By Sonia Alvarado, Senior Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby CA “I’m very confused” said the pregnant caller. “I’ve heard different things about whether I should get the vaccine against whooping cough now or after I deliver. Maybe I should just wait?” As a teratogen information specialist who talks to women and health professionals daily regarding the recommended vaccines for pregnancy, it concerns me that pregnant women are not receiving a clear message about the recommendations …
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.
The Science Of Pumping And Dumping: Are Medications And Breast Milk Compatible?
By Pat Olney, MS, CGC, Pregnancy Risk Specialist, MotherToBaby Georgia One day in early June I received a frantic call from a woman who had first called Georgia’s Poison Control Center worried about the agent used to treat her varicose veins. She thought that she did the right thing by postponing her treatment until after she gave birth, but now was concerned about breastfeeding her newborn. The medical director at poison control, who is one of our advisory board members, gave her the correct …
MS: The Diagnosis That Doesn’t Mean Missing Out On Motherhood
By Neda Ebrahimi , Teratogen Information Specialist, Motherisk As a counselor with Motherisk, the Canadian partner of MotherToBaby and a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), I hear many stories from women about pregnancy. Some of those stories strike cords with me. Their urgency and desire to make the healthiest decisions possible for their future children is both understandable and admirable. In honor of National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, I give …
Clearing The Smoke About Marijuana Use During Pregnancy
By Sonia Alvarado, Senior Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby CA Unless you don’t own a television and never listen to the radio, you know that marijuana has been in the news a lot lately and for marijuana users who have had to smoke in illegally, it appears societal attitudes about pot smoking may be changing. Twenty states have laws legalizing some form of marijuana use. Two states, Colorado and Washington, have legalized its recreational use. In an interview, the NFL Commissioner …
Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: How Much Folic Acid is Enough?
By Patricia Olney, MS, CGC “I think I’ll go out to the garage and work on the car for a while.” This was Daniel’s reaction after the birth of his second child with spina bifida. His wife, Rebecca, cried uncontrollably. Sarah was born in 1989 after a healthy pregnancy, filled with the anticipation of first time parents. The nursery was decorated, the crib was set up, and an overnight bag packed. The only thing Rebecca didn’t anticipate was a preterm delivery, c-section, and a baby born with a …
