By Iris Farrou
15 Feb, 2023
Fatherhood, Parenting, Pregnancy, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Women's Health
Birth Plan, Emergency Pregnancy Plan, Giving Birth, Giving Birth Checklist, Labor, Planning Birth, Planning for Birth, Planning for Labor, Preparing for Labor
If you are an expectant mother, and relatively close to delivery, you may have already started working on your birth plan. Or, you may be gathering information and becoming informed even while you are planning your pregnancy! Regardless of your timeline, it’s always a good time to consider your birth plan. Perhaps you have already heard that no delivery will go according to plan, and you need to have different options. While this is true, the suggested rule of thumb is to be well informed and flexible, as you may have to make last minute decisions and consider emergency changes; the goal is for the baby and the delivering mother to be safe and healthy.
There are sample birth plans available in a variety of websites, but no plan is as good as the one you create yourself, personalize with your own tone and preferences, and one that addresses your medical team directly. Consider your birth plan a direct request to your OBGYN and the nurses that meet you at the labor and delivery ward. It should be easy to read, 1-2 pages long, formatted with bullet-points, personal statements and politely phrased requests; this shows you are well informed, educated, and engaged in your delivery process and take a serious interest in the delivery of your baby. If your birth plan decisions are based on medical conditions or previous delivery experiences, don’t hesitate to include a short description of those as well– it helps your medical team to know why your wishes are there.
Check-off lists and pre-written birth plans almost never address the most important decisions during delivery: pain management and c-sections. In an ideal world, you would have completed a child-preparation program before creating your birth plan. While this may not always be possible, you can consider a book or video course. However, what will really help is for you to tour your birthing facility and learn of the options offered for birthing position, pain management, and newborn care. This is abundantly helpful especially if you require specific props for your birthing positions. If, for example, you request a birthing stool or bar, you need to ensure not only that your birthing facility has those available for you, but also that you are personally educated on how to use them.
Keep in mind that you need to have a contingency plan in place, in case your initial wishes need to be adapted for your safety and the health of your baby. Though very few women opt for a C-section, you always need to be prepared for one. Note in your plan if you wish to receive medications that affect your consciousness, if you want to receive Pitocin for labor augmentation, and whether or not you want to receive an epidural. In case you decline an epidural, you should explain in your birth plan how you have prepared for this decision and what your pain-management plan is.
The scary parts of your birth plan are the most important, almost like two sides of the same coin. Remember that you can, and should, write personal choices and wishes in your birth plan as well: who do you want present during labor, if you wish to place limitations on visitors, any allergies you may have, the contact information of your delivery team (partner, family or friends, doula, OBGYN, etc.), your wishes for newborn care and immediate postpartum care and preferences. Personalize your birth plan and go over it with your doctor, and those responsible for caring and supporting you, well in advance of your due date.
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/birth-plan/
https://childrensmd.org/uncategorized/writing-a-birth-plan-10-essential-tips-from-a-pediatrician-and-mom-of-5/
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By Iris Farrou
07 Feb, 2023
Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Queer Health, Women's Health
Healthy weight gain pregancy, How much weight should I gain in pregnancy, How to manage weight during pregnancy, Normal weight gain during pregnancy, Pregnancy diet, Pregnancy Nutrition
If you are expecting, or are thinking of becoming pregnant, it is possible that you are also worried about your body weight. Many expecting mothers have faced this worry before, as pregnancy significantly alters your body and is expected (and should) increase your body weight. At the same time, you want to make sure that you experience a healthy pregnancy and don’t put yourself or your baby in danger. First of all, you should remember your baby weighs around 7-8 pounds– that’s a big chunk of pregnancy weight! Additionally, your placenta, a larger uterus, and amniotic fluid add about 2 pounds each. You will also experience an increased blood volume of 3-4 pounds, and increased fluid volume of 2-3 pounds, as well as larger breasts which add 1-3 pounds. It is important to remember that your fat stores, which are much needed for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, will add 6-8 pounds.
