talk to your doctor about them so that they can fall within the healthy range. No pregnancy is the same, so if you experience symptoms differently from a previous pregnancy or from a friend’s pregnancy, it’s not necessarily a reason to panic. There are apps you can get on your phone nowadays that can help you track these symptoms as well if that’s your thing.

 

Think About Your Nutrition

Now that you’re pregnant, it’s important to remember that you’re eating for two. Getting a healthy and balanced diet is always important but it’s even more important now. Talk to your doctor about the types of vitamins you should be taking, as well as if there are certain foods or drinks you should avoid or focus on. Typically you’ll want to avoid unpasteurized dairy and juices, and you’ll want to lower your caffeine intake if you’re a big coffee drinker. Other things such as over-the-counter medications are also something you be cautious of, as some are no longer safe to use once you discover you’re pregnant. Ultimately, your best bet is to discuss these things with your doctor so you know exactly what you can and can’t have.

 

Take a Breath

Last but not least, it’s important to take a deep breath and just relax. You’re pregnant. You’re going to have a baby. That’s a wonderful thing, and it’s also scary. You’re going to feel a wide range of emotions over the next nine months, and likely well beyond that. As I mentioned, these are all perfectly normal feelings that most mothers go through. Remember to lean on your support systems when you need them and to take care of yourself, and you’ll be fine.

Tips For Pregnant Women To Beat The Summer Heat

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Being pregnant isn’t easy. Being pregnant in the summertime? Even more difficult! It’s hot out there, and it’s important that expecting mothers know how to handle that heat in order to keep themselves and the baby safe. The easiest answer would be to stay indoors, hopefully with air conditioning, as much as possible. Unfortunately, that’s just not always possible, as we’ll always have things that bring us out into the sweltering summer heat. If you’re expecting this summer, here are a few ways you can stay safe when you go outside.

 

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

One of the most important steps you can take to keep yourself safe during the hot weather is to drink enough water. Although hydration doesn’t mean stopping drinking any liquid, it’s important to remember that caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and soda, can make you more susceptible to heat. For every caffeinated beverage, you need to drink one glass of water. However, if you’re active or in the sun, you should drink even more. It’s also important to remember that sugary drinks such as Gatorade are okay, but should never be substituted for water.

 

Keep Cool

Finding ways to keep cool in the summer heat is very important, and there are luckily many ways to do so. One great way is to go for a swim. Swimming will not only cool you down, but it can take some of the weight off of your sciatic nerve. You’ll also want to wear breathable fabrics so you don’t sweat too much. Be wary of sunburn as well, since pregnant women tend to be more prone to getting burnt than those who aren’t. If you begin to feel weak or dizzy, your best bet is to get indoors to someplace cool, where you can sit down.

 

Stay Indoors

While it’s just not possible to stay indoors the entire summer, the safest thing you can do for yourself and the baby is to find indoor alternatives for as many things as possible. Let’s say you’re having your baby shower in the middle of the July or August heat. Instead of hosting an outdoor BBQ, opt for something indoors so you can be safe and comfortable during the entire party. If you have no choice but to be outside for some reason, it’s smart to try and bring some form of shade. Wear hats that provide shade, or bring an umbrella if you can. If it’s an all-day outdoor event, consider getting a pop-up tent that you can relax under.

The Best Maternity Clothes Brands Of 2022

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Today, there are a variety of fashionable maternity clothes to choose from. Not that long ago pregnant women had few options when it came to fashion. With the rise of more fashionable maternity brands, it’s now possible to find clothes that are designed to serve up serious style during your pregnancy, instead of not being happy with the clothes you’re wearing during those 9 months. Here are some of the top brands in maternity fashion.

PinkBlush Maternity

One of the best places to get maternity clothes on a budget is PinkBlush. The online retailer offers a wide range of fashionable maternity dresses and tops, as well as an extensive selection of plus-size options. With an endless selection of cute outfits, this site is the ideal place to go for a wardrobe refresh.

