“Our patient population is such that the medical home is broken,” she said. “Many people use the ER as their primary care for various reasons. Sometimes, they can’t get an appointment with their regular pediatrician, or it’s hard for parents to take time off work to get to a scheduled appointment.”

When parents see red, itchy and watery eyes, it’s time to take action. Long-acting over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra, are good choices. Jain recommends using a nasal steroid spray in conjunction with antihistamines, such as Flonase Sensimist. Nasal saline rinses also help.

“It’s not as harsh and is better tolerated by children,” she said.

More than anything else, Jain recommends finding ways to avoid the trigger — which often is easier said than done, especially when kids play outside during the school day.

Jain suggests parents get the allergen off the child as soon as possible. When your kids come inside, wash their face and hair, if possible. Otherwise, allergens will sit on your child’s skin and hair, causing further irritation. A change of clothes might help. For itchy and swollen eyes, a cool compress can help alleviate irritation. 

Dr. Sweeti Bhakta Jain has been a pediatrician for nine years. She is the medical director of the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s hospital and serves as the department chair of pediatrics. Additionally, she sees patients in the emergency department for approximately 80 hours each month.

Dr. Jain also shared tips about concussions. Click the link to learn more. 

About the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital

Baptist Children’s Hospital features a 10-bed pediatric emergency room, a 12-bed combined pediatric intensive care/general inpatient unit and an outpatient services area. With 24-hour pediatric intensivist coverage, multiple pediatric specialties and access to a critical care transport team for neonatal, pediatric and maternity patients, the hospital is equipped to provide high-quality care for a wide variety of pediatric patients and issues. For more information about the hospital, click here.

The health care experience can be scary for children and their families. Baptist’s child life specialists offer medical play, free play, pre-operative teaching, procedure education, social interaction and other distractions or support to help minimize your child’s stress during medical procedures. Child life specialists are available in pediatric areas throughout the hospital, Monday through Friday. Click here to read about Baptist’s child life specialists.

“He usually bounces back pretty quickly from injuries,” said Olivia Simmons, Thomas’ mother, “but not this time. He was dizzy and said his pain was a nine on a scale of one to 10.”

Simmons took Thomas to the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.

The hospital staff examined Thomas and did a neurology examination, then gave him pain medicine. He did not have a concussion but did have a knot on his head. The doctor instructed Simmons to watch him to see if it became hard to wake him up and to let them know if he began vomiting. Simmons slept with Thomas that night to keep an eye on him. He didn’t have any additional problems.

“Our experience was great,” she said. “They gave him a popsicle and a warm blanket, and the bed was big enough that I could lie next to him and snuggle with him. They attended to us quickly, which means a lot. When your baby is in pain, the last thing you want to do is sit and wait.”

When to seek emergency care for a head injury

It can be difficult to determine when a head injury is serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency department. Some parents immediately head to the hospital, while others may watch their child at home before seeing a doctor.

“Parents should always go to the emergency department if their child loses consciousness, has a severe headache or is behaving differently in any way,” said Dr. Sweeti Bhakta Jain, medical director of the pediatric emergency department.

Don’t worry about looking for dilated eyes yourself. While that’s a common thing to observe on medical TV shows, Jain explained that a patient’s eyes would only be dilated if there’s a brain bleed and swelling, in which case the patient would be unconscious. If the child is awake, there’s no need to check for dilation.

Dr. Sweeti Bhakta Jain has been a pediatrician for nine years. She is the medical director of the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital and serves as the department chair of pediatrics. Additionally, she sees patients in the emergency department for approximately 80 hours each month.

Everything they do centers around helping kids feel comfortable in the hospital setting, which varies from one patient to another. When asked about a typical day, Baker laughed, “There IS no typical day. Every day is so different.”

Upon entering the pediatric inpatient unit, visitors first see a large playroom. Generous gifts from Spence and Becky Wilson and the Toy Foundation funded P.D. Parrot's Playroom, which opened in the summer of 2023. This fun space is filled with toys for a variety of ages — soft foam blocks, shape sorters and stacking rings for toddlers; a dollhouse, play kitchen and doctor’s office are ideal for preschoolers; and older kids enjoy the puzzles and games, such as Connect 4.

“The language of children is play,” said Larrea. “We let them use our resource materials in a ‘play’ way, which helps us see how they’re feeling. You can tell a lot about how kids feel based on how they act during play.”