Though these amounts may differ from person to person, the general weight added to a mother’s body by the end of pregnancy is about 30 pounds. Most expectant mothers gain 1-5 pounds in the first trimester and 1-2 pounds per week in the second and third trimester. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a pregnant woman of relatively normal weight who gets less than half an hour of exercise every week should have a calorie intake of 1,800 in the first trimester, 2,200 in the second trimester, and 2,400 in the third trimester. It is suggested that you limit processed foods, sugars, and extra fats when you are thinking about your diet while pregnant.
The first idea that pops into mind when thinking about a healthy diet during pregnancy is supplements and vitamins. Though these are definitely important, and prenatal vitamins ensure you don’t miss out on key nutrients, you do need to decide on the specifics by consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider. It is ideal to start taking a daily prenatal vitamin at least three months before conception. Discuss your options with your doctor before deciding, as supplements need to be tailored to add on to your current diet, any special diet, health conditions, and you need to know about possible supplements that do not have a good track record and may harm your pregnancy.
Other than supplements, the principle of any healthy diet applies to pregnancy as well– make sure you consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. Here are the nutrients that deserve special attention during your pregnancy:
- Folate and Folic Acid: this helps decrease the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. It is also a B vitamin that helps the healthy development of the brain and spinal cord.
- Calcium: you may already know calcium is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, and both you and your baby need it. Did you know that calcium also helps the circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems?
- Vitamin D: this can work together with calcium to ensure healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D is most commonly found in fatty fish, fortified milk, and orange juice.
- Protein: you want to keep on intaking protein throughout your pregnancy as it supports your baby’s overall growth and development. You need at least 71 grams a day.
- Iron: remember that during pregnancy you need double the amount of iron that non-pregnant persons need. The body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. If you don’t get enough iron during your pregnancy, you may be at risk of developing anemia.
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/pregnancy-weight-gain/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20045082
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By Iris Farrou
13 Jan, 2023
Fatherhood, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Parenting, Pregnancy, Your baby's health
New Parents, Pregnancy, Prenatal, prenatal classes, Prenatal Education, Support
A vast number of expecting parents choose to educate themselves on issues of pregnancy, delivery, and caring for a newborn. Though documentaries and books are very helpful, birthing education classes are also a popular choice among prospective parents, or returning parents. Many couples find this to be a bonding experience, as both parties become educated on matters of prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. Additionally, it helps build a community–and even friendships–as concerns are shared among other expectant parents. Most importantly, you can share questions, concerns and fears in a safe and well informed environment with an experienced instructor by your side and become more and more confident in your body’s ability to give birth.
To start off, there are two types of classes: hospital-based ones and ones outside the hospital. In both cases, your instructor will discuss pain relief options, breathing techniques and medications, and even show you some supportive massage techniques. Emotional aspects, coping and relaxation skills, as well as the physiology of labor and birth are also topics covered in off-hospital birthing classes. Those are often the spaces where you discuss the different childbirth options.
If you opt for a hospital birth, and are taking a prenatal class located in a hospital, you will most likely receive a basic overview of labor and birth practices specific to the hospital of your choice. Additionally, you will get the chance to tour the facilities and see the staff in action and ask questions regarding routine practices–such as freedom of movement during labor.
However, even if you are starting from zero and have no idea about what method of childbirth you want to follow, how to construct a birth plan, what are the best practices that work for you during pregnancy and labor, it is important to consider some credible elements when choosing a birthing class:
- Make sure the instructor is certified to teach childbirth classes
- Consider whether the class’s philosophy suits you
- What are the topics covered in the curriculum and what is the cost of the class
- What is the extent of partner participation and education
- How many couples are in the class and how often does it take place
- Does the class focus on one birthing philosophy or multiple? How well rounded and open minded is the curriculum and the instructor?
You may locate credible birthing classes through your physician or hospital, family and friends, pregnancy centers, as well as community resource centers. Two Buffalo-based options include Buffalo Birth & Baby that covers a variety of areas, and offers support through all the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum stages–and even offers online classes! Buffalo Doula Services offers not only educational materials and classes, but also hands-on support with widely experienced doulas to fit each family’s needs.
