Category Archives: Pregnancy

Things for Expecting Parents to Consider

Now that I have brought 5 kids into this world, I know that if I were to ever do it again there are a few things I would do differently and some that I wouldn’t change at all.

Being a mom of 5, there are plenty of things that have changed over the years, I’ve learned new things and if I could turn back time and put that knowledge to use, I would. Since I have yet to invent a time machine and I’m done having babies, I figured I’d share a few things to think about as you are planning for the arrival of your child.

Home Birth

During all of my pregnancies, I never once considered a home birth but after learning more about it and hearing of other friends experiences,  it is definitely something I would actually consider doing if we were to ever have another child.

Midwife or Doula

Towards the end of my 5th pregnancy, I was seen by a midwife at my Ob-Gyn’s office and my experience with her was great. It really made me wish that I would have gone the route of a midwife or at least hired a doula for not only the delivery portion of my pregnancy but for my post-pregnancy care as well.

 

Cloth Diapering

Another thing I wish I would have learned more about while pregnant is cloth diapering and invested money into what we would need to use cloth instead of disposable diapers. Although I know if can be more time consuming, I keep thinking of the money we could have saved with cloth diapering. 

If you are considering cloth diapering, I suggest searching for a cloth diapering group in your area on Facebook as they are filled with moms that are willing to share their knowledge and help new moms get started.

Breastfeeding

Now, my 3 youngest children were all fully breastfed babies until at least 1 year and I am so happy that I made that decision and wish I could go back in time with my first two kids and stick to breastfeeding. When I had Zack and Libby, I was young and didn’t know where to look or how to find the support I needed when it came to breastfeeding so I gave in early and switched to formula.

If you are considering breastfeeding, be aware that there are all kinds of programs and moms out there that are willing to share advice and be there for support should you need it. Honestly, if you want some support, feel free to email me and I am more than happy to help you!

Transportation

Believe it or not, something a lot of expectant parents don’t think about in the beginning is transportation. With a new baby, you want to make sure you have safe, reliable transportation that can accommodate your new family. There are plenty of dealerships, like Speedway Autogroup, that offer a large selection of both new and used family friendly vehicles.

 

Will Pregnancy Affect my Breast Augmentation Results?

Pregnancy does indeed raise some concern when one is considering breast augmentation. This is facilitated by the fact that pregnancy has some considerable effects on a woman’s body. Besides hormonal changes, soon-to-be moms do go through many physiological changes as well. One of the significant anatomical changes happens in the breasts; the size and shape of the breasts change. Can this affect breast augmentation results?

How Breast Augmentation Works

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure whose goal is to add fullness to your breasts and enhance their shape. At Madison, Dr Tornambe our specialist cosmetic surgeon gives priority to technique and paying attention to the details of every individual patient’s needs so as to not only realize their desired results but to also ensure their safety.

Typically, breast augmentation is recommended for pre-pregnancy. The surgery involves inserting breast implants either under the chest muscles or behind the patient’s breast tissue. During the post-surgery period, you will be undergoing recovery, and you might need to avoid specific activities. After that, you shall meet Dr Tornambe on a regular basis so he can see to it that the recovery process is going smoothly.

How does Pregnancy Affect Your Implants?

On ordinary occasions, your breast implants should stay in the desired perky position for years after the surgery. Your chest will retain the fullness and shape which you decided on during the consultation for your breast augmentation procedure. Ideally, this is the situation for most Madison patients who get this surgery to alter their breasts. However, if you do get pregnant, you can expect some changes which include:

  • Increased Volume

Your breasts will typically increase in volume during pregnancy and at times by a couple of cup sizes. For some breast augmentation patients, this might be more than what they bargained for, while for others, the increased breast size could be a welcome enhancement. Nonetheless, this increased volume is usually temporary, and the breasts should resume their normal size after weaning. If this is the case, some ladies usually opt to change their implants for a bigger size after they have gotten used to their new pregnancy breasts.

