Is VBAC the right choice for you?

Vaginal birth after cesarean (or VBAC) is safe for many women and their babies. There may be some risks and not everyone is appropriate for a VBAC, so it is important to discuss your personal medical history with your health care provider.

Benefits of VBAC

The majority (60-80%) of women who attempt a VBAC are successful. The benefits of a VBAC include:

• No need for surgery
• Shorter recovery time than after a c-section
• Lower risk of infection, blood, loss, or other complications related to a c-section.

Can I have a VBAC?

You may be able to have a VBAC if:

• You had at least one vaginal birth prior to your c-section.
• Your c-section was performed for a reason that is not a concern in the current pregnancy (for example, the baby was breech).
• You had a low transverse incision. This means the cut was made from side-to-side on your lower abdomen. This is the most common kind of c-section incision.
• You and your baby are healthy.
• Your labor starts on its own, before your due date.

Who should not have a VBAC?

A VBAC may not be a safe choice if:

• Your c-section was not done by a low transverse incision. Other types of c-section incisions aren’t safe for VBAC.
• There are any problems with the placenta, such as placenta previa.
• You have certain health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or genital herpes.
• You are pregnant with multiples (twins or more).
• You have had two or more c-sections but have never had a vaginal birth.
• Your labor is induced.
• You are past your due date.
• Your baby is very large.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that providers should offer VBAC to all women with healthy pregnancies who are good candidates for VBAC and who don’t have any of the complications listed above.

But ACOG also says that providers should do VBACs only in hospitals and facilities that have certain emergency care services. These services may not be available everywhere, so some providers and hospitals may not offer VBAC.

If you think you may be a good candidate for a VBAC, make sure you talk to your health care provider. Together you can decide what the best choice is for you and your baby.

Have questions? Text or email us at Askus@marchofdimes.org.

Tags: vaginal birth after c-section, VBAC

High Heels High Hopes- Ladies Night Out 2015

High Heels High Hopes- Ladies Night Out 2015

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Time: 6:30 PM
Dove Pointe
1225 Mt. Hermon Road
Salisbury, MD 2180

Join us for a fun-filled evening celebrating local vendors, businesses and Delmarva’s women. Doors will open at 6:30 to lite fare, cash & carry shopping with our vendors, music, silent auction and back by popular demand our Holiday Wreath Auction! 

Click Here To Purchase Advance Tickets

For sponsorship information and vendor opportunities, contact Wendy Jarrett at wjarrett@marchofdimes.org or (443)754-7042.

 

Physical therapy – can it help your preemie?

Many children born prematurely may need help catching up with developmental milestones such as sitting, crawling or walking. They may need assistance learning everyday activities such as dressing, too. Physical therapy – one type of habilitative service – may help. Habilitative services are those therapies that help a child develop new skills needed for everyday life.

October is National Physical Therapy Month. This is a great time to become aware of the benefits that physical therapy (PT) can offer your child, whether he was born prematurely or full term.

What does PT do?

Physical therapy can help your child increase strength and flexibility. It can also improve posture, balance, coordination and movement. PT usually focuses on large muscle groups, such as the legs, but it can also involve the entire body.

A physical therapist is a professional who has specific training in understanding the way a body works – especially muscle groups. She can assess your child and provide individualized therapy which will help him improve in the areas where he is weak. PTs are very creative in their approach to working with children. In fact, the therapy can be lots of fun, and most children look forward to their PT sessions.

Does insurance cover PT?

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), habilitative services must be covered by insurance. They are included in the ACA as Essential Health Benefits, which means they need to be covered under individual and small group health insurance plans. Check your state for specific details. For information on enrolling in your state’s marketplace for health insurance, go to HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.

Early intervention may include PT at no cost to parents

If your child is under the age of three, he may be eligible for Early Intervention services, which is a federal program provided in every state. Physical therapy is one of many services available for eligible infants and toddlers if they qualify. Therapy is usually provided at no cost to parents.

If your child is age three or older, he may qualify for PT through your local school district as a Related Service. This post will tell you how to access it.

Bottom line

As with all delays or disabilities, it is important to seek help as early as possible. The sooner your child gets the help he needs, the sooner he can begin improving.

Have questions? Text or email AskUs@marchofdimes.org.

See other posts on Delays and Disabilities: how to help your child.