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/childbirth-education-classes/
https://buffalobirthandbaby.com/
https://www.buffalodoulaservices.com/
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By Iris Farrou
08 Dec, 2022
Fatherhood, Heart health, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, New Moms, Parenting, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Surrogate, WNY Ob-Gyn News, Women's Health, Your baby's health
You have probably heard of couples using surrogate mothers to conceive, or carry a pregnancy to term. The term is often associated with a couple’s fertility challenges, and difficult as those may be, it doesn’t stop being a wonderful way for a couple to have a baby– the parents who initiate the process are called the “intended parents,” and the individual carrying the fetus is the “surrogate mother.” Some of the reasons parents-to-be consider surrogacy may be:
- Trouble conceiving through IVF, which may be related to infertility of unknown origin
- Medical issues that affect the uterus, or even a previous hysterectomy
- Conditions that make the pregnancy too high-risk, such as health concerns or advanced maternal age
- Queer couples
If you didn’t know it, there are two types of surrogacy: traditional one and gestational surrogacy.
Traditional Surrogacy: this is the least commonly used method of surrogacy as it comes with more legal and emotional complexities. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is both the egg donor and the surrogate mother. She uses her own eggs, and therefore has a genetic relationship to the baby. During this method, the surrogate is impregnated using intrauterine insemination. The doctor uses sperm provided by the intended father, transfers it into the uterus of the surrogate, and natural fertilization of the egg takes place from then on. As medical science advances, this type of surrogacy becomes increasingly less common.
Gestational Surrogacy: this is the most commonly used type of surrogacy, and there is no genetic relationship between the surrogate mother and the fetus. Instead, an embryo is inserted into the surrogate’s uterus and she carries the pregnancy to term for the intended parents. To get to that point, the intended parents provide sperm and eggs–or use either/or from a donor–fertilize them and then have them inserted into the surrogate mother’s uterus using in vitro fertilization. In this type of surrogacy, the surrogate may be also called gestational carrier.
Why this choice?
As mentioned above, there are several health reasons why intended parents may choose to find a surrogate mother. However, the decision does not have to rely on those health reasons, and it is always deeply personal and a private decision. The most common reason people choose surrogacy over adoption is that they want to have a biological connection to their child; even though familial bonds are not necessary to build a strong, happy, and healthy family, many parents do want a biological connection to their offspring.
Surrogacy offers a safe and transparent pregnancy as the intended parents are there every step of the way. The most common concern with adoption is that the future parents do not know the medical history of the birth mother, or the father. This can raise serious concerns about their future baby’s medical history, and many parents feel uneasy not knowing whether their adoptive infant may have potentially been exposed to malnourishment or toxins in-utero.
If you are considering a surrogate option for your family, consult with your family doctor first, and keep in mind you may also need to review your state’s laws around surrogacy agreements.
https://www.surrogateparenting.com/blog/what-is-a-surrogate-mother/
https://www.fertilitypreservation.org/blog/when-to-consider-surrogacy-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one
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By Iris Farrou
08 Dec, 2022
Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, New Moms, Parenting, Pregnancy, Queer Health, WNY Ob-Gyn News, Your baby's health
Baby's First, Chanukah, Children, Christmas, family time, Hanukkah, Holiday, holiday stress, Holidays with a Newborn, Kwanza, Mental Health, Newborn, Young Children
It is widely known that holidays are one of the most stressful times of the year– though toddlers and children seem to enjoy them, and there is a certain magic that comes with it all, we should remember this comes at the expense of parents, and especially mothers. Holiday stress increases if you have just welcomed a new member in your family, and are trying to juggle a newborn baby and holiday traditions. There is no simpler way to put it than: focus on you and your baby. As a new mother, this is honestly the only thing you should be worried about; keeping yourself and your baby healthy and safe. However, reality is not always ideal. Here are some tips that may help lessen the holiday stress if you are facing such an incredible combination:
- Change your expectations: you already knew your life would drastically change with a newborn, and if this happened into the holiday season there is no reason why this would be any different. We are creatures of habit and there is something comforting in having a decorated house, attending family gatherings, consuming holiday food, and participating in festivities. However, letting go of traditional expectations with a newborn during the holidays can significantly lessen your stress, and help you get through the season in a calm, and happy, manner. Nobody expects you to be the perfect hostess, or even guest, if you have just given birth– and you should not be expecting that of yourself either. Meals can wait, Christmas trees can become a simple wreath or a premade tree, but your baby’s first few weeks will not come back: savor that time with your family, and all else will come in due time.
