During her pregnancy, Abbey Hutchason knew she wanted to breastfeed exclusively. She worried that extensive preparation might cause her anxiety during pregnancy. She hoped when the time came, she would know what to do. Abbey credits the Norton Healthcare lactation consultants who worked with her for helping with some of the challenges she experienced. In…
Norton Women’s Care soon will offer a new doula program that aims to improve the long-term health of new mothers. The program, which will begin this fall, will be made possible thanks in part to a $250,000 gift to the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation from Aetna Better Health of Kentucky. While doulas are welcome in…
More and more patients are interested in natural birth. There are many definitions of “natural birth” and just as many misconceptions about how and where a natural birth can happen. We will break down the facts so you can know how to prepare for natural birth — the way you want to do it. What…
Stress is a psychological and physiological reaction to changes in a person’s environment. These changes can be emotional, physical, social or cultural. Stress is a normal reaction that can seem like a constant companion in modern life. Can stress affect your period? Types of stress Not all stress responses are equal; stress can have both…
National Women’s Health Week is a yearly observance to serve as a reminder for women and girls to make their health a priority. Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, the celebration begins each Mother’s Day. In 2021 it is May 9 to 15. Here are some ways…
If you have epilepsy, but are thinking of getting pregnant, you may have questions about how epilepsy affects pregnancy or a fetus. Epilepsy affects each person differently, based on medication, hormones, and other factors. Here are some things to know if you have epilepsy and want to have a baby. Epilepsy is an umbrella term…
Lyndsey D. Neese, M.D., obstetrician and medical director of quality for women’s services at Norton Healthcare, answers some questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy. Q: If I’m pregnant, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? A: The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine strongly recommends pregnant patients have access to the vaccine. Likewise, the American College of…
The “fourth trimester” of pregnancy — those months after childbirth — is a time to adjust to being a mom and an opportunity to check on your recovery from what had been an intense and challenging nine months for your body. Monitoring your health during this period is important because pregnancy can increase your risk…
Improving your chances of getting pregnant starts with when you decide to try to have a child. You’re excited and ready to begin this part of your life. Planning for your health and that of a baby begins right away. “Assure yourself that if it’s meant to be, it will happen,” said Crista L. Hays, M.D.,…
While there isn’t an overall baby boom expected, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital had a mini boom on Monday, Jan.18, when 32 babies were born. This includes four sets of twins: two sets of girls, and two sets of boy/girl. The average number of sets of twins born at the hospital each month in 2020…
Kentucky is the fifth state to designate a day calling for action to raise public awareness about the importance of maternal health and to promote maternal safety. Jan. 23 has been set aside to educate the community and reduce maternal mortality statewide. The alarming rate of maternal mortality and the racial gap in pregnancy loss…
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), perinatal depression, or depression that happens during and after pregnancy, is one of the most common medical complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. ACOG estimates it affects 1 in 7 women — left untreated, it can affect the health of the mother, baby and…