Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

Dr. Litrel Pelvic Reconstruction Graphic

Dr. Michael Litrel on Pelvic Reconstructon – Part 2

An Interview With Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS – Part 2 of a 3 Part Series Read Part 1 of Dr. Litrel’s interview. The link to Part 3 is below. Of all the specialties you could have chosen, why did you choose obstetrics and gynecology?I was quite surprised myself that I chose OB/GYN. I really hadn’t thought of it as a specialty before I attended medical school because I was more inclined towards surgery. However, when I delivered my first baby, it was such a miraculous moment in my life. It was 3:00 in the morning, and I remember it distinctly. I was in awe that this child actually came from a woman’s body. Ten seconds later, as I was placing that baby into that little infant warmer, I realized that I wanted to participate in this miracle; that I was going to be an obstetrician. It was a profound moment for me, and I can’t begin to express how much great personal satisfaction and enjoyment I’ve received over the years by taking care of women and women’s issues. Your wife Ann also works at Cherokee Women’s. Do you find it difficult to separate work-related issues from home life, or do you find it can strengthen a relationship?Ann works on public relations for the clinic and I have my medical practice so yes, we work under the same roof and our paths do cross but we each tend to our own professions. I’m a doctor, something I’ve wanted to be since the age of seven and Ann is, first and foremost, an artist. In answer to the second part of your question regarding separating work-related issues from home life, I think it’s very important to be married to your best friend and someone you trust implicitly. Ann is both of those to me. We have a strong, healthy relationship and have been married for 28 years. Like any normal couple, we have our ups and downs, but we know how to apologize and go on from there. We’ve grown together and share similar interests. We agree on many things, including our relationship with God, and about becoming better people. As we advance through life, we continue to support, encourage and help each other. We’ve known each other half our lives so I wouldn’t say being a doctor and discussing work-related issues makes either my job or my marriage harder, any more than Ann being an artist and sharing her passion for it impacts either of those things. You have an identical twin brother named Chris. When growing up, did you find that you and he shared that proverbial ‘brain’.As identical twins, he and I understood each other so well that we didn’t learn to speak early or verbalize our thoughts to other people. However, we’re very different. My brother is a lawyer by trade, and a lawyer’s thought process is entirely different from a doctor’s. Physicians focus more on immediate problems, whereas attorneys think three years ahead of time. Still, we’re very close and I rely on his counsel a great deal. If you decided to retire tomorrow, what would you do?Do you mean if I stopped practicing medicine? Well, I love what I do so as long as I’m healthy enough to keep doing it, I don’t really want to retire unless I absolutely have to. If anything, as I get older, I’ve become a better surgeon so I’d like to continue for as long as possible. My other passion would be writing and speaking about the relationship between health and spirituality, something that’s very important to me. That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to the care of women and their health—because what life event could possibly be more spiritual and meaningful than the birth of a child? I chose to specialize in surgical gynecology because human beings grow inside of a woman’s body, and sometimes you need a surgeon that can bring them safely into the world. I enjoy it, not only for the concrete aspects of surgery, but also for the deep spiritual meaning of this process known as the creation of a life. We can clinically describe how a single cell turns into a newborn baby over 280 days, but the process itself is miraculous. It’s a testimony to the fact that our lives have deep purpose and deep meaning, and that God grants us life. If you were to write another book, what topic would you choose?As it happens, I’m currently working on a book on pelvic reconstructive surgery, but I’m also tying it in with the correlation between health and spirituality. Women not only endure suffering and damage to their bodies, but also to their souls. We all do. So the book I’m writing expands on that subject. Women have unique human problems because of the nature of creating new life inside their bodies, and there’s suffering that comes from that process. So from that perspective, I’m writing about the nature of surgery in terms of when to have it and when not to have it. I’m also writing about the nature of health since health is not only about the physical but about the sexual and spiritual aspects as well. I’d like to educate patients on the fact that we’re not human beings having spiritual problems, but that we’re spiritual beings having human problems. These human problems we all sometimes have call for the attention of a surgeon. Do you like to travel? If so, where was your favorite place?One of the things I like about practicing medicine is that I don’t have to travel anywhere. People from all over the world come to see me. I guess I’m more of a homebody than I am a traveler. I like keeping my life pretty simple. I have traveled and visited many different countries, but it’s not my favorite thing to do. I’ll go, but I prefer to stay home. As a busy OB/GYN surgeon, I’m sure the demands can be

