Author name: Diane

If you’re new to the area, a first time mother, or you aren’t satisfied with your current OB/GYN, the first thing on your list after that positive pregnancy test is “find a qualified obstetrician.” If you’re anything like the rest of us, you’re also daunted by the task. You need a qualified medical professional you can trust with your health and the health of your baby. You also need someone who makes you feel comfortable and cared for. After all, you’ll see your OB regularly over the next nine months.  Choosing an obstetrician or midwife doesn’t have to be difficult. Cherokee Women’s Health has 5 easy questions to get you started. 4 Questions to Help Pregnant Women Find the Right Doctor Do I want an obstetrician or a midwife? For most expectant mothers, expertise is the most important consideration when choosing a prenatal physician. But what is the second? Credentials, hospital privileges, type of delivery, perspective on pain relief, and any special circumstances surrounding your pregnancy can help you choose whether an OB/GYN or a certified nurse midwife is the right choice to care for you and your growing family. What have I heard? If your friends have recently given birth, their experiences will speak to you more clearly than any board certification. Ask friends, family members, and your gynecologist or primary care physician who they recommend. Factor in any personal health considerations that may require a specialized OB-GYN. Then research your top physicians and schedule an appointment to make sure they’re right for you. Where will the delivery take place? Make sure your physician partners with a reputable hospital near you. Cherokee Women’s Health works with Northside Hospital-Cherokee to give moms the most advanced medical facilities and the most comfortable birthing experience. We are excited to expand this excellent care to their new hospital, which is expected to open in 2017. How do I feel about this physician? In the end, trust your gut. No matter how qualified your obstetrician or midwife may be, if you’re not comfortable with them, you’re going to have a stressful pregnancy. If you feel rushed, uncomfortable, or simply don’t click with your physician, find another qualified physician or and advanced practice provider. At Cherokee Women’s Health, we’re dedicated to helping expectant moms have the best pregnancy experience. To learn more about our physicians and advanced practice providers, schedule an appointment, or learn how to approach the early stages of your pregnancy, call our offices in Canton or Woodstock.

Breastfeeding provides countless benefits to both mother and child. It creates a bond between a mother and her baby, giving the two newfound intimacy outside of the womb. Breast milk also provides infants with nutritional benefits they won’t receive anywhere else, ensuring the fast physical and mental development of newborns. Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its difficulties. Common Breastfeeding Problems Milk production. Many mothers worry that they’re not producing enough breast milk to keep their babies fed. If you’re worried about milk supply, monitor your infant’s behaviors. If your child is not audibly swallowing, seems dissatisfied after breastfeeding, or produces fewer than 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 soft, yellow stools per day, ask your OB about supplementing your baby’s diet. Mothers can also encourage breast milk production by drinking lots of water, ensuring easy latching, emptying both breasts at every feeding, using a pump between feedings, nursing at night, and eating OB recommended foods to encourage a healthy supply of milk. Latching pain. Latching pain is common in the weeks after birth, especially for first time mothers. Reposition your baby so his mouth covers more of the nipple below the areola than above. If you have dry or cracked nipples, wear loose clothing, apply lanolin cream between feedings, and let a little milk air dry on the nipple after each feeding (breast milk is a natural healer for you and your baby). Too much milk supply. Nurse more frequently to limit engorged breasts. Clogged ducts. If you aren’t draining your milk supply, you may notice clogged ducts or lumps on the breasts. Nurse more frequently and make sure your nursing bra isn’t too tight. If you experience redness, aching, or fever, you may have an infection. Ask your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic. At Cherokee Women’s Health, we dedicate ourselves to providing optimal care to moms and their babies. Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 770.720.7733. 

All women experience cravings, but with the fluctuating hormones of pregnancy, food cravings reach an all time high. A nutritious diet helps the physical and cognitive development of the baby on board, so it should come as no surprise that eating too much junk food can negatively impact your pregnancy. Learn how to curb pregnancy cravings (and know when it’s okay to indulge). What Women Need to Know about Pregnancy Cravings Eating healthy foods boosts the wellbeing of a mom and her baby during pregnancy. Following a nutritious diet improves the child’s brain development, lowers the risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects, and helps keep both mom and baby at a healthy weight. Does that mean expectant mothers can never indulge? Of course not. Recent medical research suggests that it’s alright to indulge, even in items previously thought off limits, like limited amounts of caffeine. However, the idea that pregnancy cravings tell moms their body needs is unsubstantiated. Pregnancy cravings, though harder to ignore than regular cravings, are often nothing more than a hormone-hijacked thought that, “That sounds delicious right now.” How to Curb Pregnancy Cravings What’s a mom to do when the cravings strike? Before reaching for comfort foods, learn how to deal with pregnancy cravings. Know what your cravings mean. While a craving for chocolate may just be a craving for chocolate, cravings for nonfood items like ice, cornstarch, or charcoal may be a sign of pica. Always notify your doctor if you experience unusual (especially nonfood) cravings. Always resist eating raw seafood, meat, or eggs; unpasteurized milk; unpasteurized juice; and raw vegetable sprouts. Avoid drinking herbal teas or alcohol. Eat a balanced diet recommended by your obstetrician or midwife to reduce pregnancy cravings. Eat every few hours to avoid dips in blood sugar. Keep active as recommended by your doctor. When to Indulge Pregnancy isn’t nine months of self-denial. Try these healthy ways to indulge pregnancy cravings. Find the source of the craving. Are you really craving chips, or are you craving crunch? Choose a healthy snack that satisfies your base need. Eat healthy versions of your favorite snacks (like fresh fruit instead of sweet treats). Indulge in small doses. Instead of eating a king sized candy bar, try the fun-sized version. Don’t ignore the power of dark chocolate! Milk chocolate has few nutritional benefits, but dark chocolate is full of antioxidants. If you can’t curb your chocolate craving, trade that Hershey’s bar for something 60% cocoa or higher. Not sure what to eat during your pregnancy? Ask your obstetrician or midwife to create a nutritional meal plan to fit your needs. For more advice on prenatal health, call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.