Author: Heather Sellers

For Your Breasts

By admin February 11th

Your milk probably won’t come in for a day or two after birth. If your breasts are painfully full, you may pump or feed a little for relief, but be careful not to overdo it as your body produces milk on a supply -and-demand basis. It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt at first. Make… [read more]
Using the Bathroom

By admin February 11th

Use a squirt bottle when you urinate for the first few days to relieve the stinging. If you find yourself leaking small amounts of urine throughout the day, doing Kegels can help. If you have hemorrhoids, witch hazel pads can soothe them. If your stools are hard and painful, be sure to drink plenty of… [read more]
Other

By admin February 11th

Rest as much as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Do not drive or carry anything over 10 pounds for a week. Realize that mood swings are normal, but if you are worried you have postpartum depression, talk to your provider right away. Worry about taking care of yourself and your baby… [read more]
What Sets Postpartum Depression Apart?

By admin February 11th

It is completely normal for new mothers to have mood swings, sadness, irritability, trouble sleeping and anxiety - some people call these the “baby blues.” However, when a new mother’s symptoms go on to include severe mood swings, withdrawal from friends and family, fatigue, intense anger and a lack of interest in life, something more… [read more]
Causes of Postpartum Depression

By admin February 11th

No one is 100 percent sure what causes some women to get postpartum depression while others slide into motherhood blissfully. However, providers think that the condition can be worsened by: Hormonal changes Lack of sleep Anxiety Lifestyle changes while caring for a newborn Genetic predisposition Women who have a history of depression, who are undergoing… [read more]
Treatment

By admin February 11th

Treatments for postpartum depression range the gamut from counseling and talk therapy to medications such as antidepressants. Your provider may also recommend simple lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms, but, make no mistake, postpartum depression must be treated by a provider. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can last for months or even years… [read more]
What vaccines are recommended during pregnancy?

By admin February 11th

At our practice we recommend COVID vaccines and boosters, Flu Shot and Whooping Cough (TDAP) during pregnancy. For more information about vaccine safety, please visit these links or speak with your provider. Immunizations for Women: http://immunizationforwomen.org/patients/default.php Vaccinations During Pregnancy: https://momvax.org
Is it safe to travel in pregnancy?

By admin February 11th

It is safe to travel in pregnancy assuming you do not have any complications. If traveling by car, wear your seatbelt, stay hydrated, and stop periodically to stretch and empty your bladder. In general you should try to avoid long distance travel after 34 weeks, but technically the American College of Obsetrics and Gynecology (ACOG)… [read more]
Can I go up to the mountains when I am pregnant?

By admin February 11th

We recommend avoiding strenuous activity at 10,000 feet or higher, but you may travel to these altitudes. Since we live in Denver, we are already acclimated to a higher altitude than those who live closer to sea level. Certainly, many of our patients live in the mountains full time. If you have questions about when… [read more]
Can I drink caffeine when I am pregnant? What about “diet” soda?

By admin February 11th

Generally one serving of caffeine per day is considered safe in pregnancy. There was a recent study suggesting an increased rate of miscarriage in women who consumed more than 200 mg of caffeine per day (which is much more than a standard cup of coffee), which is where the one serving recommendation comes from. Other… [read more]
Can I exercise when I am pregnant?

By admin February 11th

Moderate exercise most days of the week is recommended in pregnancy. Studies have shown it to be helpful in preventing depression and anxiety, reducing the chance of too much weight gain, and improving various pregnancy associated conditions such as low back pain and hip discomfort. If you have not engaged in exercise prior to pregnancy,… [read more]
Can I color my hair or get a perm when I am pregnant?

By admin February 11th

Yes.
Can I paint the baby’s room when I am pregnant?

By admin February 11th

Yes. Good ventilation should be used when painting, and only water-based paints. If you experience nausea or dizziness, take a break and breathe some fresh air. Do not sleep in a freshly painted room for 24 hours.
Can I have dental work when I am pregnant?

By admin February 11th

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can, and should, be done during pregnancy. There is an association between dental problems (cavities, gum disease, etc) and preterm birth, so please see your dentist at regular intervals, and call him or her sooner than later if a problem arises. Dental x-rays should only be done if medically necessary… [read more]
Is vaginal discharge normal in pregnancy?

By admin February 11th

Pregnancy hormones may cause an increase in vaginal discharge. A pantiliner may help absorb some of the moisture for your own comfort. If itching, burning, odor, blood, or cramping is noticed along with it, please make an appointment to come in to have it evaluated.
What are the rules for baths, showers, hot tubs?

By admin February 11th

It is perfectly fine to take a warm bath or shower. In fact, this may be especially soothing for aching muscles, and in the early phases of labor. It is not approved to use hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms as they may increase your core body temperature, which may not be good for the… [read more]
Is it okay to have sex during pregnancy?

By admin February 11th

Sex and orgasm are safe during pregnancy as long as you do not have any problems with bleeding, placenta previa, preterm labor, or ruptured membranes (your bag of water has broken). Some women may have spotting or bleeding after sex in pregnancy. Please let your provider know if this is occurring so that we may… [read more]
How much weight should I gain in pregnancy?

By admin February 11th

Most women should gain 25-35 pounds in pregnancy, assuming they are around their ideal body weight before pregnancy. If you are overweight or underweight, have a history of a baby with growth restriction, or have a history of gestational diabetes, talk to your provider about specific recommendations. Many women will not gain very much, or… [read more]
In what position should I sleep?

By admin February 11th

It is often suggested not to sleep on your back during pregnancy, as the large blood vessels in the pelvis can get compressed by the growing uterus. The average person turns over 30 times during sleep cycles at night–do not worry if you wake up on your back. If blood flow is restricted, you will… [read more]
What can I do for morning sickness (or sickness any time of the day, that is!)?

By admin February 11th

Try eating several small meals or snacks throughout the day. You are more likely to feel nauseated on an empty stomach or an overly full stomach. Avoid consuming fluids (drinks, soups) at the same time as solids, as this may increase nausea, but do sip fluids slowly thoughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid greasy… [read more]

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