  • Sagging

Pregnancy and nursing usually cause the breasts to become swollen, and thus the skin will tend to stretch out. After nursing, the breasts return to their normal volume but may adopt a certain degree of sagging, also known as ptosis due to skin expansion. While ptosis does not necessarily move the implants from their position, it will change your breasts’ position. This is especially seen in cases of submuscular placement whereby the breasts tend to sag off the implant. To alleviate the degree of drooping post-pregnancy, your surgeon can decide on whether to perform a breast lift or to swap your implant for a bigger size.

  • Change in Shape

As females grow older and go through the characteristic weight fluctuations of pregnancy, their breasts typically become less rounded. Ladies who have round implants can choose to switch these implants for teardrop shaped ones that are better suited to accommodate the natural shape of their breasts. Nevertheless, if you are a rounder, and you still desire the high profile shape, the surgeon may perform a breast-lift to help you maintain a youthful bust-line.

To minimize the above effects, you need to work towards maintaining a healthy weight during the course of the pregnancy according to your physician’s recommendations. Work, eat well and exercise so you can avoid excessive weight gain according to your doctor’s orders. This will help restrict the amount by which your breasts stretch which will directly reduce ptosis.

What if you get pregnant immediately after surgery?

In typical situations, your surgeon shall advise you to postpone a breast augmentation procedure if you intend to become pregnant in the immediate future. Yet, some pregnancies do show up as a surprise, and you could be recovering from your breast augmentation surgery when you see the little pink line. In this case, you will have to reach out to your cosmetic surgeon as well as your doctor to deliberate on your concerns as well as knowing which precautions you might need to take to ensure your recovery proceeds smoothly. However, pregnancy after breast augmentation procedure still allows for a happy and healthy mum and baby.

Breastfeeding after breast augmentation

Generally, females should still be able to nurse their baby and feel the sensation after undergoing breast augmentation. There are no recorded cases regarding breast augmentation causing safety issues while breastfeeding. A lot of women who have had breast implant surgery have gone ahead to breastfeed their bundles of joy successfully.

Once you begin breastfeeding after the augmentation procedure, you might want to put an eye on your milk supply to see to it that your baby is getting enough nourishment. Ladies who have issues with breastfeeding often find it is a problem related to milk supply, such as passing milk with a lot of difficulties, low supply, or reduced letdown response. Note that letdown disorders and underproduction of milk face most breastfeeding mothers at some point regardless of whether they have had implants or not.

Ensure that you discuss your desire to breastfeed with your surgeon so that they may choose the best incision location that will facilitate successful nursing.

Is a breast implant revision surgery necessary?

Like most ladies, if you are expectant, you are most probably already plotting on how to get your pre-baby body back after your child is born. Well, the breast tissue does enlarge to accommodate the engorged breast gland. These changes are typically temporary, and most women who had implants pre-pregnancy do not need revision surgery post-pregnancy. However, a simple breast lift procedure is sufficient to alleviate ptosis (sagging) from the pregnancy.

Many of Dr Tornambe’s patients have gone ahead to have children after their breast augmentation surgery without any significant changes to their breasts’ appearance. Contact him for a consultation. Lastly, congratulations;a baby is a blessing!

Postpartum Fashionista: Revamping your Style After Having a Baby

You’ve waited nine months to have your child, and the swollen ankles, gas and weight gain are worth it when you see your new bundle of joy. But getting your body back into shape can take time. Whether you’re getting ready for work, a wedding or meet your friends for coffee, you may have trouble finding clothes that fit you right. The following are ways to revamp your style after baby.

Find Clothes That Drape

New moms should be proud of their body’s. After all, you’ve carried your little one inside you for nine months and have done everything you could to ensure its health and wellness. But afterward, your body is in a state of transition. At present, you may be self-conscious of your tummy. Sweatpants may seem comfy. But they can accentuate the features that you’re trying to hide. Whether you’re shopping for a formal dress or something for work, consider clothing that drapes casually over your belly. Blouses with pleats or gathers, T-shirt dresses and empire waists are all great options.

