Oh Baby May 2022

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MAY 2022 THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH Making Your Home Safe for Baby OH BABY

(Family Features) Your little one’s on-the-go adventures mark a huge milestone for his or her development and your family. Before you allow your baby to trek freely from room to room, get your home ready for a child on the move with these safety steps and precautions: Prepare before the birth First-time parents are likely to embark upon a new life filled with late nights, sleep deprivation and a world of stresses they’ve never experienced or considered. Prepare your home before the baby is born to avoid the panic of waiting until the last minute. Tour like your tot The first step toward ensuring your home is ready for a mobile child is to see the world from the same level. Take a crawling tour around your home to see things that may be in the way or discover hazardous items that are within easy reach. Use all of your senses to assess any potential dangers. Latch it up Protect your little one from sharp objects and heavy items by installing child protection latches on all cabinets and drawers. For an added layer of protection, keep any sharp objects and harmful cherish for your lifetime. While I do love a great posed picture, my goal during each session is for my clients to have a good, relaxed time (and always want to come back again), and to show each family how beautiful their tender moments are. As a mother myself, it is important to document your life with your loved ones. Time goes faster than you think and without photos and videos, all you have is your memory. My clients mean so much to me and become my friends. Many of the babies you see in here today are families that I have captured memories for as seniors, for their engagements, at their weddings, during their pregnancy, as their families grow, and for years to come. I have a large client closet at my studio with items that flatter every body size and every age which takes the hard part out of booking a photo session. If you are thinking of booking a session of any type, please feel free to reach me by email at [email protected], by Facebook or Instagram.

chemicals in high places only adults can reach. Evaluate leaning objects Bookshelves, bedside tables and the items placed on them, such as television sets and other large appliances, can be a threat to the safety of a small child trying to pull him or herself up and balance on two feet. Ensure these items are properly secured or keep them put away unless in use to avoid them being pulled on top of your child. Other safety measures To properly prepare your home for a mobile child, don’t forget to take steps such as: • Covering electrical outlets with safety plugs • Placing safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases • Installing fireplace screens • Adding foam padding to sharp furniture corners and edges • Placing a soft cover over the bathtub waterspout • Removing blinds with looped cords or installing safety tassels and cord stops • Stocking your first aid kit • Putting non-slip pads under rugs Find more tips to child-proof your home at eLivingtoday.com .

Photo by Tiffany Williams Photography

Hello! I’m Tiffany, the owner/photographer at Tiffany Williams Photography. I am located in Ogallala, Nebraska but photograph families all over Nebraska and different parts of the U.S. There is no place on earth that I am not excited about visiting and making creative magic happen! I specialize in photographing families and seniors, but you’ll also catch me at the occasional wedding. Who doesn’t love the opportunity for some pretty pictures and cake?! If you’ve been a client of mine or have seen my work, you know that I pour myself into making sure each session is unique and that your memories are works of art that you will

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH MAY 2022 D3 Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy OH BABY

5 behaviors to help reduce the risk of birth defects “It’s critical that women who are planning to conceive or are pregnant adopt healthy behaviors to reduce the chances of having a baby with birth defects, which are a leading cause of infant death,” said Dr. Zsakeba Henderson, March of Dimes senior vice president and interim chief medical and health officer. “We also encourage these women to get the COVID-19 vaccine since high fevers caused by an infection during the first trimester can increase the risk of birth defects.”

vitamin that prevents serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Before becoming pregnant, take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day to help ensure your baby’s proper development and growth. While pregnant, increase to 600 micrograms daily. Add to your diet foods containing folate, the natural form of folic acid, such as lentils, green leafy vegetables, black beans and orange juice. In addition, you can consume foods made from fortified grain products, which have folic acid added, such as bread, pasta and cereal, and foods made from fortified corn masa flour, such as cornbread, corn tortillas, tacos and tamales. 4. Try to reach a healthy weight. Talk to your health care provider about how to reach a healthy weight before becoming pregnant, as excess weight can affect your fertility and increase the risk of birth defects and other complications. Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes eating healthy foods and regular physical activity. 5. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use harmful substances. Cigarettes and e-cigarettes contain harmful substances that can damage the placenta or reach the baby’s bloodstream. Smoking cigarettes can cause certain birth defects, like cleft lip and palate. It is also not safe to drink alcohol at any time during pregnancy. This includes the first few weeks of pregnancy when you might not even know you are pregnant. Drinking alcohol can cause serious health problems for your baby, including birth defects. Additionally, do not take opioids, which are drugs that are often used to treat pain. Opioid use during pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome, preterm birth and may cause birth defects. Consult your physician before stopping or changing any prescribed medications. Find more resources to support your family across the lifespan at marchofdimes.org/birthdefects and cdc. gov/birthdefects.