 

Tags: ACA, Affordable Care Act, delays, disabilities, early intervention, habilitative services, physical therapy, preemie, prematurity, PT, Related Service

SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION, BALTIMORE

An evening of culinary excellence
Signature Chefs Auction, Baltimore

DATE: Monday, November 2, 2015  |  Time: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel
ADDRESS: 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Click here to purchase tickets.  For more information please contact Jennifer Tarr (410) 752-8152

Join us for the Signature Chefs Auction of Central Maryland. The event offers an evening of fine food, wine and fabulous auction items. You will be able to taste exquisite sample dishes of over 25 of the area's celebrated chefs all in one evening. The tasting and silent auction begin at 6:00 pm and the live auction will begin at 8:00 pm.

Navigating the Journey Through Childhood - A Parent/Provider Conference

Navigating the Journey Through Childhood - A Parent/Provider Conference

Sunday, November 8, 2015
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: INOVA Fairfax Physicians Conference Center (Conference rooms A-D and the auditorium)
3300 Gallows Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042

Registration includes: breakfast, lunch, access to all sessions, silent auction, and free parking!

Registration: $25

Register here:

http://www.preemiestoday.org/conference.jx

Speaker's List:

http://files.preemiestoday.org/sessioninformation2015.pdf

Signature Chefs Auction, Eastern Shore

An evening of culinary excellence
Signature Chefs Auction, Eastern Shore


DATE: Thursday, October 22, 2015  6:00 PM
LOCATION: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
ADDRESS: 100 Heron Blvd., Cambridge, MD 21613


Click here to purchase tickets.  For more information please contact Jessica Hales or by phone at (443) 754-7041.

EVENT DETAILS

We hope that you will be able to join us in our 10th year as we present the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction in Cambridge, Maryland.

Visit approximately 20 of the areas celebrated chefs and enjoy each of their signature dishes along with an open bar and fantastic auction items.

 

Back-to-sleep is best for your baby

Each year 3500 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly in the U.S. These deaths are called sudden unexplained infant deaths (SUID). Most of them happen while the infant is sleeping in an unsafe environment.

SUIDs are reported as one of three types of infant deaths:

• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
  SIDS is the sudden death of an infant less than one year of age that cannot be explained. It can happen without warning to a baby who seems healthy. One reason a baby is more likely to die of SIDS is if he is  born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or with low birthweight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces).
• Unknown cause
  This is the death of an infant less than one year of age that cannot be explained because an investigation was not conducted. Therefore, cause of death could not be determined.
• Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed
  Suffocation can occur if an infant is put to sleep on soft bedding or a pillow. It can also happen when a person rolls on top of an infant or when he becomes wedged between two objects such as a mattress and the bed frame. Strangulation can happen when an infant’s head and neck become caught between two objects such as crib railings.

What can you do?

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month. It is important to understand your baby’s individual risk factors, and learn ways to reduce them:

• ALWAYS, put your baby to sleep on her back, in a crib without bumpers, blankets, stuffed toys or loose bedding.
• Learn the safest ways to put your baby to sleep
• Do not smoke. Babies of parents who smoke are more likely to die of SIDS than other babies.
• Give your baby a pacifier for naps and at bedtime.
• There are many myths about SIDS – learn the facts.
• Place your baby in her own bassinet or crib to sleep near your bed, but do not share the same bed. 

The good news is that SUIDs has significantly declined – from 130.3 deaths per 100,000 in 1990 to 39.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2013 – as a result of safe sleep messaging. See the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep recommendations and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s Safe to Sleep campaign.

Have questions? Text or email us at Askus@marchofdimes.org.

Tags: accidental suffocation, Back to Sleep, low birth weight, prematurity, safe sleep, SIDS, strangulation, sudden infant death syndrome, sudden unexplained infant death, SUIDs

Colds and pregnancy

You know the symptoms—a runny nose, sore throat, stuffy head, coughing, and congestion. Catching a cold while you are pregnant won’t hurt you or your baby, but it can be very annoying and make you uncomfortable.

The common cold is a viral infection that is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and contact with another infected individual.

During pregnancy you may be more likely to catch a cold. When you’re pregnant, your immune system isn’t as quick to respond to illnesses as it was before pregnancy. Your body knows that pregnancy is OK and that it shouldn’t reject your baby. So, your body naturally lowers the immune system’s ability to protect you and respond to illnesses so that it can welcome your growing baby. But a lowered immune system means you’re more likely to catch viruses like colds and the flu (one of the many reasons it is so important to get your flu shot).

Preventing a cold

The best way to prevent a cold is by practicing good hygiene:

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Don’t share eating utensils.

