Healthy Mom Resources

Make sure you get 400mcg of folic acid daily. Folic acid is a naturally occurring B vitamin that helps with a baby’s brain development. Whether a woman is planning to get pregnant or not, she needs folic acid. Folic acid is a B Vitamin that our bodies use to make new cells. It is needed to produce healthy skin, hair, and nails. Folic acid is used in supplements and fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals, so taking a combination of the two is a great way to get the recommended amount each day. Listed below are a few links with more information.

No amount of alcohol for a pregnant woman and the fetus is safe so it is important to avoid it altogether. Exposure puts the baby at risk no matter what stage of pregnancy mom is in. Additionally, alcohol consumption negatively affects men’s sperm cells. As the sperm fertilizes the woman’s egg, it introduces the effects of the alcohol to the newly fertilized embryo. For more information on the topic see the links below.

Not only does smoking increase the risk of health problems for mom and baby while baby is developing, but it also makes it harder for mom to conceive. Some of the risks include preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. It also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The choice to quit smoking at any time during pregnancy—especially early on―can give your baby a healthier start in life. For more information, see the links listed below.

What you decide to put in your body or avoid putting in your body matters when it comes to getting pregnant and sustaining a healthier pregnancy. There are specific dos and don’ts concerning the topic. Below are a few links with more information.

A reproductive life plan simply provides individuals with structured formats to think about their desires related to having or not having children and establish goals based on those desires. RLPs are short statements that are consistent with personal values and current life circumstances; plans can evolve as an individual progresses through life Whether or not you have written them down, you have probably thought about your goals for having or not having children and how to achieve those goals. It is important to have a plan and act. Every woman, man, and couple can benefit from having a reproductive life plan based on her, his, or their values, goals, and resources.

Whether or not you’re planning to conceive, anyone can benefit from preconception health. Part of preconception health is about an individual becoming and staying healthy overall, throughout life. One of the best things a woman can do for herself is to take good care of her health, mental health included. Following are a few links with information for great mental health habits for women.

Most mothers-to-be excitedly await that first reassuring baby kick just to know their baby is growing and developing. However, these kicks may be more important than you have first realized. Being attentive to your baby’s movements can help prevent stillbirth and help you identify any problems with your pregnancy quickly.

 Fetal movement counting, often called kick counting, is a way a mother can help monitor the movements of her unborn baby by counting the number of kicks in a certain time period, so set aside some time every day when your baby is active and follow these resources.

You’re pregnant and you’ve received all the congrats that you can. What’s the next step? Listed below are some links to get that checklist figured out!

A reproductive life plan simply provides individuals with structured formats to think about their desires related to having or not having children and establish goals based on those desires. RLPs, also known as baby spacing are short statements that are consistent with personal values and current life circumstances; plans can evolve as an individual progresses through life Whether or not you have written them down, you have probably thought about your goals for having or not having children and how to achieve those goals. It is important to have a plan and act. Every woman, man, and couple can benefit from having a reproductive life plan based on her, his, or their values, goals, and resources.

You’re pregnant and you’ve received all the congrats that you can. What’s the next step? Listed below are some links to get that checklist figured out!

Postpartum depression includes symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby. If left untreated, the condition may last months or longer. Treatment can include counseling, antidepressants, or hormone therapy. We’ve listed a few links below for more information on the topic.

Having a baby can stir up a multitude of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. It can also result in depression. It is common for most new moms to experience “baby blues” that typically begin the first two to three days after delivery. These may only last up to two weeks. Some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. 

Another rare but extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis may also develop after childbirth. Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. Most times it’s simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby. Below are a few links with more information on the topic.

If you’re eager to get moving, you might be wondering when it’s safe to return to exercise after giving birth and what types of workouts are best in the first few weeks and months. While your pregnancy, delivery method, and any complications you experienced during delivery will dictate your exercise guidelines, the most critical factor to consider is how you feel. Easing into any workout after giving birth is key to your fitness plan’s long-term success and your overall health. In other words, try to be patient and realistic about what you’re capable of doing.

Sleep loss is a common, typical experience after the arrival of a baby. However, if you develop insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or returning to sleep, you should seek help. Addressing sleep problems as soon as possible may help to reduce the risk of postpartum depression. We’ve listed a few links below with more information.

Postpartum depression is one of the prevalent disorders among new mothers. The effectiveness of mindfulness in reducing postpartum depression symptoms has been proven when used instead of conventional options. Below are a few links with more information.

A baby’s birth challenges you in many ways: hormonally, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and chemically. You’re likely to feel exhausted, excited, frustrated, worried, and happy — all at the same time. No wonder you feel stressed out. It’s essential to take care of yourself, especially during the early months of your baby’s life.