A Pea In The Pod

With a wide variety of styles and options, A Pea In The Pod is the ideal place to start your maternity wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for a simple baby shower dress or a comfy loungewear outfit, this online retailer has something for everyone. Besides designer brands such as 7 for All Mankind, A Pea In The Pod also features the latest collection from Made with Liberty Fabric.

H&M

H&M is known for its wide variety of fashionable maternity clothes. From jackets to basics, this store has something for everyone. The pieces are made using high-quality fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, and jersey. The company is also committed to sustainability, and its garments are made from a minimum of 50% recycled materials. In 2022, it was named one of the Best of Pregnancy’s award winners for the best maternity jeans category.

Storq

One of the most important factors that women need to consider when it comes to creating their own stylish outfits is the availability of reliable basics. With a variety of styles and options, Storq has something for everyone. Its limited collection features button-up shirts, comfy joggers, and a cardigan that will keep you warm and comfortable wherever you go. Aside from being able to offer a variety of styles and options, Storq also has a wide selection of sizes that are inclusive of all body types. This website also replaced all of its photos with images of real mothers-to-be who are nursing, pregnant, or postpartum.

Rent the Runway

Since it’s known for making high-fashion accessible, Rent the Runway has become a go-to for finding the best maternity clothes. Not only does the site carry nursing-friendly clothes, it also has a variety of pregnancy and maternity dresses. Its stylists can help you find the perfect outfit for every trimester.

Common Pregnancy Myths Debunked

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You often hear a lot of things about pregnancy throughout your life, and you may even believe some of the things you hear, whether they’re true or not. If you haven’t been pregnant or been the partner of someone who is pregnant, you may not have had a reason to discern fact from fiction. Once you’re put into that situation though, it becomes important to understand what’s a common pregnancy myth, and what isn’t. This can help you be as safe as possible, while also living your pregnancy to the fullest. Here are a few common pregnancy myths, debunked.

 

You Can’t Exercise While Pregnant

Getting active is a good practice for you and your baby’s health. If you’re already familiar with your routine from before pregnancy, and you’re not worried about developing any new problems, then continue with it after a discussion with your doctor. However, avoid doing new vigorous activities such as jumping, excessive stretching, and holding your breath, to name a few. For optimal health during pregnancy, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity five days a week. If you were not active before becoming pregnant, try gentle exercises such as walking or low-impact exercises.

 

You Can’t Drink Caffeine While Pregnant

Although it’s been advised to avoid caffeine during pregnancy, recent studies have shown that it’s safe to consume moderate amounts of it as long as the proper precautions are taken beforehand. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women can safely consume up to 200 milligrams of caffeine a day, about a 12-ounce cup of coffee. More than 200 milligrams can potentially penetrate the placenta barrier, and it can cause miscarriages.

 

You Can’t Have Sex While Pregnant

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it’s perfectly safe to have sex while you’re pregnant. It’s not physically possible to penetrate past the vagina, so there’s no danger to your unborn baby during those long, 9 months. If you choose to have sex later in your pregnancy, you may have mild contracts that are commonly known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These may seem uncomfortable, but they’re actually a normal occurrence and will eventually pass.

 

You’ll Suffer From Morning Sickness While Pregnant

While having morning sickness during pregnancy isn’t a myth, having it only in the morning is. The fact of the matter is that it’s possible to experience nausea and vomiting at any point of the day when you’re pregnant, and over 70% of women experience it at some point during the day due to periodic hormonal changes. Morning sickness tends to calm down after the first trimester, but if you’re still struggling with it in the second trimester, try eating frequent small, dry snacks such as crackers or dry cereal, as opposed to skipping meals.

The Best Books For Expecting Mothers In 2022

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Although it’s an exciting time, pregnancy can also be filled with questions and concerns. Some of the most common changes that women experience during their pregnancy are unexpected symptoms such as morning sickness. Having a good understanding of what to expect during this time can help keep you and your baby feeling great and well, and a great way to do this is to read a pregnancy book!