Shapewear is Your Friend

Eating a healthy diet and moderate exercise are proven ways to lose weight. Although you may be in a rush to get your body in top shape after a baby, the process takes time. But what if you have a wedding to go to, and you want to look your best? Weddings are joyous occasions where you can let loose on the dance floor, visit with family, eat good food and bring home unique wedding favors as a memento of the special occasion. If you have the perfect dress to wear for the occasion, and it doesn’t quite fit you the same as before you had the baby, shapewear is your friend. This wonderful garment has the capabilities to hold in your hips and stomach. It can also smooth lines and make your body look trim. Some companies manufacture clothing that mimic shapewear, so you don’t need anything underneath your formal dress. To ensure your comfort, and you’re able to still breathe, you need to try on the shapewear garment first.

Go Through Your Wardrobe

No matter if you’re pregnant or not, it can prove beneficial to go through your closet periodically. This is a way for you to clean house and ditch the items you no longer wear. You may want to keep several pieces that you wore throughout your pregnancy, and you can benefit from wearing still. A jersey dress can look chic after you’ve had the baby when you use a belt to cinch the waistline. You may also look stylish in wrap dresses and blouses with an empire waist. If this is your last pregnancy, you can pass the frumpier duds such as your maternity jeans on to a friend or resale shop.

Get to Know Your Tailor

It’s easy to surround yourself in comfy clothes when pregnant. But now that you’re shedding pounds, you may be amazed to see how quickly you’ve reached the in-between stage of your weight loss. If you have favorite pieces that no longer fit you in the bust line, stomach or hips, bring them to your tailors. The expert seamstress will be able to work magic on items you adore by taking them in as your figure grows smaller.

Invest in Some New Pieces

Once you’ve reached your goals to a before baby shape, you’ll be ready for some new clothes. Slowly invest in some new pieces that are flattering to your figure. While you may have been pencil thin before, pay homage to your new figure. Enjoy your ample bosom and shapely buttocks. Look for blouses with a somewhat low neckline for sexy evenings out. Your hemlines should also fall to the knee or slightly above. If you’re still worried about your tummy, opt for mid-rise jeans and slacks. Loose cardigans and A-line dresses are also flattering to most post-baby body types.

Don’t Forget to Accessorize

Another key to being a postpartum fashionista is to top off your look with accessories. Long necklaces with chains or beads are great for making your body appear slimmer. Dangly earrings are also better than gold studs as they put the spotlight on your face instead of your body. To add a pop of color to any outfit, you may want to incorporate stylish scarves. Opt for a longer version of the scarf as they can help hide your stomach.

Carrying a baby for nine months is an amazing feat. But now that you’re ready to re-discover your shape again, you may not know how to dress your post-pregnant body. Using the above tips, you’ll be able to take your time getting your body back to its pre-pregnancy weight and still look like a fashionista.

 

 

 

Focus on a Healthier Pregnancy with Prenatal Genetic Testing

From the moment you learn you are pregnant your every thought turns to making sure that your baby has the healthiest start possible in life. You adjust your dietary habits. You begin drinking more water and less caffeine. You switch up your exercise routine. You take prenatal vitamins and you go through a variety of prenatal screenings and tests.

You do all these things in an effort to give your baby the best possible start for his or her life. You are happy to do them because you love this life growing inside of you – even if you don’t have a name picked out quite yet. One other thing you can do, if focused on giving your baby the best possible start, is to take the NIPT test.

Pre-Pregnancy Screening Tests

Some parents plan for their babies for years before making the actual decision to have one. If you are someone who likes to plan ahead then pre-pregnancy genetic testing of both parents can be instrumental for detecting risk factors for certain genetic and health conditions, including the following:

  • Tay-Sachs Disease
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy
  • Cystic Fibrosis

Prenatal genetic testing offers different information that is specific to the baby you are carrying, while pre-pregnancy genetic screening offers answers related to the risks your baby will have based on the DNA of mother and father. It is not necessary for everyone who is pregnant, but might be of particular interest to people who have birth defects or genetic illnesses in their family histories, have had children with birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities, suffer from male infertility, or suffer from premature ovarian insufficiency.