GYN Symptoms to Bring to Your Doctor

Women often accept minor gynecological or urinary symptoms as a normal part of being a woman, but the truth is that those minor symptoms may be indicative of a more serious condition. It is important to take charge of one’s health, stay up to date on annual visits, and make sure to speak with a doctor about any concerns, no matter how minor they may be. By recognizing and disclosing these symptoms early, doctors may be able to diagnose and treat underlying pelvic or urinary conditions. Symptoms That May be Cause for Concern: Urinary Incontinence – Leaking urine is commonly seen in women who have had multiple pregnancies, or who are advancing in the aging process. However, urinary incontinence is not something a woman should take lightly. Leaking any amount of urine while laughing, sneezing, coughing, or exercising can be a sign of several urinary conditions, including bladder prolapse. Don’t wait until an annual exam to bring this to a doctor’s attention. There are treatments and lifestyle changes one can make to minimize the symptoms of incontinence. Unexplained Bleeding – Bleeding that is not associated with a monthly cycle should be brought to a doctor’s attention immediately. While one shouldn’t stress about the worst case scenario, possible conditions that could cause the bleeding range from fibroids and cysts, to ectopic pregnancies, anemia, or even cancer. Pelvic Pain – Any pelvic pain whether it is during sex, or any other time should be mentioned to a doctor. There could be underlying causes that may need to be examined further and/or treated such as a sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Changes – Anything that seems out of the ordinary. A change in discharge, itching, visible bumps or bulges, or burning while peeing are definite reasons to call your gynecologist immediately. These unpleasant symptoms may be signs of vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, or other vaginal conditions that require a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. At Cherokee Women’s Health, we are here for any concerns you may have about your gynecological health. Make an appointment at one of our two locations where our highly specialized doctors can diagnose and treat any worrisome symptoms. Or, schedule an appointment online.

What is Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) refers to the sagging or drooping of any pelvic organs due to damage, trauma, childbirth or injury. The pelvic floor consists of a group of cradle-shaped muscles that hold pelvic organs in place. The pelvic organs include the uterus, bladder, cervix, vagina, rectum and intestines. Like any other part of the body, these muscles, with their surrounding tissues (fascia), can develop problems. If you fill a small plastic bag with grocery items, say for instance, a box of cereal, a few cans of vegetables, some jars and a package of rice —the bag should hold the items with no problem. But if you hang that full bag on a wall hook and leave it suspended, you’ll start to notice the items in it begin to bulge against the membrane of the bag as it takes on the shape of its contents. After a while, depending on how heavy the items are, the corner of the cereal box or rim of a can may start to bulge and even poke through as the bag stretches, weakens and eventually tears from the weight of the items in it. The groceries may even begin to protrude and dangle outside of the bag as the tears get larger. Pelvic prolapse happens much the same way. As the muscles and tissues holding the pelvic organs weaken, degrade or tear, the pelvic organs slip or drop through, sometimes forming a small hanging internal bulge. At other times, depending on the damage, they may actually dangle externally from the vagina or anus, causing problems and inhibiting their function. This is called prolapse. Who is at Risk for Pelvic Organ Prolapse? One in three women suffer from POP. Any activity that puts undue pressure on the abdomen can cause pelvic floor disorders. Typically, labor and childbirth are the leading causes of prolapse, especially when a woman has had several children, a long, difficult labor, or has given birth to a larger child.Pelvic organ prolapse becomes more common with age, usually around menopause when tissues damaged during a woman’s childbearing years begin to lose strength. Other causes are: What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse? It is entirely possible not to have any symptoms at all. Sometimes pelvic organ prolapse is only discovered during a routine gynecological examination. Minor symptoms are a feeling of annoying pressure of the uterus or other pelvic organs against the vaginal wall, minimal malfunction of those organs, and mild discomfort. Other symptoms are: Symptoms may be aggravated by jumping, lifting or standing. Relief is usually found after lying down for a while. When Should You See Your Doctor? If you have increased sensations of pelvic pressure or pulling which is exacerbated by lifting or straining, but relieved when you lie down. Diagnosis At times, pelvic organ prolapse may be hard to diagnose, especially if a patient does not complain of any symptoms. Patients might be aware there’s a problem but cannot actually pinpoint its location. After asking questions regarding symptoms, medical history, past pregnancies, and other health problems, your doctor will perform a physical examination. Then, if organ prolapse is suspected or discovered, the following additional tests may be ordered: The doctor will then use a classification system to decide the organ prolapse level so he can best decide treatment options. Often, only simple non-invasive treatments and lifestyle changes are recommended for minor prolapse. If surgery is warranted, the following may be suggested: What Can You Do? Pelvic prolapse often sounds worse than it is. For many women, there are hardly any symptoms. For those who do suffer, there is help available, whether it is a simple lifestyle change, surgical repair, or reconstruction. If you have questions about your gynecological health or would like to consult with one of our pelvic reconstructive surgeons, please call 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