 

Whether it’s your first, second, or third pregnancy, a book that’s geared toward your needs should be the best choice. It should also be able to provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions. Take a look at some of these great options to help you better prepare for your pregnancy.

 

Nurture – Erica Chidi

Nurture, by certified birth doula and CEO of the company LOOM Erica Chidi, is a book that walks you through the various stages of your pregnancy and the postpartum period. It features recipes and exercises that will help keep you going. The book also features a birth letter exercise that will help you reach your goals. It’s a great addition to any pregnancy book.

 

The Girlfriend’s Guide To Pregnancy – Vicki Iovine

This book is written in a way that’s brutally honest and doesn’t take a lot of time to explain what’s happening to you. It’s also written with a reassuring tone. The book is typically considered to be very realistic without being too frightening or gory.

 

Criticisms of the book often say that the author is too focused on the way she looks while pregnant. On the contrary, what makes the book such a great choice is how brutally honest Iovine is in her very blunt conversation about the emotional insecurities we go through when pregnant. She’s able to help them feel less pressure to achieve the perfect pregnancy.

 

Ina May’s Guide To Child Birth – Ina May

Gaskin, who is a long-time activist, has written several books that criticize the medical establishment. Ina May’s book criticizes the way certain procedures are performed and how they are often unfair. In a recent interview, she said that she doesn’t try to make mothers feel guilty about having a medical birth.

 

Regardless of whether or not you agree with May’s take on the medical side of childbirth, it’s still important to read the stories of women who have given birth. Ina May’s book can help you feel more positive about labor. She also talks about the various physical sensations that women experience during their pregnancy.

Great Pregnancy Podcasts For Expecting Mothers In 2022

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Getting pregnant can be exciting, but it can also feel like a daunting experience. With so many changes happening in your body and mind during this time, it can be hard to keep up with all the latest developments. Fortunately, pregnancy podcasts are a great way to get all the information you need about becoming a mother.

 

There are a variety of pregnancy-focused podcasts out there, and they’re designed to help parents-to-be navigate the various stages of becoming a mother. They also provide valuable advice from experts and parents-to-be who have been there. Aside from being able to provide helpful information, these podcasts also allow busy parents to listen while they’re doing the dishes or buying baby clothes. Here are a few great podcasts for pregnant mothers.

 

If These Ovaries Could Talk

If These Ovaries Could Talk is a comedy pregnancy podcast that’s dedicated to celebrating the baby-making experiences of LGBTQ+ families. It’s hosted by Robin Hopkins and Jaimie Kelton, and it features guests who talk about their own experiences as queer people as they prepare to become parents, sharing the challenges they face, as well as their own fears and aspirations about becoming parents.

 

Plus Mommy Podcast

The Plus Mommy Podcast is hosted by Jen McLellan, and it features a variety of body-positive guests who are committed to supporting and celebrating all women who are expecting. While anyone can enjoy and take something away from the show, its main goal is to destigmatize topics surrounding plus-sized pregnancies, letting plus-sized mothers know that they’re not alone out there.

 

All About Pregnancy and Birth

One of the best podcasts for first-time parents is The Pregnancy Podcast, which is hosted by Nicole Rankins. She has over 15 years of experience as an ob-gyn, and she shares the latest information about pregnancy and parenting. Each episode features expert guest stars who Nicole interviews, as well as parents who share their own experiences being a first-time parent, covering topics such as postpartum recovery, IVF, and so much more.

 

The Birth Hour: A Birth Story Podcast

Sometimes, listening to the inspiring stories of others is just what’s needed during those long nine months of pregnancy. This show, which is hosted by Bryn Huntpalmer, features stories from every step of the journey, as well as interviews with birth professionals. You’ll hear stories about navigating the postpartum period, trying to actually conceive, and just generally getting ready for your baby to arrive.

What To Know About Having A Baby At 40

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The number of women having babies after 40 has increased significantly since the 1970s, according to the CDC. The agency noted that the number of first-time mothers aged 40 to 44 more than doubled between 1990 and 2012.