Fall and winter are busy seasons in the hospital, with many children suffering from respiratory illnesses like RSV or walking pneumonia. These children might require oxygen support or fluids, and many are in isolated rooms. The day we visited, most patients were infants, which didn’t quite work for the plan to have a Halloween party.

Larrea and Scholes pivoted and organized a reverse trick-or-treat instead. The pediatric team delivered candy and treats to each room and handed the goodies to parents or filled a bag left outside the room. Even if the young patients couldn’t eat the candy, their worried and exhausted parents could.

Not all fun and games

While their roles certainly involve play and fun activities, that’s not how Larrea and Scholes spend most of their time. They constantly juggle tasks to keep their tiny patients feeling comfortable and safe. A child with a fear of needles may need distraction, and the little one undergoing surgery benefits from preparation before the surgery.

Children in the pediatric unit are there for a variety of reasons. The respiratory season exacerbates asthma, so some children come in for frequent treatments. Other patients have gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, which means they return to the unit for infusions. Children with skin infections, like cellulitis, may require antibiotics or surgery. Many pediatric patients are hospitalized for surgeries, including appendectomies, orthopedic surgeries or spinal fusion surgery.

“Most adults are scared of surgery,” said Larrea, “and kids have no idea what to expect. We meet with them to talk through the steps, explaining they’ll wear a face mask to help them fall asleep. We practice putting on the mask, taking deep breaths and holding still.”

Larrea and Scholes use technology to help explain procedures to their young patients. iPads are loaded with photos, videos and preparation books to show kids what hospital rooms look like. On Halloween, Larrea took an iPad into a patient’s room to show her photos of different Halloween costumes. The child chose the costume she liked, and Larrea retrieved it from a storage room. The storage room is filled with donated items, from new Halloween costumes in every size to toys for all ages.

Larrea and Scholes are often on the move. They might meet a child in the emergency department to prepare them for stitches, explaining how the nurse will numb the area first, distracting the child during the procedure with toys or bubbles, and even advocating for medicine if the child needs help calming down.

“Worried parents aren’t always able to think about all the things, especially in an emergency visit,” said Larrea. “Our job is to support patients and families, working with medical staff to find a game plan that works and is supportive. We want patients to feel as in control as they possibly can.”

“Some families don’t know if they can ask for things, like whether they can hold their child while a nurse puts in an IV,” added Scholes. “We can have those conversations with the medical staff so the parents can focus on their child.”

Sometimes they visit a child in Baptist's outpatient facilities to walk them through a procedure, and other times they spend time with children who are hospitalized in the pediatric unit.

“When they are staying in the hospital, it’s more about event processing,” said Scholes. “We help them cope with the situation through play. A lot of them have IVs, and preschool kids really hate those. We’ll put an IV on a stuffed animal to help normalize it.”

Child life specialists show patients videos of MRIs and CT scans to help them understand the process. An Aladdin doll in the playroom is equipped with a feeding tube through the nose to help explain this to little ones.

The child life specialists get to know medical staff and learn about doctor preferences, which helps them prepare families. One doctor might prefer parents step out during a sterile procedure, but it’s hard for a parent to leave their infant in that situation. Larrea and Scholes can explain what’s going to happen, escort parents out and emotionally support them during that time.

Sometimes the job involves helping siblings understand why their baby brother or sister is in the newborn ICU. While siblings younger than 17 can’t visit, the child life specialists provide books explaining what the NICU is.

Donations to pediatric services

Another piece of the child life specialist’s role is managing donations from individuals, corporations and charitable groups.

“We get so many donations,” said Larrea. “Our playroom was all donation and grant based, and the Toy Foundation gave us a $25,000 grant to stock it. The Forrest Spence Fund, Project Sunshine and the Juvenile Diabetes Research fund have all contributed.”

The playroom construction was a gift from Spence and Becky Wilson, the hospital’s namesake benefactors. The Wilsons made this contribution in honor of their mothers. The Wilsons’ adult children funded an interactive light beam in the playroom. 

The Forrest Spence Fund donates books and “lovies” for the NICU and provides quarterly breakfasts for newborn and pediatric ICU families. Their most recent donation provided two Kindles for the pediatric ICU. Physical books can’t be reused in a hospital setting, but Kindles can be sanitized between uses. Kids can access the Kindle library to find reading material for their age level and interests.

