Breast-feeding (nursing) allows a new mother to feed her infant directly from her breasts. Ideally, an infant will nurse and get milk directly from the mother's nipple but, when that is not possible, milk can be expressed (pumped) from the breast and fed to the infant in a bottle. Breast-feeding provides an infant with essential vitamins, protein and fat, as well as antibodies that help the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), if physically possible, women should exclusively breast-feed their infants for at least the first 6 months of life.

Breast-feeding is beneficial to both infant and mother. In addition to providing nutrition, breast milk is easier to digest than formula, and research has indicated that it may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Nursing is also effective at building immunity in infants, and children who nurse have a lower risk of ear infections, asthma, obesity, respiratory infections and type 2 diabetes as they get older. Breast-feeding is also beneficial to the mother in the following ways:

• Uterus contracts and returns to normal size

• May help with postpartum weight loss

• Lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers

• Saves money on formula

Breast-feeding is also a good way for a mother and her baby to bond.

We work with your pediatrician to encourage the breastfeeding of your newborn, and will help make the process as comfortable for you as possible.

A cesarean section, also referred to as a C-section, is surgery to deliver a baby. During a c-section, a doctor surgically removes the baby through the mother's abdomen using surgical incisions in the abdomen and uterus. A C-section is considered a surgical procedure and takes place in the operating room of a hospital. A C-section may be planned by a physician ahead of time due to pregnancy complications, however in some cases, a C-section may be necessary when unexpected problems arise during labor or delivery.

The Procedure

A C-section is performed in a hospital setting and is commonly performed while the mother remains awake. Prior to the surgery, a catheter is placed in the urethra to drain urine. A spinal block is used to deliver regional anesthesia to the lower part of the mother's body (mid abdomen and below). The doctor makes an incision in the abdomen near the pubic hairline and then a second incision is made in the uterus. The baby is then delivered through the incision, the umbilical cord is cut and the placenta is also removed from the uterus. The uterus is stitched closed with dissolvable stitches, and the abdomen is closed with either stitches or staples. The catheter is usually removed from the bladder within a few hours after the surgery.

Recovery

After the C-section, the mother and baby will stay in the hospital for about 3 days. Soreness at the incision site is common and pain is treated with prescription medication. While recovering, woman may experience common symptoms that occur after giving birth, which include cramping, and vaginal bleeding or discharge for about 4 to 6 weeks. After leaving the hospital, physical activities may be limited while the incision heals and sexual intercourse should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

Also known as gestational diabetes mellitus, or GDM, gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects pregnant women. Recently announced statistics estimate that gestational diabetes affects up to 18% of all pregnancies.

Although risk factors aid in determining the chance of developing GDM, about half of all those afflicted had no risk factors whatsoever. Whether or not symptoms subside with the conclusion of pregnancy is irrelevant in the diagnosis of GDM.

We will refer you to diabetic nurse educators to help ensure the healthy growth of your baby during your third trimester.

Should high blood pressure occur, we will provide appropriate testing and medication to lower your level and help minimize complications for you and your baby.

Miscarriage affects 20 percent of all pregnancies. Although common, miscarriage can be a heartbreaking event for expectant couples, often requiring a lengthy emotional recovery and concern about potential risks and causes of future miscarriages.

We offer physical and emotional support should you suffer this early-pregnancy complication. Both surgical and conservative management are provided, along with diagnostic tests if you experience more than one miscarriage.

From the onset of labor until the successful delivery of your precious newborn, we provide attentive care by referring you to one of two respected labor and delivery units in southwest Fort Worth.

Miscarriages

Miscarriage affects 20 percent of all pregnancies. Although common, miscarriage can be a heartbreaking event for expectant couples, often requiring a lengthy emotional recovery and concern about potential risks and causes of future miscarriages.

We offer physical and emotional support should you suffer this early-pregnancy complication. Both surgical and conservative management are provided, along with diagnostic tests if you experience more than one miscarriage.

Labor And Delivery

From the onset of labor until the successful delivery of your precious newborn, we provide attentive care by referring you to one of two respected labor and delivery units in southwest Fort Worth.

Stages Of Labor And Delivery

The process of labor and delivery occurs in three stages beginning with the onset of labor. Depending on their preference or birth plan, some women may choose to experience the first phase of labor at home and as it progresses to active labor, they may choose to go to a hospital or medical facility. In a hospital setting, the heart rate and vital statistics of both mother and unborn baby are monitored during the labor process. The health and safety of the mother and unborn baby should always be considered first when planning for labor and delivery.

First Stage:

The first stage of labor occurs in two phases: early labor and active labor. Early labor begins when the baby has moved down into the birth canal and the cervix begins to dilate. Mild contractions occur and a brown or red discharge may indicate that the mucus plug has been shed from the cervical opening. This phase may last from 6 to 12 hours but may occur more rapidly in women who have given birth before. Contractions become more frequent and much more intense during active labor and the cervix continues to dilate. An epidural may be administered for pain. The membranes around the amniotic sac may rupture (water breaks). Active labor may last up to 8 hours.

Second Stage:

The second stage of labor occurs when the cervix has fully dilated and the mother is ready to push the baby out of the birth canal and deliver the baby. When the top of the baby's head fully appears (crowns), the doctor or midwife will advise the mother to push and will help deliver the baby. If necessary, the doctor may make a small incision to the enlarge the vaginal opening (episiotomy) to help the baby fit through the birth canal. After the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is cut.

Third Stage:

The third stage of labor is the delivery of the afterbirth (placenta). This stage may last from 5 to 30 minutes. After the baby is delivered, contractions will continue and the mother may experience chills or shakiness. Usually, the woman will push one more time and the placenta is expelled from the uterus. If an episiotomy was performed it is stitched at this time. Labor is over once the placenta has been delivered.

Childbirth can be a different experience for each woman and the methods used to relieve pain can vary based on the health and safety of the mother and child, as well as the recommendations from her doctor.

Preterm (premature) labor is a condition that occurs when a woman's body starts preparing itself to give birth too early in a pregnancy. Normal pregnancies typically last 40 weeks. In cases of preterm labor, however, a woman begins experiencing regular contractions that prepare the cervix for labor between the 20th and 37th weeks of pregnancy.

Preterm labor often results in premature birth, which increases a child's risk of birth defects, as well as cognitive and medical issues in the future. Because of the potential of serious health problems for the child that may be associated with a preterm delivery, an attempt is made to delay preterm labor for as long as possible. Preterm labor may be a direct result of an issue with the baby, the mother or, in some cases, both. However, the exact cause of preterm labor cannot always be identified.

We do everything possible to prevent your little one from arriving too early. For extreme prematurity, we will refer you to a high-risk specialist.

Nearly all multiple pregnancies are detected, using ultrasound technology, during the first trimester. A multiple pregnancy can pose a number of serious health risks and complications for both the mother and fetuses. One of the biggest concerns is premature birth, which increases the risk of birth defects, and future cognitive or medical issues. Because of the potential health issues associated with multiple pregnancy, it is always considered high risk, and requires proper prenatal care and close monitoring.

We offer prenatal care for women with twins and also guide them through any complications that might be associated with their twin pregnancies. Both vaginal and cesarean births are provided.