Oct 14, 2013 | Diet and Nutrition, Family Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Women's Health
At Mount Sinai Beth Israel, we place every healthy, full-term baby skin to skin (baby naked, not wrapped in a blanket) with his or her mother immediately after birth. The skin-to-skin contact warms the baby and stimulates the release of oxytocin and prolactin—the hormones responsible for milk production—in the mother.
The more skin-to-skin contact a mother has with her baby, the more stable (heart rate, breathing, body temperature, blood pressure) baby is, and the more breast milk mother makes. Babies who are held skin to skin cry very infrequently, and so do not lose body heat. Babies held skin to skin also have stable blood sugar levels, preventing the need for supplemental milk. (more…)
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Diet and Nutrition, Health Tips, Holistic Health, Integrative Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatric Care, Women's Health
In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, some common questions about breastfeeding nutrition are answered below. Breastfeeding provides many benefits for both mother and baby. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a child’s life helps reduce the development of many acute and chronic illnesses. (more…)
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | OB/GYN, Sexual Health, Women's Health
A woman’s menstrual cycle can say a lot about her. A monthly menstrual cycle indicates she is healthy and her hormones are probably within normal levels. For the most part, a menstrual cycle will occur every 21 to 35 days, although the frequency can change a bit through the reproductive years. To understand how and why these changes occur, it is important to understand how the menstrual cycle works. (more…)
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Geriatrics, OB/GYN, Urogynecology, Women's Health
There have been a lot of media reports (as well as lawyer ads) lately about mesh implants used in gynecological surgery to treat pelvic organ prolapse. What is all the fuss about?
In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about “mesh implants” and “slings” used to treat stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women. In 2011, the agency issued a stronger warning against the use of mesh implants placed vaginally to treat pelvic organ prolapse. To understand what this all means, it is important to know the history. (more…)
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Community Outreach, Family Medicine, OB/GYN, Women's Health
Twice a month, the Lactation Department of Mount Sinai Beth Israel offers a breastfeeding support group: “The Breastfeeding Café.” Expectant parents often ask us why a support group is necessary for such a “natural” process. (more…)
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Diet and Nutrition, OB/GYN, Women's Health
Despite what your mother or grandmother may have told you, pregnancy is no excuse to eat whatever and however much you want. The theory of eating for two is no longer acceptable in today’s society of overweight and obesity. Too much weight gain during pregnancy can be detrimental to you and to your baby.
One Size Does Not Fit All
The Institute of Medicine’s guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy are based on pre-pregnancy body-mass-index (BMI). Therefore, if you are overweight or obese before becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you gain less weight during your pregnancy. On the other hand, if you are underweight before becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you gain more weight. A weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds does not fit all.
With the exception of women carrying multiples, minimal to no weight gain is recommended during the first trimester. On average, only 300 to 500 additional calories are needed during the second and third trimesters to support adequate weight gain. That is just a couple of snacks above a healthful intake, or an after-dinner dessert.
Snacks Allowed!
Snacks are necessary. Just as they are important for metabolism and weight control when not pregnant, healthy snacks help curb cravings throughout the day, and thereby control weight gain during pregnancy. Snacks are especially important for controlling blood sugar in women who are diabetic.
Cereal and Eggs Provide Important Nutrients
Eat your breakfast! Not only is breakfast the most important meal of the day to kick-start your metabolism, it also is a great opportunity to include folic acid (vitamin B9) in your diet. Folic acid is essential in nervous system development and the prevention of neural tube defects, and is best absorbed through fortified foods and supplements. Thus, a bowl of cereal is a great way to add this B vitamin to your diet.
Think twice before ordering egg whites. Choline, though often forgotten in comparison to folic acid, is also essential in nervous system development and such functions as memory and muscle control. The best source of choline for the fewest calories is a full egg.
Include Healthful Fats
Include healthful fats in your diet. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is found in fish and shellfish in a ready-to-use form. It is essential for your baby’s brain development during pregnancy, nursing and the first few years of life. Many women do not even consume a quarter of their recommended DHA requirements.
Healthy Choices Are Key
Remember, the choices you make before and during pregnancy can affect you and your baby later in life. Making changes in your diet and eating behaviors now will help you prepare for pregnancy. For instance, be mindful of folic acid, choline and DHA, as these nutrients are important during the very early stages of pregnancy, even before many women learn they are pregnant. And, if you are not already at a healthy weight prior to pregnancy, get there! Include in moderation whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fruits and vegetables for a healthy baby and a healthy you.
At Mount Sinai Beth Israel, we place every healthy, full-term baby skin to skin (baby naked, not wrapped in a blanket) with his or her mother immediately after birth. The skin-to-skin contact warms the baby and stimulates the release of oxytocin and prolactin—the hormones responsible for milk production—in the mother.
