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

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

Best Gifts for Expecting Mothers

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There is nothing wrong with giving a pregnant woman a gift from her baby registry. An excellent addition, however, is a supplementary surprise that she isn’t expecting. 

Finding appropriate presents for expectant women is relatively easy. Finding something remarkable doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. There are many sentimental and expensive gifts available for under $25. Feel free to use an occasion like her birthday or mother’s day to pamper her and take the focus off the baby for a short time. You don’t even need a reason. Just because gifts are the latest trend and there’s a good reason people are gravitating towards the idea. After the events of the last few years, people have been reevaluating their priorities. Thoughtful gifts are taking precedence over expensive ones.

Sleep Aids

For someone bearing a big load, sleep can be in short supply. Give the expectant mother a beautiful silk eye mask so she may catch some rest before her sleep cycle is disrupted. It features a detachable extension that can be used as a full-body pillow. Hatch is an expert in maternity clothing for use during and after pregnancy. A T-shirt dress, jersey robe, soft socks, and full-coverage undergarments are all included in this opulent gift package to make the expectant mother as warm as possible throughout her hospital stay.

Activities

The period leading up to a pregnant woman’s due date is the slowest increment of all. Mama is ready for the baby after nine long months, but newborns have their own schedules. She can pass the time with the help of amusing adult activity books. It is an essential present for expectant mothers.

Bring the spa to your favorite expectant mother if she is staying in to prepare for the baby’s grand entrance. With a bar of body and face soap, a bath bomb, a lip scrub, a face polish, and a room spray to set the scene, this gift package has everything she needs to unwind in the tub.

Looking for a heartfelt present for a future mother? Look no further. She will value a gift that enables her to save priceless memories. With 100 pages to write on, there will be plenty of lovely, saved moments when she expresses her thoughts to her child one day.

Cozy wear

The soon-to-be mother will value comfortable attire more than ever. She is the perfect candidate for a plush, comfortable robe. Additionally, the baby can curl up in it. Mom’s back will surely hurt because she now carries a lot of weight. A belly band is practical. To relieve the pressure, it gently lifts and cradles her tummy. When she is lying down, two memory-foam pads offer her additional support. One of the most common pregnancy concerns is aching feet, so give mom something to relieve the strain on her feet. The optimal slippers are plush ones with grips on the bottoms to prevent slipping.

Ways to Support New Moms Over the Holidays

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New mothers must be given extra compassion and support throughout Christmas. It’s a time of year that already brings up emotions. Postpartum feelings are heightened during this season. 

Whether hosting or traveling, new moms will benefit from the following considerations.

Honor Boundaries

Not all mothers enjoy being surrounded by eager relatives and friends dying to hold their new baby. They also need a break from the barrage of questions aimed at them or their little ones. It should only take a single “no” to make people step back and give a mom her space. 

Make Her Feel Special

New moms might ask for help instead of playing hostess when visitors arrive. Be understanding that her world is upside down, and she is sleep-deprived. Compliment something about her or her home to make her feel special since most people focus solely on the baby. Also, be ready to pitch in. whether it’s laundry, cleaning, or meal preparation, know ahead of time to expect it and oblige happily. The most harmful thing a new parent could feel is shame or guilt for requesting help. Find out ahead of time what to bring to make the evening go smoother or assist with her self-care. Be prepared not to hold the baby. Respect the level of closeness the mom is willing to share. Conversely, the mom might welcome your offer to hold her child while she catches up on rest. 

If the parents feel ready, offer to babysit so they can venture out for an actual date. It can be very isolating for new parents during the first six months. Their lives become an endless cycle of diapers, bottles, feedings, and sleeping in short bursts. Arrange an at-home spa day or a fun movie night for moms who aren’t yet ready to be separated from their little ones. Recreating a spa experience with the girls can be as straightforward or complex as you want. There are countless DIY websites on ways to recreate the experience. 

Alter Traditions

Typically, the Christmas season is a time of year that elicits memorable traditions. People gather at residences or venues to exchange presents and eat bountiful feasts. When a baby arrives, all parties must understand that new parents might be too exhausted to maintain the typical seasonal festivities. While this may be disappointing for some, remember that it’s a temporary change. The bigger picture is what’s important. Think about the joy that a new addition brings rather than focusing on changes in plans or your disappointment.

Unexpected Symptoms of Early Pregnancy

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Expectant parents often expect the usual symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea and backaches. However, there are some unexpected side effects of this process.

