By Beth Kiernan, MPH, Interviewer & Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby “I just found out I’m pregnant, and while I am glad, I’m also pretty overwhelmed,” lamented Marian, a never-pregnant, newly-married woman who had struggled with Crohn’s disease since her teenage years but was finally in semi-remission. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable taking my medications now, even though my doctors say they are fine. I can’t even sleep! I am worried I’m harming my baby. I wonder if there will …
The Baby Blog
About Our Baby Blog
Every person wants to know what’s best for their baby, especially when it comes to knowing how to minimize exposure risks. Our relatable stories are packed with practical information from our rotating staff of MotherToBaby expert bloggers. Whatever topic you’re looking for, our blogs will provide you a great foundation to learn more.
Should I Get The Pertussis Vaccine During Pregnancy?
By Sonia Alvarado, Senior Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby CA “I’m very confused” said the pregnant caller. “I’ve heard different things about whether I should get the vaccine against whooping cough now or after I deliver. Maybe I should just wait?” As a teratogen information specialist who talks to women and health professionals daily regarding the recommended vaccines for pregnancy, it concerns me that pregnant women are not receiving a clear message about the recommendations …
The Science Of Pumping And Dumping: Are Medications And Breast Milk Compatible?
By Pat Olney, MS, CGC, Pregnancy Risk Specialist, MotherToBaby Georgia One day in early June I received a frantic call from a woman who had first called Georgia’s Poison Control Center worried about the agent used to treat her varicose veins. She thought that she did the right thing by postponing her treatment until after she gave birth, but now was concerned about breastfeeding her newborn. The medical director at poison control, who is one of our advisory board members, gave her the correct …
A Mother’s Day Memo: ‘Excited To Be A Mom, But Please Excuse Me If I Hurl’
By Lynn Martinez, Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby Utah “O.K., so I can’t look at pizza the same way. Saltine crackers seem to be my go-to snack for sustenance and don’t even SAY the word ‘curry!’ Oh no, I said it… Please excuse me while I hurl,” said Nicole, 34, who’s pregnant with her second child. For many of the moms I counsel as a teratogen information specialist with the international non-profit, MotherToBaby, this is part of the reality of becoming a mom – nausea and …
Breaking Bad Habits During Spring Break: Why Alcohol And Pregnancy Continues To Be A Problem
By Sonia Alvarado, Senior Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby CA Spring break 2014, which, for some, actually fell at the end of winter this year, is in full swing. Many students are back to school working diligently toward their degree. For some students, Spring break means a trip back home, a trip abroad for cultural education and for others, it’s a time to let loose on a warm beach, usually with one (or many) alcoholic beverages. Take the case of a young woman who went on holiday …