First Gynecology Appointment

At Cherokee Women’s Health, we understand the nerves a woman may experience when making a gynecology appointment, even for a routine annual examination. Our goal is to make patients feel as comfortable and assured as we can, beginning with their first appointment. To help prepare for an appointment, here are some expectations and answers to commonly asked questions about our practice and a routine gynecology examination. Health History Honesty is important when disclosing one’s health history. Doctors need to be aware of the past, so they can accurately care for a patient. Usual topics covered in a health history will include any medications currently being taken; sexual history; past pregnancies, surgeries, or treatments; and a familial history of cancer and other diseases. Come with Questions Don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem. It is best to be straightforward about symptoms, in the event that additional procedures need to be scheduled. Don’t leave our office with any questions unanswered! There is no need to be self-conscious about asking questions or discussing symptoms because our doctors have years of experience in their field. They discuss these topics daily with their patients. What to Expect A routine appointment lasts about an hour. Several exams take place during the appointment including a pelvic exam and a breast exam. Patients should also be prepared to provide a urine sample to test for pregnancy, and to catch any abnormalities in the sample that may indicate disorders or infections. A pelvic examination is performed to ensure that both external and internal areas of the vagina are normal, including a pap smear which is used to test for cervical cancer. At a patient’s request, a culture can be ordered to screen for any sexually transmitted diseases. The pelvic exam can make patients uncomfortable, but it is important to relax during the process. Reproductive health is important! A breast exam is completed to check for any lumps or irregularities in breast tissue. Based on family history of breast cancer, and your age, you may be referred for a mammogram which will screen for breast cancer. An opportunity to ask questions is part of the appointment. Be proactive and mention anything that is concerning. Honesty is essential to providing the best personalized care to our patients.

Healthy Pregnancy Diet: What Not to Eat When You’re Expecting

Nutrition is an important part of pregnancy. It gives moms the opportunity to increase their intake of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. This boosts their energy, helps their babies’ development, and can even improve some of the symptoms of pregnancy. But as important as what to eat when pregnant is a topic that’s decidedly less fun: what not to eat during pregnancy. Dr. Haley Discusses Nutrition During Pregnancy Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy Cherokee Women’s Health helps expectant mothers in Canton through the unique experience of pregnancy. For a personalized diet plan, advice on healthy eating and fitness during pregnancy, and other prenatal care, schedule an appointment with one of our certified physicians or midwives.

What is Prolapsed Bladder?

Prolapsed bladder, also known as fallen bladder or cystocele, is a condition where the bladder drops down from lack of support. A concave dome-shaped group of pelvic floor muscles and tissues hold the bladder and other organs in place. Due to a variety of reasons, these muscles and tissues can weaken over time. This causes the bladder to descend from its fixed position and slip downwards into the vagina, much like a big toe begins to rub, then protrude through an old, worn sock. In more severe cases, the bladder may dangle completely outside of the vagina. What Causes Prolapsed Bladder? What are the Symptoms? In cases where the bladder prolapse is mild, women may not experience any symptoms at all, and the condition may only be discovered during a routine examination. When Should You See Your Doctor? If you notice that you may have any of these symptoms and suspect a prolapsed bladder, you should see your doctor immediately. This condition often means that other pelvic organs may also be prolapsed, as the same muscles and tissues hold the uterus, cervix, vagina, rectum, and intestines in place as well. This is not a condition that repairs itself. It usually worsens over time, but it can be fixed thanks to many modern methods available today. Diagnosis and Tests In obvious cases, an examination of the pelvis and genitalia can visually confirm prolapsed bladder. If less evident, the doctor may use something called a Voiding Cystourethrogram to confirm diagnosis. This is a sequence of x-rays taken while the patient is urinating so that the physician can see the bladder shape and what may be causing flow problems. He may also request additional x-rays of different abdominal sections to eliminate other theories, after which he may test muscles, nerves and the force of the urine stream to conclude his diagnosis and recommend treatment. Additional tests, if necessary are: Treatment If tests confirm prolapsed bladder, your doctor will categorize its degree as mild, moderate, severe or complete. If it is mild, it usually requires no immediate treatment other than to refrain from heavy lifting or exertion.For more serious cases, depending on health, age and other factors, some non-surgical treatments include: Surgery Should you need surgery, one of the following may be recommended: Types of Reconstructive Surgery What Can You Do? Make an Appointment Today Prolapsed bladder and its effects can be uncomfortable, restrictive, and inhibit a normal lifestyle. Our board-certified OB/GYNs can address these issues so you can get back to living the life you deserve. Call and make an appointment today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