 

Some things can be unexpected and even frightening for pregnant women. Unfortunately, doctors or family members often do not discuss these physical effects. So, here are unusual pregnancy symptoms that most people would never consider.

 

Sinus Issues

Nose bleeds and stuffiness is common during pregnancy and can be caused by increased blood flow through one’s nose. According to studies, the prevalence of nose bleeds during pregnancy is higher than that of non-pregnant women.

 

You can treat these conditions with natural remedies, such as using a Neti pot or a humidifier. However, if these don’t work, consult a doctor or midwife. Aside from being inconvenient, stuffiness and nose bleeds are rarely severe during pregnancy.

 

Trouble Sleeping

During the first and third trimesters, the effects of pregnancy can zap one’s energy. Some people also experience insomnia during this period.

 

Although insomnia can be an early sign that one is pregnant, it can also occur throughout the pregnancy. It can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty falling asleep or not being able to get back to sleep after being awakened.

 

It’s essential to keep in mind that insomnia can come and go. Although it can appear in the first and third trimesters, it can also occur throughout the pregnancy.

 

Digestive Issues

Is it a sign of pregnancy that you’re experiencing gas and belching? The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause your gastrointestinal tract to spin, and these symptoms can appear in the first and third trimesters. To minimize these symptoms, avoid consuming food that can produce gas.

 

Skipping processed food and consuming healthy and nutritious food can help minimize these symptoms. Holding gas can cause pain and make one feel embarrassed if they have to deal with it often.

 

Having a plan can also help minimize these symptoms. Some people avoid food altogether and go to the bathroom. Others try to limit their exposure to certain foods.

 

Abdominal Pain

One of the most common conditions women experience during pregnancy is pelvic girdle pain, caused by the growth of the uterus and the stretching of various tissues.

 

This condition can appear on the belly button or the abdominal skin. It can be referred to as belly button pain, which can be achy or intense when touched. It usually happens during the later stages of pregnancy as the belly grows. 

 

A midwife or doctor can also help you find relief. Some of the most effective ways to relieve pain are using a belly support band, taking a bath, and getting a light massage.

 

Constipation

Another condition that can affect a woman’s body during pregnancy is constipation. It can appear in around 11% to 38% of pregnant women.

 

The rise in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can cause your gastrointestinal tract to slow down. This condition can make it hard for you to pass stool.

 

Some of the most effective ways to relieve constipation are drinking plenty of water, eating high-fiber foods, and exercising. However, if none of these can provide relief, you should consult a doctor or midwife.

 

Sensitive Gums

Due to the hormonal changes that can affect a woman’s body during pregnancy, her tender gum tissue can swell and bleed. It can also cause her to feel bloated and have a metallic taste in her mouth.

 

If oral problems, such as those caused by pregnancy gingivitis, are already present, they can be exacerbated during pregnancy. Having regular dental cleanings and brushing can help keep these conditions under control.

What to Pack for the Birth of Your Child

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When preparing for your child’s birth, you must have the necessary supplies to ensure that both the mother and the baby are comfortable and calm. Having the right gear can help make the experience as stress-free and relaxing as possible.

 

You must also have the necessary supplies to ensure the mother and the baby are comfortable and calm. To help you plan and pack the hospital bag, here are some suggestions for packing a hospital bag and what you should bring to the facility when your child is due.

 

Comfortable Clothing

Although the hospital usually provides a traditional gown, the mother might want to bring something loose that she can wear without being too attached. Wearing an open-back dress may be more convenient for epidurals. Other options include wearing an oversized cardigan over an open back.

 

Relaxation Tools

Some things you can bring that will make your partner’s experience even more relaxing include a playlist you have already chosen, a birthing statue, and a massage lotion. These items can help make the entire experience more comfortable. You can also set up photos around the room and have a birthing statue that your partner can use to focus on during labor.

 

Many people also bring essential oils and a baby diffuser to help keep the environment clean and comfortable during birth. Many recommend doTERRA’s aromatherapy oils, which can help create a relaxing atmosphere in the hospital. Another idea is to bring along positive affirmation cards, which can help the nurses identify helpful phrases for the mother.

 

Yoga Ball

Although hospitals typically provide a yoga ball, you can still bring your own if you’re in labor. Also referred to as a birthing ball, these large, portable devices can be purchased from sporting goods stores. These can help open the pelvis and relax the perineum.