- Simplify your days: to-do lists and preparations often become hectic around the holidays (more so than usual!). Remember, however, that this is not the time to go all out on Christmas decorations, gifts, meals, or anything else. If you feel like you have the energy for some of it, or if leaning into the holiday spirit will help you to feel less stressed, be selective with what you choose to put on your plate. Perhaps a short visit to the Christmas market this year is more manageable than standing long hours at the mall to see Santa– it may be more enjoyable, and leave you with some energy for the rest of the day. Or, you can have a family gift craft session at home instead of going out at all.
- Ask for help: isn’t helping others part of the holiday spirit? Why not take advantage of that now more than ever, and lean into your close family and friends to assist you in holiday activities, bring the festivities into your home or in a chill space, and help take care of you and your newborn? Select people you trust, set boundaries on how much or how little you can handle, and shape up those days in a design you can easily manage. Delegating responsibilities during this time is the best gift you can give to yourself, and you would be surprised how many people will be happy to offer their assistance in practical ways!
There are ways to embrace the holiday spirit and experience the magic of the festive season that don’t have to exhaust you; if you and your newborn are healthy and feel like you can manage a balance between traditional holiday activities and new ideas or reconfigurations, experiencing the magic in small ways will be extremely rewarding!
https://theeverymom.com/family-traditions-creative-new-ideas/
https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/childrens-health/could-holiday-stress-be-affecting-your-childs-holiday-joy
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By Iris Farrou
01 Nov, 2022
Diet & Exercise, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Heart health, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Reproductive health, Women's Health
Anorexia and Pregnancy, Eating Disorders and Pregnancy, healthy eating, How to Eat While Pregnant, Hypertension, Mental Health Disorders During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Nutrition
The two most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, yet there are other types out there that are not as common. Unfortunately, research on eating disorders and pregnancy is quite limited– there are estimations that eating disorders affect 5-8% of women during pregnancy, but this may not be completely credible as results can be skewed due to women’s reluctance to recognize eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia often become noticeable in adolescence, and it’s possible that they linger during a woman’s reproductive years. Consequently, they can of course affect not only a woman’s reproductive health but also the health of her baby.
Fertility is the first affected area of women who suffer from an eating disorder: most women with anorexia do not have menstrual cycles, and approximately half of the women who have bulimia do not experience regular menstrual cycles. Absence of menstruation or irregular periods can limit the chances of conceiving, or even make it a lot more difficult for a couple to conceive. If you know you have an eating disorder and are seeking to get pregnant, it will be much healthier for you and your future baby if you try to treat your eating disorder first and establish some healthy eating habits. It is also important to share your history with medical professionals and ask for your weighing to be treated with more care.
Though there is quite a long list of complications associated with eating disorders during pregnancy, rest assured that proper planning and prenatal care– as well as a commitment to building healthy eating habits and helping your body remain healthy– can minimize a lot of those complications, lessen the risks associated with them, and enhance your chances for a healthy pregnancy. Some of those complications can be premature labor and low birth weight, as well as delayed fetal growth and respiratory problems. You may also be at a higher risk for emergency cesarean birth and other complications during labor. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and even miscarriage are also possible complications. Women with eating disorders are also at a higher risk for postpartum depression, and depression during pregnancy, and are more likely to have problems with breastfeeding. Women with bulimia are at a higher risk for hypertension, and substances such as laxatives and other medications may be harmful to the development of the baby and can lead to fetal abnormalities as well.
