Parkland Community Health Plan members: did you know that new and expecting moms can get a free breast pump with a prescription from their provider? For breastfeeding moms, a breast pump can make life a little easier by helping you save time and store milk for when you need it. How can I order a breast pump? PCHP partners with several companies that offer breast pumps and other medical equipment. Once your provider gives you a prescription, you can contact one of these approved suppliers directly. (PCHP...
Breastfeeding is an important way to help your baby start life on a healthy note. Breastmilk includes nutrients and antibodies that help reduce the baby’s risk of illness – including ear infections, breathing problems, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and sudden unexplained death in infancy, also known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastmilk is also easier for babies to digest, which can help prevent diarrhea and other stomach problems. Breastfeeding is good for moms, too! It helps burn calories, w...
Are you a new or expecting mom? If so, you may have heard about the benefits of breastfeeding . Breast milk is a good source of nutrition and can help build your baby’s immune system. It has health benefits for mothers, too – moms who breastfeed can reduce their risk of high blood pressure, breast cancer, and other diseases. A breast pump can be a helpful tool for new moms who are breastfeeding. It allows you to collect your breast milk at any time of day and store it for later use. If you are a member ...
You may know that good prenatal care is important for the health of your baby. It’s also important for new moms to keep getting regular care after birth – so they can stay healthy, too. Jeanne Bandelaria, a pediatric physician assistant in North Texas, explains why postpartum visits are so important, and what to expect when you visit your doctor for a checkup. When Should I Schedule My Postpartum Checkup? New moms should schedule a postpartum checkup within three weeks after giving birth, followed by a ...
If you’re getting ready to welcome a new baby, you might be thinking about breastfeeding. It’s a great idea. Breastfeeding is good for your baby, and it’s good for you. However, many new moms are not able to do it for more than a few weeks—or at all. Some moms and babies have medical conditions that make it hard to stick to a nursing routine. Other women choose to formula feed because they have high demands at work or home. If you want to try breastfeeding, plan ahead. Talk to your doctor about it as so...
After those long months of pregnancy, your baby is here at last! As you adjust to life with your little one, you may feel overwhelmed at times. Take a look at the tips below for ideas to ease the first few weeks and months of motherhood. Accept help You might want to do everything for your new baby. But if your loved ones offer help—accept it. Whether it’s holding the baby while you take a shower or making meals for you, there are many ways that others can lend a hand. Let them! Get as much rest as poss...
For first-time mothers, there are lots of questions about pregnancy and birth. Lisa Summers and Nolana Johnson, registered nurses at Parkland Health understand this and offer in-home visits to first-time mothers to help them prepare for labor, delivery, and life after the baby is born. During the pregnancy, they teach breathing and calming techniques, stretches, and ways of knowing they’re in labor as well as what to expect. Once the baby is born, they cover the ins and outs of breastfeeding and bottle ...
For generations, breastfeeding has sustained life. In addition to its many health benefits there can also be difficulties and challenges for new mothers. In this video, Valencia Moore, RN, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant Supervisor at Parkland Health shares her expert opinion on these topics. Watch as she discusses the many benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby including the convenience factor of being able to nurse whenever and wherever, as well as its known ability to decrease the baby’s chances of c...