 

The balls can also encourage the baby to move, and babies need movement to get moving. The gentle rocking motion can help with this.

 

Basic Hygiene Products

Even though hospitals are generally sterile, you and your partner will still need personal hygiene products. The father-to-be will need toothpaste, toothbrushes, mints, and gum.

 

Having fresh mouth smells can help keep the laboring woman’s breath fresh. In addition to the usual Dopp kit, you and your partner can bring several extras, such as a bottle of coconut oil and nipple cream. The hospital will also have pads and underwear, which can be filled with additional products.

 

New mothers will likely want to use nipple cream and can use witch hazel on the pads after birth to help with their healing properties.

 

Hair Ties

If the woman has long hair, a pair of elastics can be used to keep it in place during the hot and heavy labor. She may also want to keep it out of her face after giving birth.

 

 

3 Great TED Talks About Pregnancy and Childbirth

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When you’re looking to learn about something as an adult, you probably default to reading a book, or going online and reading articles and the like. If you’re having a baby or recently had one though, reading a book can be tough. You’re likely exhausted and might struggle to focus on it, or perhaps you just don’t have the time since reading can be time-consuming depending on your level. A great alternative to reading if you want to learn more about pregnancy and childbirth is to watch a few TED Talks on the subject. TED Talks are a great way to learn more about a subject in a concise manner from experts on that topic. Here are a few great TED Talks on childbirth and pregnancy worth checking out.

 

What We Learn Before We’re Born – Annie Paul Murphy

Annie Paul Murphy is an acclaimed science writer whose work includes the book Origins, which explores how the nine months before birth can shape the rest of one’s life. In her TED Talk, she discusses the importance of an environment that’s healthy for both the mother and the baby. Murphy explores the various aspects of fetal origins, which is a complex study that’s still in its early stages. She also talks about what babies learn in their first few months, such as the sound of their mother’s voice and the taste of food. Outside of discussing the scientific side of pregnancy, Murphy also talks about the responsibility that parents have to teach their kids.

 

Why It Matters How We Are Born – Bettina Breunig

In her TED Talk, Bettina Breunig discusses the importance surrounding how we enter the world through childbirth. Bruenig discusses scheduled births, such as cesarean sections and induction to the idea of scheduling death. The short but powerful talk (only 6 minutes!) she delivers adds to our understanding of why people schedule births and how important it is to have a healthy environment for both the mother and the baby.

 

Breaking the Silence of Pregnancy Loss – Tanika Dillard

Author and motivational speaker Tanika Dillard talks about her experiences with miscarriages and losing multiple children. She says that she always wanted to be a mother, and when she was eight years old, she had already decided on the names of nine potential children. She and her husband were thrilled when she got pregnant for the first time, and she shared the good news with everyone. Unfortunately, her water broke at only 16 weeks and she lost the baby. Over the next few years, Dillard and her husband conceived several children but lost them all. She tells these stories not because she looks for pity, but because she wants to break the silence on pregnancy loss. This is an inspiring talk that aims to normalize these difficult conversations and instill hope in women who might be afraid of trying to conceive a child.

3 Things To Expect In The First Year Of Parenthood

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Even if parents think they’re prepared, there will still be something that they will not be able to anticipate during the first year of parenthood. This is, if not the most challenging job in the world. There are tons of books, articles, and advice that will help parents get through their first year, but chances are they’ll never truly be prepared. Of course, that doesn’t mean it hurts to try. Here are a few things you can expect in the first year of parenthood.

 

It’s More Expensive Than You Think

One of the biggest factors that parents face when it comes to dealing with kids is their unpredictable behavior. For instance, they may love a certain type of food you give them one day, but refuse to eat it the next. Chances are they’ll outgrow their clothes quicker than you anticipated, or destroy the clothes that do fit, and you’ll have to go and get new clothes almost regularly. And let’s not forget about diapers. All of these things can lead to unexpected expenses that are hard to anticipate. While we usually assume our children will be expensive, it’s safe to assume they’ll be even more expensive than that, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency fund for when you have to make purchases you never would have imagined.

 

You’re Going To Lose A Lot Of Sleep

Similar to baby expenses, most parents assume that they’re going to lose out on a lot of sleep in the first year of raising their baby. The fact of the matter though is that these things tend to be far worse in practice than our brains thought they would be. You thought you wouldn’t get much sleep? You’re somehow going to get even less than that. As kids get older, this doesn’t change much. They’ll still have issues falling asleep, wetting the bed, causing noise, or staying up late. Expecting parents should try to get as much sleep as they can now, as they’re not likely to get much more for a long time.