The 411 on Vaccines and Pregnancy

A mother’s body is more than just a home as her baby grows: it is protection, sustenance, and strength. When a mother eats well, exercises, and takes care of her body, she is also helping her baby grow healthy and strong. Vaccines can help both mother and baby stay healthy during pregnancy and the early postpartum months. But not all immunizations are safe for pregnant women. If you’re trying to expand your family, here’s everything you need to know about vaccines during pregnancy. Pre-Pregnancy Vaccines If you’re trying to become pregnant, you likely have a list of things to eat, avoid, measure, and track. Moms-to-(Hopefully)-Be can add “vaccinations” to the list. Vaccines that contain traces of live viruses aren’t safe for pregnant women. Get these immunizations at least one month before trying to become pregnant. To prevent illness and infection during pregnancy (for both yourself and your baby), make sure you’re up-to-date on these vaccines. MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine) Chickenpox vaccine Safe Vaccines During Pregnancy According to the CDC, some vaccines are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. The flu shot is recommended for pregnant women during flu season (November-March). The flu shot, which is made of dead strains of the virus, is safe for both mother and child. Vaccines that contain live viruses, such as some flu nasal sprays, are not safe during pregnancy. The TDAP vaccine, which protects against whooping cough, is made with toxoids (bacterial proteins which have been chemically altered), and is also safe for pregnant women. Other low-risk vaccines, such as the Pneumococcal vaccine and Hepatitis B vaccine, may be recommended by your physician based on your individual risk of contracting the disease. Post-Pregnancy Vaccines If you weren’t able to get up-to-date before welcoming your bundle of joy aboard, the postnatal period is the time to get caught up on your adult vaccinations. Parents should get immunized to protect their infants while they’re still too young for some vaccinations. Breastfeeding mothers can follow a normal adult vaccination schedule. Schedule an appointment online today or call us at 770.720.7733.

Vaginal Discharge – Should You Be Worried?