Eating disorders unfortunately cannot be treated with medications that are pregnancy-safe. Treatment includes, first and foremost, the mother’s determination to have a healthy pregnancy and–difficult and shameful as it may be–disclosing to health professionals that you are struggling with an eating disorder. That way, your doctor will be able to tailor your prenatal visits accordingly, and know the risk factors associated with your pregnancy. The obstetrician’s care can be complemented by a registered dietitian/nutritionist and a therapist for well rounded care and medical treatment.
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/eating-disorders-and-pregnancy/
https://www.verywellmind.com/pregnancy-and-eating-disorders-4179037
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By Iris Farrou
01 Nov, 2022
Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Women's Health, Your baby's health
Common pregnancy complications, Gestational diabetes, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, lower diabetes risk
You may be familiar with Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2, but did you know there is also a bonus one, called Gestational Diabetes Mellitus– or Gestational Diabetes for short? Gestational Diabetes is diabetes that’s diagnosed for the first time during the gestation period, aka pregnancy. Contrary to Type 1 diabetes, GDM is not caused by a lack of insulin. Instead, it is caused by hormones produced during pregnancy that make insulin ineffective. This is also known as insulin resistance, whereby the mother’s body does not use insulin as it should. Like other types of diabetes, GDM affects how cells use sugar. About 3-8% of pregnant people in the US are diagnosed with gestational diabetes; its symptoms disappear after delivery, and the great news is that you can help control gestational diabetes!
Symptoms: gestational diabetes does not have any symptoms on its own, except increased thirst and frequent urination (which could be pregnancy related regardless). If you are risk for Type 1 diabetes because one of your parents or siblings has it, or at risk for Type 2 diabetes because you are prediabetic, over 45 y/o, may be overweight, don’t exercise often, or have previously had gestational diabetes, your doctor may deem you are at high risk for GDM and suggest you be tested.
Risks: GDM is not like Type 1 Diabetes which can cause birth defects–in fact, GDM arrives too late in a pregnancy to cause any birth defects. Insulin resistance starts showing up around Week 24. Therefore, and thankfully, the complications are manageable and preventable. Generally, gestational diabetes may cause macrosomia and hypoglycemia, which are the two major health issues associated with it. Macrosomia refers to an excessively large fetus and hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar in the baby immediately after delivery.
Treatment: there are available treatments for gestational diabetes, and many depend on your age, overall health, and medical history. However, the most common ways to manage GDM are to regularly check your blood sugar so it stays on healthy levels, creating a healthy eating plan with your doctor and following it, being active, and monitoring your baby.
As is the case with any pregnancy complication, it is understandable that it may cause you stress. While there is no certain way to prevent stress, do know that gestational diabetes is very manageable and has very low health risks for your baby. In fact, your own stress may cause more complications during pregnancy than gestational diabetes. You can better gauge your risk for GDM by checking your family history and having a general health assessment with your doctor early on in, or even before, your pregnancy. It is advisable to attend all your prenatal appointments, voice your concerns with your doctor, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to address the possible risks of gestational diabetes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/gestational-diabetes
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By Iris Farrou
01 Nov, 2022
Breast health, Breastfeeding support, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Parenting, Pregnancy, Queer Health
Benefits of breastfeeding, Breastfeeding, New Moms Returning to Work, Working Moms, Working with a Newborn, Working with an Infant
Most new mothers dread the day they’ll have to return to work and leave their newborn at home, or at a daycare facility. It is undoubtedly difficult to get back into a work/home routine when you feel like you haven’t had enough time with your newborn baby–and in most cases, mothers in the Western World do not receive adequate maternal leave. The situation is made even more difficult for mothers who breastfeed their babies: a newborn requires a rigid feeding schedule, and the nursing mother cannot risk interrupting her body’s breastfeeding schedule.
Breastfeeding babies in the workplace is almost unheard of, unless you work from home or your employer provides newborn daycare right in your work building. What most nursing mothers are faced with is the option to express milk in the workplace.