 

While women are typically told to have children before the age of 35, many women aren’t ready at that point in their life for a myriad of reasons, such as focusing on their career or using fertility treatments. Having a baby at 40 is possible, but it’s good to understand the benefits and risks that come with it.

 

Benefits

Having a baby later in life can provide many advantages over having children when you’re in your 20s or 30s. For one, it can allow you to establish your career at a younger age so you’re ultimately able to spend more time with your family later down the line.

 

Another benefit is that not everyone meets their partner at a young age, or maybe you’re not ready for commitment. When having a baby, you want to make sure that you’re raising them with the right person and that doesn’t always happen until later in life. There has also been research that shows how having a baby later in your life can lead the child to have better educational outcomes, as well as health benefits for the mother such as reduced cognitive decline and longer life spans.

 

Risks

The common sentiment has often been that having a baby at 40 is considered high risk. While this is still the case, modern technology has made the entire process much safer than it was in the past. Your doctor will likely keep a close eye on you and the baby, looking at complications such as high blood pressure or birth defects such as down syndrome.

 

Another risk to be aware of is miscarriage. Miscarrying is always a risk when pregnant, but those chances tend to rise as you get older. Part of the reason this risk tends to rise when you’re over 40 is that you’re more likely to have chronic conditions than when you were younger. Conditions such as thyroid disease or diabetes can complicate pregnancy and potentially result in miscarriage among other issues.

 

Of course, it’s important that you talk to your doctor about any and all risks if you’re 40 and are thinking of having a baby. They can provide you with all of the important information and help you figure out the best approach for your situation.

Can You Donate Blood When You’re Pregnant?

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When you discover you’re about to become a parent for the first time, your outlook on the world may change a little bit. Often times people will think about how they want to raise their children in a happy, safe world, and maybe you’re considering becoming a little more altruistic. While it’s great to want to do good, if you’re pregnant, you need to be careful about what you choose to do. For example, donating blood. Donating blood is a great thing to do, and when you’re pregnant your blood volume increases significantly. Think again, as donating blood when pregnant is not a good idea.

Being pregnant can be one of the most beautiful and exciting times of your life, but it can also be incredibly nerve-wracking. There are so many resources out there that can help you make informed decisions, and it can be hard to decide what is safe and what isn’t. There are always things you should avoid when pregnant such as alcohol and caffeine. Blood donation is one of those things.

The American Red Cross’ eligibility requirements state that pregnant women are not allowed to donate blood. Doing so can have detrimental effects on your health and the safety of your child.

Donating blood typically leads to a drop in iron. A drop in iron can lead to anemia, and it’s especially harmful to pregnant women since they’re at high risk for this condition. According to Dr. Janelle Mary Jackman, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Kindbody in Silicon Valley, iron is very important to both mother and baby’s health during pregnancy, as it transports oxygen to various parts of the body, including the placenta, which is where oxygen diffuses into the baby’s blood.

This can lead to low oxygen levels throughout the body, which can cause premature birth and low birth weight. Aside from this, iron is also important for the development of the fetus and the red blood cells that nourish the mother.

It’s important to note that iron deficiency anemia isn’t a rare condition during pregnancy. According to Jackman, it’s caused by the plasma component of blood rising faster than the red blood cells. This causes physiological anemia in the mother. To avoid this, she recommends increasing your iron intake by around 350 to 500 mL. If you’re worried about an iron deficiency or an issue with your baby’s health, talk to your doctor about it. He or she can monitor your baby’s health and provide you with the correct information.

How Long After Giving Birth Can You Donate Blood?

If you’re still interested in blood donation once you’ve given birth, talk to your doctor about it. The American Red Cross won’t allow you to give blood until six weeks after you’ve had your baby, but you may want to wait between 6 to 9 months after childbirth as breastmilk relies on iron, and childbirth typically involves a large amount of blood loss.

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.