Treating a cold during pregnancy

Unfortunately there is no cure for a cold. Antibiotics will not help because they do not work on viruses. If you are thinking about taking an over-the-counter medication to treat any cold symptoms, make sure you talk to your health care provider first. Not all medications are safe to use during pregnancy.

If you are under the weather, getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids will help you to feel better. Some other ideas include:

• Saline nasal drops to loosen mucus;
• Using a humidifier in your room to help reduce congestion (but be sure you follow the instructions to keep it clean);
• Drinking warm decaffeinated tea with lemon or honey to help relieve a sore throat;
• Raising your head when you are resting to help you breathe better.

Most colds last 7-10 days. Make sure you call your doctor if you have one or more of the following signs:

• A fever over 100.4F;
• Symptoms that last more than 10 days or are severe or unusual;
• Signs and symptoms of the flu; or
• Uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe. This may be a sign of pertussis or whooping cough. Make sure you get your Tdap vaccine at 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Have questions? Text or email us at Askus@marchofdimes.org.

Tags: cold, cold and flu season, cold medications, flu, over-the-counter medication, pertussis, Tdap, Tdap vaccine, whooping cough

Moving through pregnancy: tips to stay active

Moving, staying active and gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy can help keep you and your baby healthy. For most women, being active during pregnancy is a good thing. But you don’t need to head to the gym to increase activity. With a few daily changes to your routine, you’ll be moving more in no time.

Healthy pregnant women need at least 2½ hours of exercise each week which is about 30 minutes each day. This may sound like a lot, but don’t worry. You don’t have to do it all at once. Instead, get moving by doing a few minutes of activity throughout your day.

Here are some tips to help you reach your fitness goals:

• Park farther away in the parking lot when you visit stores or go grocery shopping.
• Set a timer on your phone to get up, stretch and walk around your house or office once every hour.
• If you are watching TV, take the time to stretch out your arms and legs.
• Walk and talk while you are on the phone, whether it be outside or around your house.
• When walking around the office, grocery store or parking lot, walk the long way instead of taking shortcuts.
• Plan fun outdoor weekend activities. Apple picking season is in full-swing – take a walk around the orchard while you pick some apples.
• Skip the elevator and take the stairs.
• Calling or emailing your co-worker at work? Get up and take a walk over to chat instead.

Tomorrow is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. The goal is “to encourage women to take control of their health; to learn the facts they need to make smart healthy choices, and to make time for regular physical activity.” By making small changes to your day, you can reach your fitness goals. Be on the lookout for events planned in your local area.

Read our article to understand why physical activity is good for most pregnant women and to learn which activities are safe.

Tags: exercise, fitness, National Women's Health and Fitness Day, physical activity, Pregnancy

It’s time to get your flu shot…again!

Influenza (also called flu) is a serious disease. It’s more than just a runny nose and sore throat. The flu can make you very sick, and it can be especially harmful if you get it during and right after pregnancy. Flu season is fast approaching and it’s time to schedule your flu shot now.

Who needs a flu shot?

Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop full protection against the flu. Getting the flu vaccine is especially important for children over 6 months, children with special needs, pregnant women and other high-risk groups.

I got a flu shot last year, why do I need another one?

Flu viruses change every year, so just because you got a flu shot last year, doesn’t mean that you are protected this year. The flu shot is designed to protect against the flu viruses that are predicted to be the most common during the flu season. Also, immunity from vaccination decreases after a year. This is why everyone needs a flu vaccine every season.

Are flu shots safe for pregnant women?

YES! All women who are pregnant should get a flu shot. It is safe to get the flu shot during pregnancy and it will protect you and your baby from serious health problems during and after pregnancy. However, remember that if you’re pregnant, you should not get the flu mist. It’s not safe to use during pregnancy.

Why is the flu so harmful during pregnancy?

The flu can be dangerous during pregnancy because:

• Pregnancy affects your immune system. During pregnancy your immune system doesn’t respond as effectively to viruses and illnesses. This means you are more likely to catch the flu.
• You are more likely to have serious complications. Health complications from the flu, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, can be very serious and even deadly.
• Pregnant women who get the flu are more likely to have preterm labor and premature birth (before 37 weeks).

Where can I get a flu shot?

You can get the vaccine from your health care provider. Many pharmacies and work places also offer it each fall. You can use the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to find where the flu vaccine is available in your area.

Leading Medical, Children’s and Women’s Health Groups Applaud House Passage of Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015

Bipartisan bill helps reduce number of newborns exposed to opioids, improve care for moms and babies

Washington, District of Columbia — Tuesday, September 08, 2015was sent.

