By Bethany Kotlar, MPH, Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby Georgia Being a new mom is overwhelming. Trying to figure out this brand new role can seem like climbing Mount Everest! Many new moms have questions about breastfeeding, and of those questions, how to increase or maintain supply is one of the most common. Luckily for all those new moms out there, MotherToBaby has teamed up with a lactation consultant to answer all of your burning supply questions. First, a quick …
The Baby Blog
About Our Baby Blog
Every person wants to know what’s best for their baby, especially when it comes to knowing how to minimize exposure risks. Our relatable stories are packed with practical information from our rotating staff of MotherToBaby expert bloggers. Whatever topic you’re looking for, our blogs will provide you a great foundation to learn more.
Shake it Up, Baby? Maybe Not. Considering Nutritional Shakes in Pregnancy
By Lorrie Harris-Sagaribay, MPH, Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby North Carolina “I just found out I’m pregnant. Can I keep drinking my energy shake in the mornings?” “My doctor gave me the go-ahead to work out. Okay to have a protein shake after the gym?” “My immunity-boosting drink is a life-saver. Can I keep using it while I’m pregnant?” These are common questions for women during pregnancy, and ones that we hear a lot at MotherToBaby. Perhaps you’ve wondered the same thing …
A Closer Look at Controlling Cholesterol during Pregnancy
By Mara Gaudette, MS, CGC, Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby California The chat message came through promptly at my 9AM start time. Her words and exclamation marks clearly highlighted her anxiety. “Just found out I’m pregnant! Taking Lipitor (atorvastatin) for cholesterol control since 6th grade! Talked to my doctor and stopped taking it yesterday, but what damage have I already done!? I know it’s a class X drug! Need info - please help! Julie.” She agreed to a phone call and I …
The Cat Can Stay: Debunking Pregnancy Myths about Toxoplasmosis
By Robert Felix, MotherToBaby Past President I’ll never forget the panic in her voice. “The web said, ‘stay away from cats when you’re pregnant because your baby can be mentally retarded!” It was the first thing this soon-to-be mom could get out the second I picked up the phone. “It is true? I got rid of my cat immediately because I was so worried and I feel terrible about it,” she breathlessly explained. As a teratogen information specialist (someone trained to answer questions about exposures …
When Counting Sheep Doesn’t Work: Insomnia and Pregnancy
By Patricia Markland Cole, MPH, MotherToBaby Massachusetts During my work at MotherToBaby, I have received calls from pregnant woman who want to know what can they safely take to sleep? Usually they are looking at natural remedies like melatonin for information. For some who have been on medications like Ambien before they were pregnant, they now wonder if they can use it because they are having a hard time catching those Zzzz’s. Even though I am not pregnant, I am sure all of us can relate to …
