For breastfeeding people living in rural areas, it is often difficult to find appropriate breastfeeding and lactation resources as they can be few and far between. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infants in rural areas are less likely to ever breastfeed than infants living in urban areas. Emma, a new mother to a baby boy, lives in a rural area where the nearest town with a healthcare facility is over an hour away. Even by phone, it was difficult to reach her …
The Baby Blog: Other Common Exposures
That Bites! Rattlesnakes and Pregnancy
At MotherToBaby we receive all kinds of questions about exposures during pregnancy. Most often, we teratogen information specialists get similar questions no matter what state or part of the country we work in. Commonly-asked questions cover topics like medications, supplements, and alcohol. We also get questions about less common exposures too, such as someone taking their pet’s medication or a chemical spill in the workplace. Working in Arizona, I sometimes get questions that specialists in …
Fact or Myth? From One Latina Mom to Another
Let’s face it, being pregnant can be hard, having a baby is without a doubt hard, and taking care of a newborn might be even harder, especially if it's your first. Even when it feels like you are doing a great job, there is always someone who can’t stop suggesting ways to make things better. Think about it, I am sure you have heard… “If you do this ________, your baby will sleep through the night.” “I had 4 kids and that has never happened to me…” “You need to stop drinking coffee if …
Screening Your Sunscreen During Pregnancy
As the famous song croons, “Summertime and the living is easy…." Summer is finally here! COVID-19 has interfered with outdoor gatherings, but people are starting to venture out…with good social distancing, of course! Outdoor activities mean more sun exposure, and healthcare providers recommend protecting your skin from the sun. These recommendations stem from concerns that the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays can damage the skin and increase the risk for skin cancer and early aging. Studies show that …