To help prepare for a healthy pregnancy and baby, consider these tips from the experts at March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit fighting for the health of all moms and babies, and the CDC: 1. Have a pre-pregnancy checkup. Before you become pregnant, visit your health care provider to talk about managing your health conditions and creating a treatment plan. Talk about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements you’re currently taking. You should see your provider before each pregnancy. 2. Get vaccinated. Speak with your health care provider about any vaccinations you may need before each pregnancy, including the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, and flu shot. Make sure your family members are also up to date on their vaccinations to help prevent the spread of diseases. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 compared to those who have not been impacted by the infectious disease. Research shows babies of pregnant people with COVID-19 may be at an increased risk of preterm birth and other complications. High fevers caused by any infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can also increase the risk of certain birth defects. The COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people ages 5 and older, including those who are pregnant, lactating, trying to become pregnant or might get pregnant. 3. Take folic acid. Folic acid is a B

organs form, birth defects present as structural changes and can affect one or more parts of the body (heart, brain, foot, etc.). They can cause problems for a baby’s overall health, how the body develops and functions, and are a leading cause of infant death. Common birth defects include congenital heart defects, cleft lip, cleft palate and spina bifida. An individual’s genetics, behaviors and social and environmental factors can impact one’s risk for birth defects. Even though all birth defects cannot be prevented, there are things you can do before and during pregnancy to increase your chance of having a healthy baby. Photo by Tiffany Williams Photography

(Family Features) If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, now is a perfect time to make a plan. There are steps you can take to increase your chances of having a healthy, full-term pregnancy and baby - and part of that includes learning about birth defects. Understanding birth defects across the lifespan can help those affected have the information they need to seek proper care. Each year, birth defects affect about 1 in 33 babies born in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mainly developing in the first three months of pregnancy as a baby’s

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Look No Further Your Best Healthcare experience is right here, right now.

Born and raised in Ogallala, my husband and I relocated our family back to this area once we started having kids. We knew we wanted this town to be home to our kids. Our first two were born in Kearney at Good Sam and our third was born in North Platte at Great Plains Regional. Both of these hospitals had tremendous doctors, nurses and staff, I cannot complain about one thing. Our last child we decided to stay right here in Ogallala.

my past birthing experiences, knew my file and were prepped for anything. The care they gave before, during and after was hands down beyond anything I have had before (again no complaints from anywhere else, this was just above and beyond). Dr. Leibhart during and after delivery was so caring and compassionate checking on us several times throughout. The care I received was hands down the best to date. I will always and continue to support Banner and OCH,

We want this town to strive, we want our kids to have the amenities of a bigger town, we want to support local businesses and professions, so we committed to Banner and Ogallala Community Hospital. From our very first appointment confirming our pregnancy, through checking out with baby, it was hands down the best experience we have had. Having one doctor committed to you, knowing you personally, having a

their faculty and staff are the best. - Stephanie Svoboda, (mother of 4) I can’t say enough positive things about the care we have received and the experience we had at OCH and with Dr. Wong. The growth of our family at OCH has included our journey through multiple full pregnancies and deliveries, a miscarriage, not to mention all the wellness visits, checkups, and care for any illness in between. Through the best

CALL 308-284-3645 TOMAKE AN APPOINTMENT Banner Health - Ogallala

and worst, we are so thankful for how we have been treated, the knowledge and understanding that we have gained, and ultimately the trust that we have built in the care we have right here in our community. We are especially thankful that our healthcare team and doctor knows us well and has an investment in our care that’s personal. Thanks for all you do Dr. Wong and OCH team! You are very much appreciated! - Meagan Hovendick, (mother of SOON-TO-BE 4)

relationship with you was an incredible blessing. Dr. Leibhart has such empathy and passion for her patients and her job. The front desk and billing were a dream to work with. Always answering any questions I had, always smiles on their faces and took care of anything i needed. Fast forward to delivery. My nurses were incredible. They got to know my husband and myself, took extra care of us and were so incredibly knowledgeable. They knew

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LOOKNO FURTHER

Your Best Healthcare experience is right here, right now.