Is Non Invasive Genetic Testing During Pregnancy the Right Choice for You?

Ultimately you are the only person who can decide if this is the right move for you or not. The decision to invest in non invasive DNA testing during pregnancy can help provide you with some answers and a lot of peace of mind for most women. For others, it can be an indication that now is the time to move forward and get more answers about what the future for your baby might hold. These are some of the pros and cons to keep in mind.

Benefits of Prenatal DNA Testing

The biggest benefit to keep in mind when it comes to NIPT is that it offers so much peace of mind by eliminating the risk of certain genetic conditions, diseases, syndromes, and disorders. For other expectant mothers, it will indicate the need for further testing. In which case, it is better to know and plan for what is possible, than to wonder.

The fact that the process is non-invasive and poses few, if any, risks to mother or child makes it a real winner to most parents regardless of the potential costs. Then there is the fact that it can be used to test for microdeletions, something routine prenatal screenings does not do, makes it a real winner for many expectant mothers and fathers.

Cons of NIPT Testing

There is one particular consideration to keep in mind when it comes to NIPT testing. One limitation looms large. It is not a diagnostic test. It simply notifies of the potential for certain conditions. It is up to the parents to follow up and learn more.

With NIPT screening, the pros far outweigh the cons. Keep this in mind as you consider whether this test is the right choice for you and your needs as a parent.

 

New House, New Baby

Big life changes usually come with a new house. When you get engaged, you may move in with your new fiancé. When you get married, you move from the cosy, one bedroom apartment to a house with extra space for a growing family. When you get pregnant with another baby, you need more space – thus, a new house!

Moving is one of life’s stressful events, but moving whilst carrying the next addition to the family can be even more stressful. Add in hormones and aching hips to a house move and you’ve got yourself a recipe for tears. There are ways, however, that you can keep your blood pressure levels within normal range and not overly stress yourself out. One of the benefits of moving while pregnant? You get to do all the organising and none of the heavy lifting. Handy, huh?

Get Organized. The last-minute scramble of packing that you did when you moved into your first home together was fine back then, but now you have a toddler and a bump to think about. Baby brain is a very real thing and so being organised is so important. Research your chosen moving companies thoroughly and get to know the local self-storage centres and their costs. You’ll need them!

Start Early. Okay, so packing the kitchen two months before you go may feel strange, but you’ll be thankful for it later. Keep only the essentials in the cupboards. If you’re not going to be using the panini press or the soup maker, wrap them in bubble wrap and box them away. There’s no reason you can’t start packing the non-essential household items as early as possible to make things easier for you when the day comes. Gradual packing also means that you have less to do on moving day besides being a cruise director.

Break Out The Labels. We mentioned pregnancy brain earlier, and you can read more about the effects of that online here, but if you don’t label the boxes appropriately you’re going to forget what’s what. Make concise labels room by room, and add a list on paper in the inside of the box so you can learn what’s in there at a glance.

Think Ahead. You’re pregnant and you’ll be needing a doctor so if you are moving to a place you need to change yours, do this early. The day you move, call in to the new practice and make an appointment. Make the contact with them a few weeks before the move so they can be prepared for a new arrival.

Accept All Help. Don’t try and do things yourself. If you have friends and family offering to help you pack, or want to take your other children off your hands while you do it, then let them help you. call in a cleaning company to do the house clean when you move, so that you’re not on your hands and knees scrubbing floors while heavily pregnant.

All of these tips can make your move smoother for all of you while you’re carrying your own precious cargo. Be smart about things and you’ll be able to enjoy your brand new house – along with all the unpacking!