Many other generous individuals and organizations support Baptist's pediatric services. Former Memphis Grizzlies player Marcus Smart donated smart carts, several tablets and Nintendo Switches, and the Kindles are stored with these items for portability. Project Sunshine donates craft kits, Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) provides bags with resources for newly diagnosed diabetes patients, and Girl Scout Sarah Gruber designed and built whimsical IV pole seats to bring cheer to pediatric patients.

Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation funds party supplies for patients celebrating birthdays in the hospital, holiday parties and an annual NICU reunion.

Donations are greatly appreciated, and the only restriction is that items must be new. For donation inquiries, please email childlife@bmhcc.org.

“We are always on our toes, and we have to be flexible all the time,” said Larrea. “There is no ordinary day, and that’s what keeps it interesting.”

For more information about Baptist Children’s Hospital, please click here.

WHAT: Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women will host the Beautiful Beginnings Baby and Children’s Fair for expecting and new parents. Maternal health and newborn experts, pediatricians, dentists and others will be on site to discuss health and wellness resources, share their expertise and answer questions about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, pain management, doula services and child and infant health. Children’s activities at the baby fair will include a teddy bear clinic, a photo booth, education on healthy lunch and snack options, and a tooth brush clinic with tips on proper brushing techniques. Car seat education and internet and general safety will also be provided. Attendees will qualify for giveaways and door prizes.

WHEN: Saturday, April 12

10 a.m.–noon

WHERE: Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women

6225 Humphreys Blvd.

Memphis, TN 38120

BACKGROUND: Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women is the only freestanding women’s hospital in Memphis and the only hospital in the region to qualify to be a member of the prestigious Council of Women's and Infants' Specialty Hospitals. Recognized nationally for its lifesaving maternal and infant programs, Baptist Women's Hospital is a regional referral center for high-risk pregnancies, mammography, minimally invasive surgeries, outpatient diagnostics and urogynecology. The hospital offers delivery, gynecological surgery, labor and delivery, and a comprehensive breast program. For more information, visit https://www.baptistonline.org/locations/womens, or follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/baptistwomenshospital.

INTERVIEW/PHOTOGRAPY OPPORTUNITIES:

Dr. Amy Oyler, pediatrician, Baptist Medical Group – Memphis Family Medicine 

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“The aneurysm basically wrapped around all the nerves in my arm, and I had a very risky surgery to separate all the nerves,” she said. “They told me I might not survive, and if I did, I might never use my right arm again.”

As a young child in the hospital, Carrington felt alone and very scared. Her nurses stepped in to comfort her.

“The nurses explained everything in a way I could understand. I was terrified about surgery, and they helped me through all of it. I also found Jesus during this time, and I realized I wanted to become a nurse because this field is so mission based.”

Carrington’s surgery was a success, and the only lingering side effect is occasional tingling in her arm.

Now 21, she is a recent nursing school graduate and is working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her career at Baptist Memorial Health Care began in May 2022 when she became a personal care assistant at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

“I worked in the float pool,” she said, “so I called in to find out where I was needed each shift. I didn’t know what area of nursing I wanted to pursue, and this gave me a chance to see a little bit of everything.”

Carrington remained at Baptist DeSoto for her externship and internships, mostly in the emergency department.

In October 2024, she took on a new role as a registered nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. She’s a member of the mother-baby unit where she cares for postpartum mothers during a very vulnerable time.

“We get mamas and babies two hours after delivery,” she said. “These moms have gone through so much. Giving birth is one of the hardest things women go through, and I love getting to help them through this time, explaining what’s happening and making connections with them.”

Carrington noted many people don’t know what to expect after birth, so this time can be overwhelming for new moms.

“They might not know I’m going to need to massage their belly every few hours as the uterus contracts, which helps improve blood flow. They don’t realize how painful it will be to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. I help them with these things, and it’s very emotional to be a part of this process. When they light up to see their baby smile for the first time or the baby finally latches during breastfeeding, it’s so exciting to celebrate these moments with them.”

In January 2025, Carrington began additional shifts in the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.

“I love being with mamas and their babies during such a beautiful time of their lives, but I also miss being there for people during the scary times. The pediatric emergency department gives me a chance to think critically and meet new people all day. It gives me the opportunity to show people the love of Jesus during a difficult time.”

