Moms and Babies

Vaccinations are more important than ever this year because of the disrupting impact that COVID-19 has had on the nation’s routinely recommended vaccination schedule. As we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month in August, protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) is vital to keeping children healthy, preventing VPD outbreaks, and reducing the burden of infectious diseases.

Content warning: Suicide

Suicide is a serious problem, and the rate of suicide among women is on the rise. People who consider suicide often feel like there is no hope, and they may often feel trapped or alone. We spoke with Dr. Danielle Johnson, Chief of Adult Psychiatry and Director of the Women’s Mental Health Program at Lindner Center of HOPE, to discuss suicide and what women should do if they’re having suicidal thoughts. She also talks about risk factors, warning signs, and how to support loved ones.

Thinking about breastfeeding? Hear from a new mom who made the decision to go for it!

Meet Danielle Cunningham. She’s a first-time mom who opened up about her breastfeeding journey in honor of National Breastfeeding Month and Black Breastfeeding Week. Danielle shares why she chose to breastfeed, what her first few weeks were like, and how her family has supported her decision. Plus, she explains what’s surprised her most about breastfeeding.

As an obstetrician-gynecologist, I have seen many women who struggle with mood changes after having a baby. There is a common belief that childbirth is a magical time for all mothers and that as soon as the baby is born, maternal feelings and knowledge magically appear. For many women, this may not be the case. Some women struggle with feeling anxious, sad, or like they are unable to care for their baby. They might even feel powerless to take care of themselves. Ella’s story is an example of the struggle some women experience.

We've all seen those pictures of the famous moms looking flawless while their babies are perfectly latched on, feeding away, neither one with a care in the world. They make it look so natural and easy. Well, here's the truth about breastfeeding: It's natural, but it's not always easy.

Ed. note: This blog is cross-posted from the Office of Minority Health Blog for Health Equity. The original post date was July 28, 2017. Read the original post.

One of the first decisions all moms have to make is how they're going to feed their babies. For National Breastfeeding Month, we interviewed a mom who decided to breastfeed. Lauren Sogor is the proud mom of a 10-month-old girl. From the joys to the challenges, she shares her experiences breastfeeding and offers her tips for pumping at work.

Lauren Sogor works in health policy communications and lives in Virginia with her husband, their 10-month-old daughter, two rambunctious dogs, and a cat.

Ed. note: This blog is cross-posted from the Huffingtonpost.com. The original post date was August 16, 2016. Read the original post.

There's a lot to remember when you're pregnant or a new mom — not just doctor appointments (though there are LOTS of them), but things like which medications to avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding, how and when to introduce solid food to baby, and when you and baby need tests and vaccinations. New issues seem to come out of nowhere, and all of a sudden you're adding Zika to the list of things you need to learn more about.

On December 31, 2011, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! It was something I had dreamed about for so long. I remember the day after she was born — I was crying on the phone with my midwife because I was so overwhelmed. My baby was so little and I didn't really know what to do.