Even though in 2010 Congress made an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act by passing the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law, many new mothers face breastfeeding discrimination in the workplace. This primarily means that work environments do not offer appropriate accommodations for nursing mothers to express milk in a clean, sanitized, and private space. It also means, as a 2004 study has also shown, that workplaces do not provide new mothers with enough breaks during an 8-hour workday for them to adequately pump and maintain their milk production. In short, you should not be running to your car, unbuttoning your blouse as you’re running to the underground garage, adjusting the pump in the elevator and pumping for 10 minutes in your vehicle: you have waaaay more rights than that, and employers are required by law to provide you with accommodations.
Before we look into some of the ways in which employers can support new mothers, we should say that workplaces which show consistent support to new mothers and their needs tend to have a more positive work environment, and thus are more likely to be successful in their labor.
- Adequate Private Space & Appropriate Amenities: workplaces are required to provide a private space for nursing employees that is not a bathroom. This doesn’t need to be a permanent space; it can be a temporarily converted office with a lock on the door, and with the reassurance that other employees cannot see into the room. Ideally, this space should also have electrical outlets, a sink, a comfortable seat and not harsh fluorescent lighting, and a small fridge for milk storage. Some places partner with other locations that do have a dedicated lactation room to provide their employees with the necessary facilities.
- Reasonable Break Time: nursing employees should be allowed enough breaks to adequately pump at least 2-3 times during an 8-hour workday, and this should come with the understanding that the necessary time differs based on each person. There should be no negative consequences or withheld compensation for the time an employee needs for pumping during the workday.
It is of extreme importance to have a written lactation policy that outlines the employees’ rights and the employers’ responsibilities when it comes to nursing individuals. If you have concerns about this policy at your workplace, you can consult the US Department of Labor, or the United States Breastfeeding Committee.
https://www.dimaghawi.com/dimas-blog/4-important-ways-to-accommodate-nursing-mothers-in-the-workplace
https://www.womenshealth.gov/supporting-nursing-moms-work/what-law-says-about-breastfeeding-and-work/what-employers-need-know#1
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By Iris Farrou
07 Sep, 2022
Diet & Exercise, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Heart health, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, Parenting, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Women's Health
Body Changes in Pregnancy, body positive, Body Positivity During Pregnancy, Body Positivity While Pregnant, Eating Disorders and Pregnancy, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy weight gain pregancy, How much weight should I gain in pregnancy, How to manage weight during pregnancy, how to prepare body for pregnancy, Weight Gain Support
If you have armed yourself with all the knowledge you can gather regarding the possible changes
on your body during pregnancy, then you are one step closer to dealing with the physical effect
of those changes. Some women, though they do know their body will change during pregnancy
and possibly afterwards as well, do not seem to mind it at all. Great! According to a survey of
more than 1500 women, just over 41% said they felt more negative about their bodies after
pregnancy. Which goes to show: the majority of women are struggling with body image while
pregnant. Not to mention what the body image stress is probably not helping the baby…
Is this only related to pregnancy?
Of course not… women in general are held to unrealistic expectations of beauty standards—expectations that the media and society constantly repeat. In recent years, this pressure for body perfection has worsened with the rise of social media. What is worse in pregnancy, however, is that the changes are relatively rapid, weight gain is almost always expected, feelings are exacerbated, and you may even be feeling alien in your own body. A vessel, so to speak. All of these are true: you will most likely gain weight during your pregnancy, it’s possible to develop stretch marks, and it is also a possibility that your post-partum body will not be 100% the same as your pre-pregnancy body.
This is a lot…
Yes, this can absolutely be overwhelming. Despair not! Weight gain is—and we cannot stress this enough—normal, and healthy for your baby. Also, if your doctor or nurse gives you the green light, you can exercise while pregnant. It may be light exercise, such as swimming or walking, or pre-natal yoga. These options help make you more aware of the connection between your body and your mind, perhaps take some of the edge off and your mind off of your worries and are steps to ensure the overall health of your body.