What is Vaginal Discharge and What Causes It? The vagina is similar to a corridor that leads from outside of woman’s body to her inner reproductive organs. The vagina and cervix contain tiny internal glands that create and secrete fluids. The purpose of these fluids is to wash away bacteria and dead cells. This natural cleansing process protects the vagina, and prevents infection, much the same way a kitchen sieve holds strawberries while a good rinsing flushes away harmful dirt, grit and anything else those berries might have been lying in as they grew. While vaginal discharge can be annoying, often staining and occasionally ruining those favorite, overpriced panties, it is a perfectly natural bodily function and should not be tampered with unless problems arise. If something interferes with the delicate balance of vaginal secretions, uncomfortable, painful and even serious infection may occur. What is Normal, Healthy Vaginal Discharge? Color: The color of healthy vaginal discharge can range from clear to milky white, the latter usually occurring during ovulation. It may also be clear with white stringy flecks. When dry, white discharge may turn yellow on underclothing.A bloody discharge is also perfectly normal during a woman’s period and is no cause for alarm. At times, droplets of blood can be mingled in with discharge between menstrual periods and this is known as spotting. Unless excessive, or accompanied by discomfort, this is also normal. Amount: The amount can vary anywhere from 20 mg to 60mg a day (yes, it feels like much more!) This can increase to about 600mg during ovulation. Increase in discharge can also occur during exercise, breastfeeding, contraceptive use, sexual arousal and even emotional stress. Vaginal discharge decreases at menopause due to lower estrogen levels. Consistency: The texture of normal discharge also fluctuates. During ovulation, it can be thin and watery. This texture is Nature’s way of enabling sperm to pass into the uterus allowing a better chance of fertilization. At other times, it is thicker, more acidic, and less hospitable towards sperm. This is temporary, just like a mild marital spat. Discharge texture varies depending on the body’s levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, both found in birth control pills. This is why women who take oral contraceptives produce thicker discharge, thus preventing unwanted pregnancy. During pregnancy, a thick mucus plug (operculum) forms inside the cervical canal. Containing antibacterial properties, its function is similar to that of a cork or safety seal for the uterus, protecting it from uterine fluid leakage or pathogen invasion. When dilation begins to occur before childbirth, the plug loosens and drops out, resembling discharge tinged with blood. Odor: Discharge odor can vary depending on medication, menstrual cycle, diet, activity, personal hygiene, pregnancy, lubricants, and hygienic cleansing products, but usually a slight musky, though not unpleasant odor is normal. Receiving oral sex can sometimes produce a different odor. When Should You See Your Doctor? Although vaginal discharge is vital in maintaining optimal health of the reproductive organs, the delicate Ph balance can sometimes be compromised leading to infection. Infections may occur at any time, but are more likely to happen when the Ph balance is less acidic, right before or during menstruation. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor. These can possibly be indications of infections or sexually transmitted diseases such as Bacterial Vaginosis, Yeast Infection(Candida), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Human Papillomavirus, Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea, or Chlamydia –to name a few: • Pain or inflammation accompanying discharge• Redness in vulvar or vaginal areas• Strong unpleasant smelling discharge immediately after intercourse• Burning or itching• Rash• Burning while urinating• A cottage cheese like texture.• Thick, lumpy, or pasty discharge• Foul smelling green, yellow, grey, or cloudy discharge• Excessive or recurring brown or bloody discharge, especially when not on your menstrual cycle• Strong, foul, fishy odor• Watery discharge• Any unusual discharge accompanied by abdominal pain, uncommon fatigue, fever, sudden weight loss, and increased urination.• Blisters or sores in the vaginal or vulvar area.• Painful intercourse Treatment After a brief medical examination which is usually enough to identify the problem, your doctor may request additional tests to analyze skin, cervical or discharge samples. When the problem is identified, most vaginal discharge abnormalities can be treated with prescription medications such as antibiotics, creams, antifungals, or suppositories. These should always be taken for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor, no matter how much better you feel. In some cases, it may be necessary to treat both the patient and her sexual partner, and both may be asked to refrain from sexual intercourse until treatment is successfully completed. If symptoms persist after medication is completed, a follow up visit may be necessary. Over the counter medications are available for common yeast infections, but should be avoided if pregnant unless approved by a physician. Abnormal discharge may be indicative of some cancers, but this is rare. How You Can Help Prevent Problems • Use condoms, especially with new sexual partners.• Have an annual pap smear to screen for possible cancer. It’s only uncomfortable for a minute• Keep the genital area dry and clean with regular bathing, showering and gentle wiping from front to back after urination or defecation.• Avoid harsh soaps, feminine sprays, powders, chemicals or douches around the vaginal area. They can may upset the Ph balance and kill important bacteria. Being field flower fresh can sometimes do more harm than good• Avoid deodorized pads and tampons, especially those discount store brands that can be smelled before you enter a room.• Wear absorbent cotton underwear, and save the sexy, synthetic ones for special occasions unless they have a cotton crotch piece.• Be vigilant when you wear tampons. Anyone can forget, especially near the end of a period when there is little or no blood. It happens more often that women think.• Use products designed specifically for vaginal lubrication. Avoid petroleum jelly or other household lubricants your grandmother suggested.• Eat a healthy, well balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. Yogurt containing live cultures