Save to my dashboardSign in or Sign up to save this page.   a moment, please.

You've saved this pageIt's beenThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the March of Dimes commend the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the bipartisan Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015 (H.R. 1462) today.

The bipartisan bill, introduced by Rep. Katherine Clark (D- Mass.) and Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), takes proactive steps to help reduce the number of newborns born exposed to drugs, such as opioids, and to improve their care. Specifically, the bill directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify and make available recommendations for the prevention and treatment of prenatal opioid use disorders and diagnosis and treatment of NAS, evaluate and coordinate federal efforts to research and respond to NAS, and assist state health agencies with data collection.

Reports show the significant rise of opiate use and abuse has led to an alarming increase of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS refers to medical complications associated with drug withdrawal in newborns due to exposure to opioids or other drugs in utero. Babies born with NAS often need to be hospitalized for weeks, are difficult to console, and can suffer from seizures and other complications. There are no standardized guidelines for diagnosis and treatment for these newborns, and there is an urgent need for more research to optimize their health.

“Unprecedented numbers of U.S. newborns are suffering drug withdrawal after birth due to exposure to opioids in utero,” stated March of Dimes President Dr. Jennifer L. Howse. “Action is urgently needed to address the opioids crisis and its impact on infants. The March of Dimes commends the U.S. House of Representatives for passing this critically important legislation.”

“One infant is diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome each hour, so there could not be a more urgent time to protect children and families affected by substance use and abuse,” said AAP President Sandra G. Hassink, MD, FAAP. “Pediatricians commend the House of Representatives for its swift bipartisan action to pass the Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015. This bill will provide help for our tiniest patients during this critical window of their development.”

“The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists applauds the House of Representatives for its bipartisan passage of the Protecting Our Infants Act as a major step toward addressing opioid use during pregnancy and giving women the care that is right for them,” said ACOG President, Mark S. DeFrancesco, MD. “The dangers of inappropriate drug and alcohol use at any time, especially during pregnancy, have long needed greater attention. Effective action must be taken to ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and baby while offering non-punitive, family-centered medical treatment.”

H.R. 1462 will now go to the U.S. Senate for consideration. An identical bill, S. 799, has been introduced in that chamber by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and has 19 additional bipartisan cosponsors. As organizations representing the nation’s pediatricians, obstetricians and gynecologists and members of the public who care about pregnant women and children, the AAP, ACOG and March of Dimes join together to support the legislation’s advancement.

###

About the American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 64,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit aap.org or follow @AmerAcadPeds on Twitter and Facebook.

About the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 58,000 members, The College strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a 501(c)(6) organization, is its companion organization acog.org

About March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose volunteers and staff work to improve the health of infants and children by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy.

For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. To participate in our annual signature fundraising event, visit marchforbabies.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. For detailed national, state and local perinatal statistics, visit persistats.org. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

What is a doula?

A doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a pregnant woman and her partner. A doula provides care for moms-to-be during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. She also helps women carry out their birth plans so that they have a positive childbirth and postpartum experience.  The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves.”

Many birth and postpartum doulas are trained and certified through DONA International, the oldest professional organization for doulas.

There are different kinds of doulas:

A birth doula understands the birthing process and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. If you are pregnant, a birth doula will help you develop a birth plan and assist in carrying out your plans during labor and delivery. Your relationship with your doula will start with one or more meetings during your pregnancy. Once you start your contractions, she will stay with you throughout your labor to provide physical comfort, emotional support and help as you make informed decisions.

A postpartum doula can provide you with education, companionship and support after your baby is born. She can assist with newborn care, meal preparation, light household tidying and can help your family adjust to your newest addition. She will also be able to offer evidence-based (scientifically proven) information on feeding, soothing, coping skills and emotional and physical recovery from your labor and delivery.

A bereavement doula is a newer form of support. Although DONA does not offer a bereavement doula training program, many doulas are able to find other programs in their communities and online to receive certification. A bereavement doula can provide assistance, support, resources and referrals to families who are experiencing the loss of their baby. A doula that provides bereavement support may be known by a different title, such as a Baby Loss Family Advisor. These professionals have been trained to help you navigate through the difficult days – from the moment you hear the news to preparing for the hospital experience and for when you return home.

Now that you know what a doula is, tune in next week to learn why you should consider hiring one.

Have questions? Text or email us at AskUs@marchofdimes.org. We are here to help.

 

Tags: bereavement doula, birth doula, Birth plan, DONA international, doula, labor and delivery, labor support, postpartum doula, Pregnancy