If you are concerned about weight gain during pregnancy, make a plan with your doctor, nurse, or mid wife, about your diet. Allow yourself the small pleasures without guilt: your body is participating in the miracle of nourishing a new life. There is no way to make this happen in a healthy manner unless you experience changes yourself.
What else can I do?
Honestly, don’t bottle up your feelings. Being insecure about, or even disappointed with, your
body image is completely normal. Share those feelings and thoughts with your partner, talk about
those worries with your friends. You may want to join a mom group, or even an online
discussion forum where you can exchange ideas with others on the same boat. If it gets too
much, you can always talk to a medical professional or a therapist. Even if you didn’t have body
image issues before pregnancy, it is not uncommon that future mothers start facing those worries
for the first time when they become pregnant. You are not alone in this!
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By Iris Farrou
07 Sep, 2022
Breast health, Breastfeeding support, Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, New Moms, Prevention, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Women's Health, Young adults & teens
BRCA Gene, Breast cancer prevention, Breast cancer screening, Breast Exam, Breast Exam Buffalo NY, Breast Exams at Home, Buffalo NY, Buffalo OB-GYN, Cancer in women, Healthy Lifestyle, Self-Exam, Self-Examination, women's health tips
It is common practice at your regular OBGYN appointment for your doctor to perform a breast
exam, by using their hands and examining the overall the look of your breasts. Though this is no
substitute for a mammogram, which adult women are advised to have done yearly, it is a useful
method to see whether there are any visible or tactile abnormalities on your breasts. In fact, 40%
of breast cancers were diagnosed because women noticed something unusual about their breasts.
Is this something I can do at home?
Absolutely—and it is a good idea to perform a self-breast examination once every month. Consider it a monthly inspection you deserve, and one that at the very least helps you learn your body better. Using your eyes and hands for this examination, you can develop your own breast awareness and be able to immediately identify changes—should there be any, fingers crossed not!
What do I do?
First and foremost, it is important to choose a time of the month when your breast will not be as tender since this can cloud the results of the inspection. Ideally, during a time when you are not menstruating or ovulating. Secondly, remember you can (and probably should) ask your doctor or nurse practitioner for a demonstration on how to do this at home.
The most effective technique is to start with a visual examination of your breasts. Stand shirtless and braless in front of the mirror, with no-shadow casting light if possible, and place your hands at your sides. Look for any changes in size, shape, possible asymmetry, dimpling, or puckering. Check to see if your nipples are inverted. Then, inspect your breasts in a similar manner but after raising your hands above your head, palms pressed together forming an A shape. You can also lift your breasts and inspect whether the ridges on the bottom are symmetrical. Should you not trust your own vision, or if you have a visual impairment, it’s a good idea to ask a partner, trusted family member or friend, to help you with this.
Is this all?
The visual inspection is the first step. Next, you want to use the pads of your three middle
fingers. If you can’t sense very well with the pads of your fingers you can use your palm or the
backs of your fingers. You can do the tactile inspection in the shower or lying down (that way,
the breast tissue spreads and it’s easier to feel).
Now, take your time, don’t rush, and establish a routine for this part. If you do it clockwise every
time, for example, and in the same order, then after a few times you will be better able to judge
any changes in the pattern of your breasts. The goal here is to feel the depths of the breast using
different levels of pressure—so you can go over the whole tissue. Closest to the skin, use light
pressure. As you go try to feel a little deeper, use medium pressure. Closest to the chest and ribs,
use firmer pressure.
Remember that you are not looking for anything in particular, you are just learning the patterns
of your breasts. So, take deep breaths, take your time, remind yourself this is being done
absolutely for preventative reasons—just like flossing!
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If you are an expectant mother, and relatively close to delivery, you may have already started working on your birth plan. Or, you may be gathering information and becoming informed even while you are planning your pregnancy! Regardless of your timeline, it’s always a good time to consider your birth plan. Perhaps you have already heard that no delivery will go according to plan, and you need to have different options. While this is true, the suggested rule of thumb is to be well informed and flexible, as you may have to make last minute decisions and consider emergency changes; the goal is for the baby and the delivering mother to be safe and healthy. 