Babies and Bladders

Every expectant mother has heard jokes about pregnant women running to the bathroom all the time. Overactive bladder is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy in the first trimester, and it only gets worse as your pregnancy develops. But for some, overactive bladder causes an even more embarrassing symptom: pregnancy incontinence. What to Know about Pregnancy Incontinence Pregnancy incontinence, or bladder leakage, gets less press than overactive bladder syndrome (possibly because fewer dads-to-be find it a funny road trip joke), but many pregnant women suffer it. Bladder leakage most frequently occurs when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or straining, but it can happen almost anytime. The good news is that pregnancy incontinence is usually temporary. When your hormone levels go back to normal and your body heals, your bladder should return to normal too. How to Treat Pregnancy Incontinence Before trying home remedies, make sure you’re leaking urine. If the liquid is clear and odorless, it may be amniotic fluid. It’s rare, but if you are leaking amniotic fluid, contact your obstetrician immediately. Okay, you sure it’s urine? Here’s what you can do to treat pregnancy incontinence. Call Us Today Pregnancy incontinence may be frustrating, but it’s a normal part of pregnancy. If your incontinence lasts up to six weeks postpartum, speak to your physician about treating incontinence before it becomes a long-term issue. For more information on pregnancy incontinence, call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

Why Is Breastfeeding So Hard?

Breastfeeding is probably the first most intimate bond a mother will ever create with her child, but sometimes it can take a little while to get it right—both for mother and baby. Much like picking up rice with chopsticks for the very first time, breastfeeding requires patience, practice, time and effort. Although babies are born with a natural instinct to suckle, and mothers usually produce the colostrum and milk they need immediately, sometimes getting the two natural occurrences to cooperate with each other can be difficult. Apart from the time and discomfort needed to recover from childbirth, baby’s constant demands for food, cuddling, changing– not to mention possible colic- the first few days can be overwhelming on a new parent. Lack of sleep can also cause impatience, which in turn is something a baby can easily sense. No matter how many decibels you attempt to lower your voice after drowsily walking into walls during that three o’clock feeding, your baby will still pick up on your irritability and react accordingly with fussing, flailing or crying. Compounding all this with a difficulty to breastfeed could easily leave the mother experiencing feelings of failure, shame and anxiety. Rapid hormonal changes on her part add to the melting pot of emotional stew. Latching Problems Breastfeeding can be a painful, uncomfortable experience during the first few postpartum weeks. Although hungry newborns may not have teeth, their gums can certainly clamp on well enough to make a new mother wince, even yelp at times. Until tender, engorged nipples become accustomed to the sensation, it can be highly unpleasant for the first little while. If pain persists after this adjustment period, however, it may possibly be caused by a bad latch. A bad latch may occur for a number of reasons, such as cradling the baby’s head at an improper angle, positioning your breast incorrectly, flat or inverted nipples, or an infant who hasn’t quite yet grasped the intricacies of sucking and getting tasty results. Learning to latch may take time. If you look down and see that your areole or nipple are visible, your baby may not be latching correctly. Both serve a purpose similar to a bull’s eye on a target. Baby needs to zone in and clamp on the center to achieve proper suction. The sensation of the nipple, and in some cases the tiny bumps surrounding it on the areole serve as a type of braille to baby’s sensitive mouth. Nursing pillows may facilitate finding the correct angle, thus gently coaxing your child to a better position. If you can’t resolve the latching problems on your own, there is no need to get frustrated or to feel badly about it. At your next appointment, ask your obstetrician or certified nurse-midwife for information on overcoming breastfeeding problems. They are familiar with the problem and will gladly help to make breastfeeding a more enjoyable nurturing time for you and your infant. Inverted or Flat Nipples 1 to 3% of all women have flat or inverted nipples which can create a challenge when breastfeeding. Speak to your obstetrician about breastfeeding with inverted nipples. Some methods he or she may recommend would be to pump before breastfeeding to stimulate milk flow, or using a silicone shield to help your baby latch. Some women with flat or inverted nipples may require the help of their spouses to get a good latch going. In a way, this can also be a pleasant bonding time for their partners. Breast milk provides babies with vital nutrients to help them grow and develop into healthy, strong little people. It is recommended that mothers try as much as possible to introduce their infants to not only this beneficial form of nourishment, but the resulting closeness and warmth both mother and baby can derive from it. For more information on lactation, Northside Hospital-Cherokee has a center dedicated to lactation and their website offers lots of great tips.

