Tag: gynecology

Young hispanic woman holding birth control pills screaming proud, celebrating victory and success very excited with raised arm

Praise for the Pill

Oral Contraceptive Pills, aka “the pill”, have been around for over 60 years. First approved for use in the United States in 1960, 1.2 million American women were using the pill within the first 2 years of its distribution. Today, the pill is still the most popular method of reversible contraception in the U.S., with 16% of women between ages 15 and 44 taking the pill – that accounts for 30% of all American women!  To say that A LOT has changed between its initial approval and today, however, would be an understatement. From the pill dosage, risks and benefits, and reasons we love it – there is much to praise the pill for in its modern form.

Written by on August 31, 2023

A mom with a baby research postpartum birth control options

Navigating Postpartum Birth Control while Breastfeeding

Birth control might not be the first thing on your mind in the whirlwind of new parenthood and breastfeeding, but it’s important! Preventing pregnancy for the first 12-18 months after delivery improves bonding with your baby, promotes your physical recovery, and reduces the risk of complications in your next pregnancy. You may be concerned that birth control could negatively impact breastfeeding, but fortunately there are some great options that won’t interfere with your nursing or pumping journey.

Written by on August 22, 2023

Young woman suffering from postpartum depression and thinking of something while being with her baby at home.

POSTPARTUM PMADs: When it’s More than Just the Baby Blues

Although less common than the baby blues, PMADs also affect a great number of new parents: 1 in 5 women, or 20%, are affected. More traditionally termed “Postpartum Depression,” it is important to recognize that PMADs actually encompass a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar mood disorder, and postpartum psychosis.

Written by on August 7, 2023

A woman giving birth and holding her partner's hand as a form of labor pain management

Pain Management in Labor

We are all well aware that labor and delivery cause pain. Despite this expectation, it’s hard to know what it will feel like and what you may need to cope until you are in the thick of it. Because of this, it’s helpful to think about what pain management techniques, both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic, are available to you before you are actually in labor. 

Written by on June 26, 2023

breast milk in a bottle to represent Antenatal colostrum collection

Antenatal Colostrum Collection

A question that has been increasingly coming up in the office is, “Should I be collecting colostrum before my baby is born?” Let’s take a closer look.

Written by on June 12, 2023

A mom hold her n=infant dealing with maternal mental health aka PMADs

Maternal Mental Health: PMADs

Many parents have heard the term Postpartum Depression, but PERINATAL encompasses both the pregnancy and postpartum periods, extending to 1 year AFTER delivery. While mild mood changes can be common during the perinatal period, up to 1 IN 5 women (20%) experience more significant perinatal mood and anxiety disorders – also known as PMADs. PMADs can affect anyone and do not discriminate based on ethnicity, age or socioeconomic status. Here, we’ll discuss the implications of PMADs during pregnancy, symptoms to look out for, and what you can do to reduce your pregnancy-related risks and to feel better.

Written by on June 9, 2023