I'm So Excited and I Just Can't Hide It

I recently attended a week long conference for childbirth educators and have lots of information that I can't wait to share with you. Please check in later this week for the latest news!

The Postpartum Problem, Depression

The baby blues are accepted by society but postpartum depression is often considered taboo. With postpartum depression (PPD) affecting so many women we need to change this view. The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee has recognized the problem and is trying to make the public more aware. The East Tennessee Postpartum Depression Task Force (http://www.etppd.org/) was started to help spread the word about PPD and to show women and their loved ones how to get help.

PPD is more than just the baby blues. If untreated, PPD can develop into more serious conditions, such as postpartum psychosis. Unfortunately, these are the the cases that the media sensationalizes, leading to the stigma. PPD can be treated easily once it is detected.

Sleep can make a huge difference! Please attempt to sleep when the baby sleeps or when others offer to care for the newborn. It will make a huge difference.Often, it is the family, friends, or physician that will notice that there is a problem. Don't be afraid to bring it to the new mother's attention and suggest some help. Be supportive and assist with tasks when available.

Be alert for the signs and GET HELP!

Breaking Thru the Blues

The baby blues are common after having a child, affecting 85-90% of all births, and usually occur at any time during the first couple of days. It includes brief episodes of sadness, crying, irritability, anxiety, elation, headache, insomnia, confusion, forgetfulness and ambivalent thoughts. These symptoms are hormonal in cause and may be exaggerated due to mom’s lack of sleep and exhaustion. Fortunately, the baby blues usually go away within 10-14 days after delivery.

Preparing for childbirth by attending childbirth classes and reading books about pregnancy and parenting will help ease the transition into parenthood and this often major life change. Be aware of these symptoms and the potential progression into postpartum depression. If symptoms persist always contact your doctor.

Is There a Charge for Baggage?

Unlike the airlines, hospitals are not currently charging for the amount of things that you bring to the hospital. I have had several questions regarding what is really needed at the hospital and what is provided. Well, here it is in a large nutshell.

The hospital will provide:

• pillows. Unfortunately, they are in limited supply so if you want extras I suggest that you bring them. Please remember that the hospital uses white pillowcases and we want to prevent loss or confusion so put your pillows in colored cases.
• gowns. They are the standard hospital gown. We can double them up to make sure that you have full coverage or you can bring a robe. You can also use your own gowns after delivery. Labor and delivery can be a messy event so you might prefer to use ours during that time. Sometimes during natural labors/births women prefer to wear a sports bra and skirt.
• baby shirts. You can certainly bring the baby some outfits from home but keep in mind that a blue dye is applied to the baby's umbilical cord. If that dye gets wet it stains everything that it comes into contact with, including your baby's cute clothes. I would certainly suggest bringing an outfit or two for pictures but recommend that the baby wear one of our shirts most of the time.
• baby blankets for swaddling. If the baby will need one for the ride home you will need to provide it.

Things you will need to bring:

• CAR SEAT. Please have it ready to go home.
• toiletries for you and your support person. A hairdryer may also be needed.
• clothes to wear home and for you stay if you desire. Bring extra underwear.
• a bra... well fitted nursing bra or a sports bra if you are not breastfeeding.
• cameras and extra batteries.
• cellphone and charger.
• lip balm. Hospitals tend to have drier air to prevent bacterial growth.
• snacks for the support person during labor and for everyone after delivery.

Suggested but not necessary:

• a Boppy or my Brest Friend to use if breastfeeding.
• rice pack for use during labor.
• mp3 player or CD player.
• massage oils or lotions.
• back roller massager.

The following can be provided by the hospital but usually at a charge or you can bring:

• sanitary pads
• tucks pads (witch hazel)
• dermaplast (numbing spray, brands may vary)
• hemorrhoid cream
• ibuprofen
• docusate sodium (colace)
• diapers
• wipes

I hope this has been helpful. I may have to edit this from time to time so please check back.

Summer HEAT!!

We have seen a lot of steamy days this summer. Just a reminder for my pregnant friends:

• Attempt to stay out of the sun/heat. If you are unable to do that please go outside early in the day or in the evening to avoid the extreme heat of the day (11:00am-3:00pm).
• When you go outside try to stay in the shade! Wear light colored clothing and a hat to protect you face and ears.
• Remember to use sunscreen. SPF of 15 or higher is preferred. Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going outside. Don't forget to reapply it a few times throughout the day.
• HYDRATE, hydrate, hydrate!!! Please remember to drink plenty of water or uncarbonated fluids and to empty your bladders at least every 2 hours. Urinary problems are one of the leading causes of preterm labor!

I hope you are not getting too miserable as this heat wave continues. Looking at the forecast it seems we will be seeing some cooler weather in the near future. Stay cool!!!!

Getting Started

Welcome to the official blog of Mercy Health Partners Regional Womens' Health Community Education. Whew! Big title. I am new to blogging but hope to use this site for useful information and tid-bits. If you have any questions or topics of interest, let me know. I want to make sure that you know that I am here for you. Contact me at any time! Congratulations and good luck!