CALL 308-284-3645 TOMAKE AN APPOINTMENT Banner Health - Ogallala

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Dr. Anna Dalrymple

Dr. Kayla Knauss

Mother to Mother, we’ve got this.

As moms, Dr. Anna Dalrymple and Dr. Kayla Knauss understand the joys and challenges expectant mothers face. We have the experience and expertise to walk you through your questions, excitement, and everything in between because we’ve been there. You will feel comfortable knowing you are being taken care of by mothers who can relate. At Gothenburg Health, our top- of-the-line facilities and progressive practices complement our experience to give you the best care close to home. We

connect you with childbirth classes, lactation specialists, 24/7 access to anesthesia and pain management, and access to Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists and OB/ GYN as well as other maternal services to make the first moments with your child as wonderful as possible. Call us today to schedule a tour, meet with us, or ask your mom-worthy questions. Gothenburg Health – Delivering you comfort and expert care.

918 20th St., Gothenburg, NE 69138 • 308-537-4066 • www.gothenburghealth.org

Mother to Mother, we ’ ve got this. Delivering you comfort and expert care.

308-537-4066 GothenburgHealth.com/OB

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Breastfeeding 101

Plains Health has seen more mothers choose to breastfeed following the implementation of its lactation program. In 2021, the Nebraska state score of mothers exclusively breastfeeding was 73 percent. Great Plains Health ended 2021 with 76 percent of mothers exclusively breastfeeding. “Many mothers are scared or simply don’t know yet how breastfeeding works,” Findley says. “It’s definitely a learning curve and I am passionate for helping moms work through this experience. It is a very

special process for moms.” Findley connects with parents and helps lead Breastfeeding 101 at Great Plains Health, a class taught by a certified lactation team that gives parents a solid foundation of knowledge about all aspects of breastfeeding. Topics include benefits of breastfeeding, how milk is made, supply and demand, skin-to-skin, feeding cues, positioning, pumping, milk storage and more. Classes are led monthly. Visit gphealth.org/calendar to reserve your spot.

Courtesy photo Great Plains Health Employee Serena Findley, RN, BSN, (left) with a new mother and her baby.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting time, but also filled with many questions. How do I care for my baby? How do I feed my little one? Should I try breastfeeding or not? Along every step of the journey, Great Plains Health can help parents navigate these questions. Serena Findley, BSN, RN, is the prepared childbirth educator and lactation consultant at Great Plains Health. She has nearly a decade of experience as an internationally board certified lactation consultant. Findley helps parents learn about the feeding options for their baby and works alongside

mothers learning how to breastfeed. She advocates for breastfeeding whenever possible. “Human milk is the very best food for most babies. It is especially critical for pre- term or ill infants who are at a greater risk for intestinal infections. Human milk contains antibodies to fight disease and infection and also protects against allergies,” Findley explains. Breastmilk contains growth hormones to help babies grow and properties that have been shown to increase intelligence and decrease risk of obesity and diabetes later in life. While the benefits of

breastfeeding are often focused on the babies’ development, moms also benefit from breastfeeding with decreased risk of cancer, decreased bleeding and help losing pregnancy weight faster. “We care about the mother and baby,” Katie Bruns, RN, BSN, RN coordinator, women’s and children’s, says. “Sometimes breastfeeding is the best option and sometimes it is not; but, if it is a matter of empowering the mother with the knowledge, resources and training so that she can breastfeed, then we will do everything we can to support that mother and her little one.” Over the last four years, Great

Photo by Tiffany Williams Photography

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It’s all here at baby central! Attend our in-person classes: Breastfeeding 101 Prepared childbirth Visit gphealth.org/calendar to register.

Expert physicians

port

Breastfeeding sup

Spacious rooms

When you are ready to grow your family, Great Plains Health is here for you.

Women’s Services | 308.568.7373 | 601 West Leota | North Platte, NE 69103 | gphealth.org/obgyn