A childhood illness led her down this path, but the mission at Baptist has captured Carrington’s heart.

“Being at Baptist feels like working with my second family,” she said. “I love working in a Christian hospital because I can openly share my faith with coworkers and patients.”

To join the Baptist team, please click here.

Meet Holly Carrington, RN at Baptist Women’s Hospital:

When Campbell made his grand entrance into the world, his parents were not exactly expecting him. 

“I was at my office and felt strange. My colleague saw me on my knees and told me to get to the doctor,” said mom Meredith Aden. “While driving, I noticed the pain was coming in consistent intervals. It turned out those were contractions. Campbell was born 20 minutes after I was admitted.” 

Campbell’s father, Mason Lowe, was traveling for work at the time. He had just landed at the Memphis airport and was talking to his wife when a nurse grabbed the phone and said she had to go. 

“All I knew was our baby had been born. The cab driver heard me and asked who had a baby,” laughed Lowe. “Then the nurse texted me photos of our little boy a few minutes later.”

Campbell was born prematurely on Feb. 19, 2015, at 27 weeks and two days gestation. He weighed just 2 pounds, 2.5 ounces and was 14.5 inches long. He spent more than seven weeks in the Baptist NICU before coming home. 

Feeling the love: NICU staff support

Campbell’s NICU stay included many ups and downs. He had a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart. It’s not unusual for this to happen with premature babies, but sometimes requires surgery. Campbell ultimately didn’t need the surgery, but he did have three blood transfusions and a scare about a possible neck infection. He required a ventilator for nine days and had a feeding tube for about five weeks.

Campbell’s parents raved about their experience at Baptist.

“It felt like everyone was rooting for our kid,” said Lowe. “I have a vivid memory of walking in, and a couple of nurses who weren’t even taking care of Campbell that day came over all excited to tell me he’d taken his whole bottle. The emotional support was amazing.”

Aden added, “There were times I called in the middle of the night to check on him, and they were always so happy to talk and give updates. They did a really nice job of encouraging us to take care of him while in the hospital, so we were the ones feeding him and changing his diaper. We loved every chance we got to do kangaroo care, and they made sure we got to do this regularly.”

Kangaroo care is a method of skin-to-skin contact between a parent and baby, and it’s particularly beneficial for premature babies. Because preemies are often taken immediately to the NICU after birth, many mothers don’t get the chance to snuggle their newborn right away, and they may not even get to hold their child for days. Aden wasn’t able to hold Campbell until he was 10 days old.

“It’s not easy to get set up for kangaroo care,” said Aden. “Campbell had all these wires connecting him to machines, and he had a feeding tube and was on oxygen. It’s really kind of a hassle to move a baby, but the nurses always happily helped us with kangaroo care so we could cuddle our baby.”

Baby Campbell came home on April 26, 2015, weighing 5 pounds, 3 ounces. He had a home apnea monitor for a short time, but he has no long-term issues related to his prematurity. 

“He did some developmental therapy and physical therapy through Tennessee Early Intervention System, but they kicked him out when he was 2 years old. He was completely caught up,” said Aden. 

All grown up

Today, Campbell is a witty and clever fourth grader. He plays baseball, basketball and football, and he loves Harry Potter and traveling.

2024 NICU Reunion

“We had a great experience at Baptist, and we’ve been very involved ever since,” said Aden.

Campbell and his parents were among 140 families attending the NICU’s reunion on Saturday, Sept.14. The festive event for families and hospital staff celebrated NICU graduates during  NICU Awareness Month with the theme “NICU graduates are out of this world.” Kids enjoyed bounce houses, snow cones, face painting, crafts and visits with P.D. Parrot. They even got to cuddle with some furry friends from 901 Goats. 

NICU staff members hugged grateful parents, welcoming them back and celebrating how far each NICU graduate had come. The Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation provided funding for the reunion, and the event raised almost $5,300 to support the NICU.

Nurses joyfully sing happy birthday to one of their former NICU patients. 

Shannon Rister, RN, has been planning these reunions since 2015 and says it’s a team effort, with many nurses volunteering their free time. 

“Last year, a mom told me it feels more like a family reunion. Her words meant so much to me because it proved we had done our job to make them feel at home in the NICU. We love these babies and their families, and we really do think of them like family.”

