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I’m Pregnant and Constipated, What Can I do About it?

Constipation in Pregnancy Constipation is yet another uncomfortable symptom that is very common in pregnancy. We can blame our hormones for this one too.  Progesterone circulates at an all time high during pregnancy and plays a major role in bloating and constipation.   How do hormones cause constipation? Progesterone slows down the motility of the intestines.  This means

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Folic Acid for Pregnancy: Do I Really Need it?

With all the appointments and tests that occur during pregnancy, it’s hard to keep track of everything and easy to question, “Is all of this really necessary?” One question that patients have asked me is “Do I Really Need Folic Acid for Pregnancy?” The answer is YES! Folic acid is a B vitamin that is

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Postpartum Pelvic Floor Health

Childbirth is an incredible physical accomplishment for the female body! Women work hard to grow, carry and birth their babies and approximately 1 in 4 women experience pelvic floor symptoms because of it. In a vaginal birth, the work of pushing brings the baby down from the uterus, through the vaginal opening in the pelvic

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Guest Post: Preparing Your Older Child for a New Baby

Our daughter Madi has been the center of my husband’s and my life since the day she was born. Our family, friends and nanny have commented about the significant adjustment that Madi will have once our baby boy arrives. I asked a friend and colleague Dr. Sarah Nunes, who is a mother of 4 and

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Breastfeeding and Mastitis

Mastitis is a painful complication of breastfeeding.  It is defined as inflammation of the mammary gland, which causes the breast to become painful, swollen, and red.   It is most common in the first three months of breastfeeding, but it can occur at any time.   What Causes Mastitis? Mastitis is usually caused by poor milk drainage, like

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Weaning Breastfeeding

There comes a time when a mother and child’s breastfeeding relationship will come to an end.  This is a very personal decision that a mother must make for her and her child.   This decision can come with a lot of mixed emotions – but rest assured, this is completely normal!   When to Wean There is no right

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Pertussis Vaccine During Pregnancy

During my first pregnancy with Madi, I did not need to get the pertussis vaccine. However, immunization guidelines during pregnancy were updated after I had Madi.  During my pregnancy with George, it was recommended that I receive a pertussis booster vaccine.  Because of this change, I wanted to review the guidelines and evidence for why the pertussis

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