Common Breastfeeding Problems

Apart from providing valuable colostrum and vital nutrition for babies, breastfeeding can create an intimate bond between a mother and newborn. Another plus is that breastfeeding requires more calories than pregnancy, Mother Nature’s way of rewarding a new mother by giving her a jump start on the road to ‘baby weight” loss. Breastfeeding Doesn’t Always Happen Naturally At first, however, to the dismay of many new parents, it isn’t always the warm fuzzy experience they imagined it would be. Breastfeeding does not always happen naturally. The milk is in the mother’s breast, and the baby instinctively makes sucking motions looking for food, but the act of successful breastfeeding itself is a skill that requires a little practice on both parts. Motherhood can be challenging and intimidating enough, especially for first time moms who want to do the very best job possible. Even the sweetest, undemanding baby can be intimidating due to lack of experience, let alone a colicky fussy child. Encountering breastfeeding problems can raise stress and anxiety levels at the very best of times, and this frustration may result in abandoning breastfeeding altogether. Most breastfeeding difficulties, however, are easily remedied with minor position adjustments or a few timeless suggestions from your OB-GYN. Solving Common Breastfeeding Problems Low milk production: Many moms underestimate their milk levels, especially when first learning to breastfeed. But a few tricks can increase your supply: ensure your baby latches well and drains both breasts at each feeding, drink plenty of water, use a breast pump between feedings, and nurse at night when milk production hormones surge. You can also ask your doctor to modify your diet to include foods that encourage healthy milk production. Latching pain: Latching pain is expected for new moms, but it shouldn’t last. If latching pain lasts longer than a minute, reposition your baby to an asymmetrical latch, where his mouth covers the nipple and the lower part of the areola. Cracked nipples: A common result of latching problems, improper pumping, or thrush, cracked or bloody nipples can cause serious anxiety in new moms. But a little blood won’t harm the baby, and the solution is simple: lanolin cream. Other remedies include repositioning your baby’s latch, breastfeeding more frequently for shorter intervals, and letting some milk air dry on your nipples. Thrush: A yeast infection that may develop in infants’ mouths, thrush can spread to the breasts, causing itching, soreness, and sometimes a rash. See your doctor, who will provide an antifungal cream to be applied to both your nipple and the baby’s mouth. Every woman faces her own challenges during pregnancy and postpartum. We encourage our patients to take advantage of the rich resources in our health community, including the Lactation Program at Northside Hospital-Cherokee, where we deliver all our moms. If you have concerns about breastfeeding, schedule an appointment with us today.

Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Every woman gains weight during pregnancy. For some, this is a positive experience: the healthy glow and rounded figure are a badge of honor, broadcasting her good news to the world. For others, it’s a struggle: dealing with the stress of weight fluctuation on top of the other body changes pregnancy brings. But all moms share the same question: how much pregnancy weight gain is too much? Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy The amount of weight gained during pregnancy isn’t an abstract question. It can affect the health of both mother and child during gestation. Gaining too much weight contributes to postpartum weight retention, but gaining too little leads to inadequate birth weight of your infant. If you’re worried about weight gain, discuss it with your obstetrician or CNM. Your physician can give you an individual assessment to make sure you gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy. To get you started, here’s a handy chart from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. For underweight mothers (BMI of 18.5 or less), the recommended gain is 28-40 lb For average weight women (18.5-24.9 BMI), there’s a recommended weight gain of 25-35 lb For overweight (25-29.9 BMI) moms, doctors recommend a 15-25 lb weight gain For obese mothers (30 BMI and higher), the recommended weight gain is 11-20 lb How to Control Weight During Pregnancy If you’re gaining too much or too little weight during pregnancy, ask your obstetrician about a personalized nutrition plan. Not only will a proper diet improve your weight gain, it will also provide necessary nutrients to you and your baby. Moms-to-be can also begin a pregnancy exercise routine to improve health and decrease the discomforts of pregnancy. Some conditions make exercising during pregnancy unsafe, so always speak to your doctor before starting a new fitness regimen. Want to learn more about nutrition, fitness, and healthy weight gain during pregnancy? Visit Northside Hospital-Cherokee or make an appointment with one of our physicians or advanced practice providers today at 770-720-7733.

Author name: Diane

Dr. Michael Litrel on Pelvic Reconstructon – Part 2

GYN Symptoms to Bring to Your Doctor

What is Pelvic Prolapse?

First Gynecology Appointment

Healthy Pregnancy Diet: What Not to Eat When You’re Expecting

What is Prolapsed Bladder?

The 411 on Vaccines and Pregnancy

Vaginal Discharge – Should You Be Worried?

Babies and Bladders

Why Is Breastfeeding So Hard?

Common Breastfeeding Problems

Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy

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