For more information about the NICU at Baptist Children’s Hospital, please click here. 

Sarah began researching ideas and saw something on Pinterest about IV “lily pads,” and the idea intrigued her. The lily pads are round bases attached to IV poles, offering pediatric patients a fun way to move around the hospital.

Sarah could only find photos of completed lily pads, but no blueprint for how to design and make them. Because Gold Award project goals include changing the world and driving lasting change, Sarah knew she’d found her winning idea — make these lily pads and teach others how to do the same.

The Gold Award requires a minimum of 80 hours. Sarah spent more than 400 hours perfecting her lily pads and donated 17 bright and colorful bases to the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children's Hospital in June 2024.

The labor-intensive project involved much trial and error. Baptist employees provided measurements, and Sarah converted the measurements to a circular platform to make her first prototype. After Baptist shipped an IV pole to Sarah’s home in Georgia, she noticed things to tweak when she attached the lily pad. She started again, making the IV slot smaller to allow for a tighter fit and adjusting the curves so the base would cover all the wheels, making it safer for young patients. Sarah and her mom, Toni Gruber, drove to the Memphis hospital to ensure the new prototype would fit perfectly.

The Grubers met with Kate Baker, a certified child life specialist at Baptist Children’s Hospital, during their visit. Baker helps comfort and calm young patients who might be scared and anxious. One of her roles is to help get kids up and moving, which can be difficult.

“It’s always a challenge to get kids to move from their rooms, but it’s so important, especially in a case when someone has pneumonia,” said Baker.

Baker had never heard of an IV lily pad before, but thought it sounded interesting. Now, she says she’s seeing things about lily pads more frequently. She’s excited to see how they’re already making a difference after just a short time.

“The lily pads help motivate kids to move,” said Baker. “Even if they aren’t ready to walk, they are sitting upright on the lily pad base, which is very useful for healing. We can take them to see the playroom, and then encourage them to take a few steps into the room. The lily pad is a great way to motivate them to take that first step.”

The cheerful lily pad designs include unicorns, sea creatures and dinosaurs. They’re intended for children ages 3 and up, and they are sturdy enough for an adult to sit on them. Children get to choose the design they want and use it throughout their stay in the hospital, which gives them a sense of control during a time they don’t feel like they have much of it.

Employees at the Memphis branch of Alston Construction were inspired by Sarah’s project and donated materials for an add-on project — 525 coloring books and crayons to distribute to patients and their siblings.

In addition to creating the lily pads, Sarah has created instructional materials to teach others how to recreate lily pads for other hospitals. She’s already trained 30 teens and hopes this project will continue to grow.

“It’s important to me to both inspire and teach others so they can carry on this project long after I’ve finished mine,” said Sarah.

For more information about Baptist Children's Hospital, click here. 

More than 175 people attended the event, which featured education, demonstrations and the opportunity to talk to maternal and pediatric experts to help prepare parents to welcome their newborns and address common health concerns for young children.

“At Baptist Women’s Hospital and Baptist Children’s Hospital, it is important for us to help parents throughout their parenting journey,” said Allison Bosse, CEO and administrator of Baptist Women’s Hospital and Baptist Children’s Hospital. “Our network of resources extends beyond our team of doctors, nurses and specialists who provide prenatal, postnatal and pediatric care. We rely heavily on our community partnerships to help provide our patients with the full continuum of care.”

More than 40 vendors, including Pediatrician Groups, My Baby 4 Me, Dr. Melrose Blackett of Women’s Consultants OBGYN, Urogynecology Physical Therapists and Saving Lost Kids participated in the health fair and covered such topics as labor and delivery, breastfeeding, child health, nutrition and safety. Highlights of the event included P.D. Parrot, Baptist’s pediatric mascot, and an interactive teddy bear clinic to normalize the hospital experience through medical play.  Approximately 100 teddy bears were given out with about 60 certificates given for completed assessments. 

Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women is the only freestanding women’s hospital in Memphis and the only hospital in the region to qualify to be a member of the prestigious Council of Women's and Infants' Specialty Hospitals. Recognized nationally for its lifesaving maternal and infant programs, Baptist Women's Hospital is a regional referral center for high-risk pregnancies, mammography, minimally invasive surgeries, outpatient diagnostics and urogynecology. The Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital is on the same campus as Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and features a 10-bed pediatric emergency room, a 12-bed combined pediatric intensive care/general inpatient unit and an outpatient services area. With 24-hour pediatric intensivist and hospitalist coverage, multiple pediatric specialties and access to a critical care transport team for neonatal, pediatric and maternity patients, the hospital is equipped to provide high-quality care for a wide variety of pediatric patients and issues.

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This $1.2 million expansion will include the build out of an operating room, which will allow the hospital to accommodate up to 286 new surgeries a year. The expansion will also include a pediatric spine table for patients needing treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, pediatric orthopedic drills, pediatric ENT surgical equipment to enhance precision during surgeries, a digital X-ray system for fluoroscopy procedures for neonatal and pediatric patients, and a Hamilton-C1 ventilator to provide respiratory support for newborns, babies in utero and children during transport in Baptist’s pediatric ambulance.

“We are grateful to Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation for supporting the expansion of neonatal and pediatric surgical services at Baptist Children’s Hospital,” said Allison Bosse, CEO and administrator of Baptist Children’s Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. “We work closely with our pediatric specialists to align our services and have identified key growth opportunities that will benefit families in our communities. The addition of an operating room and surgical equipment will allow us to build upon the specialized pediatric services we offer our patients and physicians.”

Construction is slated to begin in the second quarter of Baptist’s 2024 fiscal year (between January and March 2024) and is expected to be completed in mid-summer 2024. Earl Swensson and Associates is the architect and bids will be put out soon for construction on the project, which is funded by Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation.

The Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women will hold their annual NICU reunion in person for the first time since before the pandemic on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, from 9 a.m. to noon.

  “It is such a blessing to be able to host the NICU reunion in person again,” said Allison Bosse, Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital. “The relationship that each and every family builds with the nurses and medical staff during their stay in the NICU is truly unique and we love bringing these groups together to celebrate the newfound friendship and the significant milestones our NICU grads are meeting.”

Sonia Leonard, who will be present at this year’s reunion, had to deliver her daughter when she was only 26 weeks pregnant. Her daughter, Ava Grace, spent 57 days in the NICU where she and her family formed a lasting connection with her entire medical team.

“We could not do this without each one of them,” said Sonia. “The nurses, chaplains, neonatologists, therapists, specialists, front desk personnel, admin and faculty staff – we thank God every day for them!”

The reunion has a different theme each year, of which this year’s is a safari. Guests are always encouraged to wear costumes and attire to match the theme.

Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and the Spence and Becky Wilson Children Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer Carol Thetford retired on May 11^th, 2023, after a 43-year career with Baptist.

Thetford began her career in the newborn ICU at Baptist East after graduating from Baptist School of Nursing in 1980. She was soon promoted to NICU manager and has served as CNO at Baptist Women’s Hospital for the last 21 years.

“Carol Thetford leaves behind an indelible legacy at Baptist Women’s and Children’s hospitals,” said Allison Bosse, CEO and administrator of Baptist Women’s Hospital and Baptist Children’s Hospital. “We have an abundance of gratitude for Carol’s dedication to Baptist and our community, her contributions to the advancement of quality care for women and children, and her commitment to Baptist’s healing, preaching and teaching mission.”

The DAISY Foundation honored Thetford with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes those who have devoted their life’s work to the compassionate care of others.

April Fox is the incoming chief nursing officer for Baptist Women’s Hospital.

“We are thrilled to welcome April Fox as the chief nursing officer for Baptist Women’s Hospital and Baptist Children’s Hospital,” said Bosse. “Her experience in women’s and children’s health is impressive and will contribute to Baptist’s continuation of providing exceptional care for women and children in the Mid-South."

Fox completed her doctorate in nursing practice at Grand Canyon College and brings more than 25 years of experience to the hospital. She most recently served as the interim director of Maternal and Fetal Services at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast. Throughout her career, Fox has worked for women’s and children’s hospitals in Texas, California, Georgia, Florida, Colorado, South Dakota, Washington, Montana and Idaho. 

Q&A with Dr. Christian Nunez

The infant formula shortage is a crisis affecting many families. While the reasons for the shortage are complex and include a recall from a major manufacturer, what’s most important right now is getting families through this crisis. We discussed options parents have with Dr. Christian Nunez, pediatric hospitalist with the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.

