Photo Credit: © Bernd Esche | Dreamstime Stock Photos By Lauren Bryl, MS, Certified Genetic Counselor, MotherToBaby IL It’s National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and you’ve found yourself here – standing in the pharmacy aisle in search of prenatal vitamins. You think, “I should start taking one of these if I want to have a baby, right? At least that’s what I’ve heard…” Your eyes are swimming and head is spinning with all the options. “Should I choose the old-fashioned tablets, the …
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.
Help for the Holidays: Surviving Stress During Pregnancy
Photo credit: © Lisa F. Young | Dreamstime Stock Photos By Neely Cessac, Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby The holidays are full of family, fun, and enjoyment – and the season is wonderful EVERY, SINGLE, DAY, right?! WRONG. Every year many pregnant women (as well as the general public) become so stressed and worried around this time. And rightly so…not only do pregnant moms have regular holiday stress, but they’ll soon become moms! M-O-M-S! Holy cow. An overwhelming concept, to say …
IVF and The Risk of a Broken Heart
By Dr. Sarah Običan, OBGYN, MotherToBaby It’s noon. I just ran into my academic office to call back a few patients in between a packed schedule. I just spent my morning seeing 17 patients and gauging by my afternoon schedule, the day was not going to get much easier. I was new at my job as an OBGYN having joined the academic practice where I completed my residency. It was a busy practice, but I loved my job and I loved my patients. As I sat in my chair, I finally felt my feet again and realized …
From Bliss, To Barely Breathing: Finding The Light Again After Infant Loss
By Ginger Nichols, Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Connecticut Oprima aquí para el Baby Blog en español Twelve years ago I was still blissfully 24 weeks pregnant, unaware that in a couple days I would be admitted to the hospital for two hellishly long weeks of bed rest listening to the constant beeps of the fetal heart rate monitor; feeling alone and terrified for the health of my unborn baby. My son, Lincoln, was delivered at 26 weeks, weighing only one pound. He was in the NICU …
Alcohol: Be ‘In The Know’ If Nursing Baby
By Chris Colón, Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Arizona During pregnancy, many women make changes in their lives in order to have the best chance to have a healthy baby. I know I did during both of my pregnancies. These changes can involve their diet, exercise habits and other lifestyle factors. After birth, new moms may consider adding back some of the things they cut out over the last 9 months, including drinking alcohol. But is adding it back in that simple? During September’s …