 

Mistakes Will Happen

Most parents struggle with the fear of making mistakes during the first year of parenting. There are many obvious errors that parents make, such as forgetting to feed or dropping the baby, but chances are there will be someone in your life who may try to micromanage all of your parenting decisions. This can make it easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong. Although it’s always possible to make mistakes, it’s also important to remember that these are learning experiences and that they should not happen again. Accept that you won’t always get things right and that you will grow from those experiences, and everything will turn out fine.

Tips For Traveling While Pregnant

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With the COVID-19 pandemic slowly falling behind us, many people have begun traveling again. If you’re pregnant and planning a trip, you may not know how to approach the situation. Yours and the baby’s health are incredibly important during this time, and while traveling is totally okay and even encouraged, it’s best to be prepared for anything, and make sure you’re even okay to travel somewhere. Here are a few tips for safe travel while pregnant.

 

Be Cleared For Travel

One of the most important things to consider before traveling is consulting your doctor before you travel. Give your doctor all of the necessary details, and they should let you know if you’re okay to go on your trip, while also giving you any helpful information that may make you feel more comfortable. It may also be wise to look for doctors and hospitals within the vicinity of where you’re traveling, in case there are any complications and you need to quickly see a doctor.

 

Be Picky With Your Destination

Before you travel, be aware of the seasonal weather patterns that may affect your trip. For instance, if you’re planning on visiting Naples in Florida during the middle of July, it’s important to know that high temperatures and humidity levels often occur in the “miserable” or “oppressive” range. Doing some research can help you find a better weather destination. Some of the best places to visit during this time are Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Virginia Beach.

 

Bring A First Aid Kit

First aid kits are always welcome on trips, even when you’re not pregnant! Having a few supplies with you in case of injury or illness is a great way to increase the quality of your trip. You don’t need to bring your entire medicine cabinet, but bandages, hand sanitizer, and medicine for issues such as bloating and nausea will always be handy and can make or break a trip. Being pregnant is tough, so you want to be prepared when you’re thousands of miles away from home.

 

Don’t Overwork Yourself

If you’re traveling, you probably want to see as many sights as you possibly can. After all, you may never get to see this place again for the rest of your life! While that’s great, it’s also important you don’t overwork yourself. Be sure that you’re aware of your energy levels throughout each day, as well as outside factors such as the weather or the number of people at a given destination during your trip. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you relax, and have a good time.

Tips For Exercising While Pregnant

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Keeping up with our physical fitness is always great for our health, but it can be tough to get into an exercise routine if you don’t already have one. If you’re pregnant, it can be even more difficult to get into exercising! There’s a lot to think about if you want to keep yourself and the baby totally safe and healthy, and you may even become paranoid that by exercising, you’ll mess something up with the pregnancy. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that difficult. There is plenty of information and advice out there that can help you come up with a totally safe exercise regiment that will work great for you and your unborn baby. Here are a few tips to help you exercise while pregnant.

 

Fuel Up!

During the second and third trimesters, pregnant women typically need to eat around 300 additional calories a day to support their growing baby. However, if exercise is a part of your routine, you might need to add more calories to make sure that you and your child are getting the fuel they need. One of the most important factors that you should consider is having a pre-workout snack or juice 30 minutes before you start an exercise. Having a boost of energy can help you get a good workout while exercising on an empty stomach can make you feel lightheaded, sluggish, or even dizzy, which can lead to an increased risk of injury.

 

Try Pregnancy Safe Exercises

While you might not be able to do every type of exercise you did prior to your pregnancy, there are still plenty of exercises that are totally appropriate and safe for you and the baby. Walking is one of the easiest choices you have, but if you want to spice things up you should try low-impact dance classes, or pilates. There are plenty of totally safe and fun exercises you can do while pregnant as long as you keep it low impact.

 

Pay Attention To How Your Body Responds

Your body goes through a lot of changes when you’re pregnant, and exercises that worked well for you before may not be so great for you now. It’s important that you pay close attention to your body and how it responds to the various exercises you do. If you’re tired, make sure you take a break and take the workouts down a notch. You’ll want to look out for unusual symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, persistent contractions, excessive fatigue, and much more.

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.