Let’s start with why formula is so essential. What does it do for babies?  

It’s important because it provides the nutrition infants need for their high metabolic demand. The neonatal timeframe is a period of rapid growth and development. In the first few weeks and months of life, the proportionate drastic change in the baby’s weight isn’t seen again until puberty. Formula is designed to not only fulfill babies’ caloric requirements, but to maintain their electrolytes. That’s why we consider formula to be so important if breast milk isn’t available or an option. Families can consult with a pediatrician to select what is appropriate for their child.

Why is it important not to water down formula?

If you water down formula too much, it’s going to be essentially useless. It won’t have the calories to support growth, and you run the risk of seizures and kidney damage. It’s very important for the formula to be mixed properly. If too much water is added, there can be serious electrolyte abnormalities — most notably with sodium. If sodium drops in the blood too quickly, it can cause seizures. And babies’ kidneys aren’t fully developed until close to a year and can’t handle that much water.  

Is it appropriate to offer infants cow’s milk or plant-based milk?

The type of proteins in cow’s milk and even plant-based milk can be harmful to infants under 1 year old. The proteins can affect their kidneys, which are not fully developed enough to handle the high protein load, and can also affect the intestinal tract, potentially causing intestinal bleeding. It is best to stick with infant formulas or breastmilk, which is safer and has the correct amount of nutrients needed for that stage of development. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers other tips on infants’ dietary needs.

Are you seeing patients and parents affected by the shortage?

Personally, I’m not, but I do know it’s very prevalent today. The question we get a lot is, “Should we switch formulas? Is it safe?” What I generally say is that if it’s a standard infant formula, 19 or 20 kilocalories per ounce, and most brands are, it should be sufficient for an infant. All the different name brands are just brands. They are comparable. What’s important is that they are mixed correctly to prevent abnormalities.  

What alternatives do parents have during the shortage?

They can switch formulas. Some parents worry that switching formulas can cause stomach upset, and that can happen when you introduce something new to the diet. It can affect the intestinal tract slightly. So, it can take about five to seven days for the baby to adjust. Parents should avoid frequent switching without giving the baby enough time to adjust. Give it a week after switching. If there are still issues, consult with a pediatrician. Some other symptoms that may come up with switching formulas include gas, irritability, spit up, diarrhea or change in color of stools. Ask a pediatrician about gas drops to help with symptoms. What I recommend to families, especially parents of newborns I see in the nursery, is to start breastfeeding from birth if possible. Breast milk supplies nutrients that can’t be produced in formula. It also has antibodies from the mother. Studies have also shown that breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma, eczema, allergies, frequent stomach infections, and they have increased cognitive development. The Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital is one of the leading pediatric hospitals in Memphis and includes a pediatric emergency room, advanced pediatric intensive care unit, spacious inpatient rooms and outpatient diagnostics and surgeries. Find a physician by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Postpartum Recovery: Healing After Birth

Meeting your newborn is a time filled with love, promise and joy. When nurses place your baby in your arms, you may forget about your post-delivery discomfort. However, once you are ready to leave the hospital and return home, you will want to understand the postpartum recovery process—including how to handle the pain and exhaustion that comes with it. Dr. Charles Ryan, obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Cornerstone Women’s Center, says that most postpartum complaints resolve within two to three months. If this sounds like a long time, don’t worry! Time takes on a new meaning with a newborn, and the minutes and hours seem to fly by. Your baby will be a beautiful bright spot during your postpartum recovery process.

Postpartum Symptoms

Recovery starts right after childbirth. The body begins to heal, which can include a variety of symptoms. Most notably, you may feel after-pains, or contractions, that help reduce bleeding and shrink the uterus back down to its pre-pregnancy size and shape. While it took 40 weeks for your uterus to expand, the shrinking process occurs over just four to six weeks. In addition to after-pains, you will likely feel extreme soreness after giving birth. “Many people describe it as feeling like they just ran a marathon or completed a full-body workout,” said Ryan. “Musculoskeletal soreness typically lasts for several days after labor and delivery. If you delivered your baby vaginally, you would also feel soreness from vaginal lacerations.” Common symptoms in the first week after childbirth include: • Heavy bleeding • Abdominal cramping • Constipation • Hemorrhoids • Chills/night sweats • Difficult bowel movements • