Non-Surgical Treatments for Prolapse
Dr. James Haley discusses non-surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and the various treatment options available.
The Stages of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Dr. James Haley discusses the different stages of prolapse and when to seek treatment.
What to Expect at Your 10-12 Week Prenatal Appointment
Congratulations, you’re pregnant! If you’re already a parent, you know what to expect, but if this is your first child, navigating through pregnancy can be a mysterious process. Once you reach 10-12 weeks, genetic testing, screening ultrasounds, and gender identification are offered at your appointment. Even if you have been through this appointment in the past with previous pregnancies, genetic testing and screenings can be overwhelming and scary. Don’t let the tests scare you! They are available to ensure both your health and that of your baby. Screening Ultrasound A screening ultrasound, called a Nuchal translucency scan, is performed to evaluate for certain fetal problems. Screening tests do not diagnose a birth defect, they determine the risk. This scan measures the baby’s nuchal translucency, the fluid-filled space at the back of your baby’s neck. The results of the scan show your baby’s risk of a chromosomal abnormality like Down Syndrome, heart defects, or other complications. The Nuchal translucency scan is not the only factor in calculating the risk of a chromosomal abnormality. Other factors are the mother’s age, the gestational age of the baby, blood tests, and the Nuchal translucency measurement of the baby. Genetic Testing Believe it or not, pieces of your baby’s DNA circulate in your bloodstream! This is why NIPT (non-invasive prenatal test) is performed. NIPT is a prenatal screening, which looks at DNA from your baby’s placenta in a sample of your blood to identify whether you’re at increased risk of giving birth to a child with a genetic disorder. The results of a NIPT test can help the doctor and you decide if further testing is needed or not. The test is safe for you and the baby since it only needs a quick blood draw to be completed. Finding out the Sex If you have NIPT done, the sex of the baby can also be determined since the test examines chromosomes. Make sure to discuss with your doctor if you want to find out during this test, you can also find out the sex during your later ultrasound that is usually done between 12-18 weeks. We’re Here for You Pregnancy is a beautiful and busy time of your life! Several tests are available in your first and second trimesters to provide information on the genetic health of your developing baby. But all this testing can be confusing and can cause anxiety. The key thing to remember is that testing itself does not make the pregnancy healthy or unhealthy. We gather information from every pregnant patient to look for issues that may cause problems. Our OBs at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists are help you navigate through your pregnancy journey. Call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.
Common Problems During Pregnancy
Common problems during pregnancy include pregnancy bleeding, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. We can help prepare you to know some of the signs. Early Pregnancy Bleeding If you bleed during early pregnancy, there are two things we worry about: However, just because you have bleeding early in pregnancy does not mean you automatically have one of these conditions. To know for sure, you will need to see your OB – usually several times – to receive the correct diagnosis and the care you need. Bleeding during early pregnancy can be just a scary situation and your pregnancy turns out fine. However, sadly, this is not always the case. Miscarriage A miscarriage is when a woman loses an early pregnancy. Sometimes a woman does not even know she was pregnant – her period might be a few days late and then she has a heavy flow. Other times she had a positive pregnancy test before miscarrying. Even though miscarrying can be daunting to think about, it’s important to be informed for both yourself and your loved ones. Miscarriage occurs in about twenty percent or more of pregnancies for a variety of reasons. The reason most women miscarry is because the pregnancy did not develop correctly. This means, usually, there are too few or too many chromosomes. This is fundamental damage that does not allow the pregnancy to continue. If you’re concerned about miscarrying, definitely talk to your doctor and take the appropriate steps to avoid miscarrying such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking regular prenatal care, and avoiding known miscarriage risk factors (smoking, drinking alcohol, and illicit drug use). Miscarriage is a relatively common experience but that doesn’t make it any easier. It can have a profound emotional impact, not only on the woman herself, but also on her partner, friends, and family. We are sad to give the diagnosis of miscarriage and grieve right along with you and your loved ones. Getting support from loved ones or professional counseling is often necessary in helping with the healing process. There are also many support groups online or at your local hospital. The following are resources you may find helpful for your recovery process: Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy is when a pregnancy has not developed inside the uterus or womb but instead is located outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in less than one percent of all pregnancies and is a serious diagnosis. The uterus or womb is the only place a pregnancy can grow into a healthy baby, and it can be life threatening. The most common location for an ectopic pregnancy to implant is inside the fallopian tube. If the pregnancy implants anywhere other than the uterus, you will likely experience pain and internal bleeding. Heavy bleeding inside the abdomen is why an ectopic pregnancy is so dangerous. Similar to miscarriage, there are no ways to completely prevent ectopic pregnancies, but it is possible to decrease the risk. This is possible through maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking regular prenatal care, and avoiding known risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and illicit drug use. Potential Treatments for Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy Treatments for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy can include medication, surgery, or simply close observation. Our recommendation will depend upon your symptoms, examinations, and medical history. Bleeding Later in Pregnancy The causes of bleeding later in pregnancy, usually after the 20th week, are more varied than the causes of early pregnancy bleeding. It can be normal and a sign of labor if you are close to your due date. However, if you are not close, this can be dangerous to the health of your unborn baby. *Overall, if you bleed during your pregnancy, seek immediate medical care. High Blood Pressure High blood pressure is another common problem during pregnancy. This condition goes by several names such as toxemia of pregnancy, gestational hypertension, or pre-eclampsia, and it can affect the health of your pregnancy. There are times your blood pressure is supposed to go up, such as during exercising, but it shouldn’t be high during rest or most of the time. If your blood pressure is high all the time, the increased pressure can damage your organs such as your kidneys, eyes, and heart. High blood pressure during your pregnancy could damage your placenta as well, posing a problem for the pregnancy. Most importantly, try not to stress. Fewer than ten percent of pregnant women develop high blood pressure, and we will monitor you closely at every visit. Risk Factors of High Blood Pressure Those most at risk for high blood pressure include: Symptoms of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy If you experience the following symptoms, your blood pressure could be elevated: These warning signs can commonly occur during normal pregnancy too, so you’ll be evaluated on a regular basis at your appointments. Management of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy There are several tests used to determine how to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy. The only real cure for hypertension during pregnancy is the delivery of your baby. Our timing of when to recommend this will depend upon the severity of your symptoms and the gestational age of your baby. We are always weighing one against the other, trying to determine the best time to act. In more serious cases, we may admit you to the hospital for closer observation. Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only occurs when blood sugar levels remain elevated in pregnant women. The condition usually subsides after pregnancy, but women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop permanent diabetes later in life. It is a serious condition because it can lead to the birth of a large baby, which may mean a difficult vaginal birth or cesarean birth. Babies born to gestational diabetics are also prone to having low blood sugar levels and jaundice after birth, which can lead to permanent neurological problems. Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes Some women are more likely to
Eating for a Healthy Pregnancy
Eating for a healthy pregnancy can be overwhelming and confusing. Our guide will help you with your diet and nutrition during this most important time. Food Basics for a Healthy Pregnancy Are sandwiches with lunch meat safe or not? Do I need to take vitamins? What about raw vegetables? In general, pregnant women shouldn’t eat too much junk food and should focus on eating chopped vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. This small change can improve energy levels, sleep, and their ability to tolerate the discomforts – even their skin is noticeably better. We know this is easier said than done, those cravings and hunger pangs are hard to ignore, so it’s key to have healthy snacks available so you make good choices. Your baby will love you for it! Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy There are a few vitamins and supplements that can help with a woman’s nutrition during pregnancy. Your provider will provide you with the recommended supplements and daily dosages based on your condition. Some vitamins your provider may suggest are: Nutrition for Pregnancy Grains – Make half of your grains whole grains: Eat at least 3 oz of whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta every day. 1 oz of grains is equivalent 1 slice of bread and about 1 cup of breakfast cereal, cooked rice, or pasta. Aim to eat 6 oz of grain every day. Vegetables – Eat more dark green veggies (broccoli, spinach, and other dark leafy greens), more orange vegetables (carrots and sweet potatoes), and more dry beans and peas (pinto beans, kidney beans, and lentils). Overall, try to vary your veggies and eat 2 cups every day. Fruits – Also eat a variety of fruit. Fruit can be fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruit. Eat 2 cups of fruit every day and avoid fruit juices. They are usually very high in sugar. Dairy – Eat calcium-rich foods. Go low-fat or fat-free when you choose milk, yogurt, and other milk products to avoid a lot of fat intake. If you do not or cannot consume milk, choose lactose-free products or other calcium sources such as fortified foods and beverages. Eat or drink 3 cups every day. Protein – Make sure to eat lean protein. Choose low-fat or lean meats and poultry that can be baked, broiled, or grilled. Also vary your protein routine by choosing more fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds. Fish is especially important in your diet, because it is high in the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids which help build your baby’s brain and decrease the risks of preterm birth and postpartum blues. Salmon is usually the best fish option. Some say tuna is okay but large fish swimming in the ocean have higher mercury concentrations, which are dangerous for your baby’s brain. (Federal guidelines are behind on this issue.) Aim to eat 5 oz of protein every day. Hydration – Hydration is very important, even outside of pregnancy. The goal is to drink at least 80 oz of water per day, without additives. Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Can Help During Your Pregnancy Eating for a healthy pregnancy can be confusing. Our OBs at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists can help. schedule an appointment online or call us at 770.720.7733.
Push Presents for the New Mom
A push present is a gift given to a new mother following childbirth. Bringing a new life into the world is an amazing and miraculous gift itself, but a push present is an extra gesture of appreciation for the woman who endured the pain of pregnancy and childbirth, whether it be a vaginal delivery or a C-section. How and When to Give Typically, a push present is given by the mom’s significant other or her family but can be given by anyone close to the new mom. One of the most popular gifts is jewelry, but it can be anything they would love. Whether the gift is customized or something the new mama has had in her shopping cart, it is a totally personal preference. After all, you know her best! The timing for delivering the gift is a factor to consider. Many people prefer to give it at the hospital, but again it’s up to you and your situation. If given to the mama while she’s recovering in the hospital, make sure to choose a private and quiet moment when she’s not being examined or having her vitals taken. Giving birth is an exhausting and possibly overwhelming experience, so wait until she has a quiet moment to fully appreciate the push present. Of course, the gift doesn’t have to be given in the hospital after the baby has arrived. Some wait until they’re back home and settled, while some choose to give it before the baby has been born. Ultimately, it is a personal decision! Push Present Ideas A gift to show your appreciation has no minimum or maximum price. Don’t feel pressured to buy something expensive or feel overwhelmed that it needs to be the most unique present ever. All that matters is that you thought about the new mom, and you’re showing her how appreciative you are for bringing new life into the world. Below are some popular push present options: Jewelry Photo journal Newborn or family photo shoot Purse Silk pillowcase or robe Amazon Kindle Spa gift card Coffee or espresso machine Her favorite wine No matter what you decide to gift as your push present, the new mama will appreciate the kind and thoughtful gesture. Having a push present is something she will cherish and remember forever!
Life as a New Mom
As a new mom with a sweet little baby to take care of, you have entered a wonderful season of life. But with all there is to do, it can be easy to forget that you need to take care of yourself, too. After all, you have just gone through tremendous changes, both physically and emotionally. Here are a few tips to help you adjust and thrive to life as a new mom: Get more sleep – Sleep when your baby is sleeping. You need a break, and you need sleep. Everything else can wait. Relax – Do something relaxing whenever you can. For example, try listening to music or reading a book. Eat well – If you hit the comfort food too much, you will feel worse. You don’t need to give up all your “goodies”, but proper nutrition is key to feeling good. Try eating fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, lean meat and not too many simple carbohydrates to help nourish you back to health — and to your pre-pregnancy body. Hydrate – Drinking enough water after pregnancy is very important to keep your body in balance. This is especially true if you are breastfeeding, as dehydration can affect your milk supply. Exercise – You should try to do some physical activity on most days. Walking, weights, and elliptical machines are examples. With this beautiful spring weather, it’s the perfect time to push your baby in the stroller. Make things simple – For example, it is not a sin to use paper plates and plastic cups to make kitchen cleaning easier. Or better yet, have someone else do it if possible. Make your needs known – Don’t be afraid to ask for help. While women are incredible multitaskers, motherhood can be challenging, so help is often needed. Sometimes, if you take it all on yourself, resentment can grow into anger or depression. Be honest – Be open with yourself and others if you are feeling “blue”. Hormones and the life changes of having a baby can be overwhelming. It’s imperative to share these feelings with your doctor. Spend time with friends – Especially with other mothers with babies and children of similar ages, as support is important and encouraging as you experience these new changes. By taking care of your physical and emotional health you will be able enjoy this wonderful time of your life — and be the best possible mom for your new bundle of joy.
My Life with PCOS – A Patient’s Story
Elizabeth was diagnosed with PCOS at just 23, even though she’d had symptoms since she was 11. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. PCOS can happen at any age after puberty, but most women don’t discover they have it until their 20s and 30s – when they have problems getting pregnant. We were fortunate to hear Elizabeth’s story which includes her struggles of living with symptoms of PCOS and finding a doctor that would take her symptoms seriously. Heavy Bleeding and Painful Periods Elizabeth was in the sixth grade and 11 years old when she had her first period, which is a relatively normal age to experience your first menstrual cycle. “It may be odd that I can remember the exact month and year that I got my first period. Maybe it’s because I didn’t realize I had started my period. And when my mom confirmed that’s what it was, I couldn’t stop crying,” Elizabeth recalls. “I don’t remember having considerable pain, but my mom would have to pick me up from school because my period would surprise me, and I would bleed through my pants. It was terribly embarrassing.” – Elizabeth Even though Elizabeth’s periods were very irregular and spaced out, she experienced no other symptoms so her mom figured they would become regular and ’even out’ as Elizabeth entered high school. However, Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice she was the only one of her friend group to have problems. “Is this normal”, Elizabeth began to question. My Pediatrician Classified Me as Overweight, But Provided No Help Unfortunately, Elizabeth’s symptoms didn’t ‘even out’ at all – in fact, they got worse. Her symptoms included weight gain and very painful periods. “My self-esteem plummeted. I was classified as overweight by my pediatrician, and I was noticeably larger than my friends,” she explains. The most frustrating part was that it didn’t seem to make sense. After all, she was very physically active. She lifted weights, played rugby and even carefully watched her diet. Heavy bleeding and severe pain plagued Elizabeth during her menstrual cycle, which came only every three to four months. She and her mom just assumed it was irregular due to her active lifestyle. However, that didn’t explain the intense pain and heavy bleeding. In fact, they were so severe that she couldn’t attend school, go outside, or even move during the first day of her menstrual cycle. “It was so bad. My mom would take the day off of work to tend to me, because I was in so much pain. Over-the-counter pain medication wouldn’t even take the edge off. I would just rock back and forth on the couch all day, dragging myself to the bathroom to change my menstrual pad or to vomit.” – Elizabeth I Just Learned to Live with the Pain and Heavy Bleeding Elizabeth said she learned to just deal with the symptoms and found ways to work around them. It was mainly the first day of her cycle that she was out-of-commission, so on those days, her teachers and coaches were very understanding and would let her go home without any penalties. Again, Elizabeth and her mom hoped her symptoms would simply ‘level out’ as Elizabeth became older. As Elizabeth was preparing to go off to college, she knew she had to do something. If the first day of her period fell on a day where she had class or an exam, she would be in major trouble. She had heard birth control could help ease the pain and bleeding of periods, so she scheduled an appointment with the school’s GYN. The gynecologist ran bloodwork and performed an annual exam. The results shocked Elizabeth – the bloodwork revealed that she had high testosterone levels! After Elizabeth spoke to her mother about her results, Elizabeth discovered her mom had polycystic ovary syndrome. “You’d think this is when I would be diagnosed with PCOS, right? Unfortunately, my GYN at the time told me it would be useless to do further testing since, as she put it, ‘I didn’t want to have kids yet and I was going on birth control anyway.’” Finally, the GYN at Cherokee Women’s Health Diagnosed Me With PCOS As Elizabeth was attending college, she noticed her pain and heavy bleeding were relieved, but she was very fatigued, and was eventually diagnosed with depression. After graduation, Elizabeth moved to Woodstock, GA, where she discovered Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. After visiting a gynecologist and having more bloodwork tests, she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. “Even though I suspected I had PCOS for a while, it was a major relief to get a formal diagnosis. I was much kinder to myself and was excited to finally stop suffering from my symptoms.” Receiving a Treatment Plan for PCOS Her doctor discussed the different treatment options, and together they chose the best option for her situation. Each patient diagnosed with PCOS has different symptoms and is in various phases of life. Discussing the treatment plans with your physician is the best way to manage and control your PCOS symptoms to be able to enjoy the best quality of life. Our GYNs Can Help Diagnose Female Health Issues Polycystic ovary syndrome is not a health condition that can go away, so make an appointment with your gynecologist. They will help rule out other potential causes and come up with a treatment plan. At Cherokee Women’s Health, our board-certified OB/GYNs are very experienced in diagnosing and treating symptoms of PCOS. schedule an appointment online or call us today at 770.720.7733.
Rainbow Baby – Ashley’s Story of Hope After Two Miscarriages
Ashley experienced two miscarriages in one year and feared she’d never have a baby. She and her husband were devastated, as they were excited to start a family. After Ashley’s miscarriages, she decided to make an appointment with Cherokee Women’s Health. Ashley learned that miscarriages are more common than one might think, with one in four women experiencing at least one in their lifetime. She wanted to see if there was a specific reason for her two losses so close together. Ashley had blood tests done and figured out she had two clotting disorders. Determined to have a healthy, full-term pregnancy, Ashley went to a hematologist for more answers. She was started on blood thinners; with hope, that this was the answer. We’re Pregnant! Only three months after starting the blood thinners, Ashley had a positive pregnancy test! While Ashley and Nathaniel were overjoyed, they were understandably hesitant to get their hopes too high. They waited until Ashley was twelve weeks along to share the news with family and friends. “When I figured out that I was pregnant, I was hesitant to share with anyone because going through that twice in a row, you kind of don’t want to share anything until you’re in the ‘safe zone’. After going through two losses, you can’t help but think, is it going to happen again?” – Mom-to-be Ashley Sharing the News Ashley and her husband Nathaniel were on vacation with family and decided there was no better time to tell everyone the exciting news. They both felt a lot better, and their excitement trumped their fears, once they told their loved ones. “You can’t just go living in fear,” Ashley said. After each appointment, and learning that she and the baby were healthy, Ashley’s worries and fears started to fade. She remembers telling herself, “I think this is actually going to be okay in the end.” And she was right! Breech Baby Ashley had a smooth pregnancy, that is, until her third trimester. She went to the hospital three times with early contractions. It was during that last visit that she learned her baby was in a breech position. Due to her blood thinner medication, she knew her options were to be induced or to have a C-section. Since her little one was in a breech position, her OB/GYN of Cherokee Women’s Health scheduled Ashley for a C-section. Ashley was worried for her baby, however, she completely trusted her OB/GYN for a safe delivery. “My OB/GYN knew all about my blood thinners. Not everyone understands them and why I was taking them, so this was such a relief. She was amazing. She was like ‘I have a game plan for you… this is what’s going to happen, this is what you need to do,’ and I was like okay! Let’s do this!” – Mom-to-be Ashley, just before giving birth Welcoming Baby Enz Kai On March 1st, baby Enzo Kai was brought into the world, healthy and beautiful. Ashley, Nathaniel, and Enzo were in and out of the hospital in two days. Now they are settling in at home, soaking up all the love that a newborn brings to a family. “To think that a year ago, I didn’t think I was ever going to be a mom. Now today, I have the most beautiful little boy in my arms. He was the missing piece that I needed to feel completely whole.” – Proud mom Ashley
How Do You Know if You Have PCOS?
Dr. Haley talks about PCOS, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and available treatment solutions.
Twins Times Two!
Being told you are expecting twins can be quite shocking, but hearing it again four years later is an even bigger shock. That’s exactly what happened with our patient Bethany and her husband Zach. With no family history of twins and no infertility treatments, this thought never really crossed their minds. The night before her first doctor’s appointment at eight weeks pregnant, Bethany had a very vivid dream that her brother and his wife announced they were pregnant and expecting twins. She awoke and thought it was a strange dream but didn’t really think more about it. Later that day, she and Zach were at her ultrasound appointment and were told they were expecting twins. They were completely shocked! The Odds of Having Twins – Twice The incident of twins is 1 in 250, which is not that high of odds. Some factors that do increase the odds of having twins include the following: family history of twins, BMI greater than 30, being taller than 5’5”, and getting pregnant while you are still breastfeeding. However, most of these factors didn’t apply to Bethany. The ideal time to deliver twins, which is considered full-term, is right around 37 weeks. Often twin pregnancies have more complications as they have increased rates of preterm delivery, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, or twin-to twin-transfusion, all of which require delivery before the desired gestational age of 37 weeks. Throughout her pregnancy, Bethany saw the OBs at Cherokee Women’s Health. “Everyone was awesome. They were always very willing to answer the many questions I had.” Bethany, referring to her doctor appointments Fraternal Twins At her 20-week appointment, Bethany and Zach found out they were expecting a boy and a girl, which is the most common of fraternal twins. Bethany had no complications, and her entire pregnancy went great. As a full-time high-end cake decorator, she stayed very busy and worked until three days before her scheduled C-section. At a little over 36 weeks, Bethany gave birth to two beautiful healthy babies, named Jaxson and Ava. Both Jaxson and Ava were over six pounds which is a very nice weight for twins. Although Ava had to spend four days in the NICU, and Jackson had to spend 13 days to monitor their lung function, both babies left the hospital in great shape. Time for Another Baby – or Twins! Bethany and Zach had always wanted three children so a few years later, they decided it was time for another baby. Even though she was told that after having one set of twins, her chances of having another set of twins were doubled, they really didn’t expect it to happen. The day before Jaxson and Ava turned four, Bethany found out they were expecting again. The pregnancy test turned positive immediately, just like last time. She had a strong feeling it could be twins again. Bethany attended her 8-week ultrasound and as she watched the ultrasound screen, the minute the wand touched her belly, she saw two sacs and knew they were having twins again! She was surprised but not quite as much as the first time. Pregnant with Twins This twin pregnancy turned out to be more difficult. She had been doing lots of reading about twin pregnancies and the risks associated with it. The first time around she really didn’t think about that. She began to wonder, “How can we be lucky enough to have two twin pregnancies with no problems?” This time was much harder on Bethany’s body too, as she began having heart palpitations which really scared her. She had to visit a cardiologist for monitoring. She was very tired all the time. Like last time, she had appointments with most of the doctors at Cherokee Women’s and felt they all went above and beyond to help her. “Every time I saw Bethany she was smiling and never had any major complaints. She did a great job following through with the extra prenatal care we recommended to make sure her pregnancy went smoothly. This included more frequent ultrasounds, and more prenatal visits to watch out for blood pressure changes and diabetes and to also make sure the babies were growing appropriately and thriving.” – Bethany’s doctor recalls Though Bethany had worked until three days before delivery the first time, this time she stopped working two months before. And like last time, she had a C-section right about 37 weeks. She was happy to be at Northside Cherokee Hospital this time and marveled at how much more spacious and luxurious the rooms were compared to the old hospital. Twin Boys! Bethany and Zach had chosen not to find out the sex of the babies this time. She was thrilled when it was announced that she had two sons — the least common of fraternal twins. Her doctor shared, “It is always an honor and a privilege to help a mother deliver her baby (or babies, in this case) safely into this world.” Like their older siblings, Eli and Grayson were over six pounds and healthy. Both only needed to stay in the hospital for two days and got to go home with their mom. “Jaxson and Ava are loving being a big brother and sister. They are constantly rubbing their little heads or kissing their cheeks,” Bethany explained. “These babies are so loved by all and we are so blessed.” One Big Happy Family Because Zach works late many nights, Bethany’s mom has been a big support, coming each day to help. Bethany is very appreciative since she now has four little ones at home and will soon be getting back to her baking business. “Put your pride aside and ask for help. It’s okay to admit you can’t do it all.” Bethany’s advice for new moms Oh, and remember the weird dream Bethany had right before her first doctor’s appointment? Well, about 3-1/2 years later, that dream came true. Her brother and his wife had their own set of twins! Now when someone asks Bethany
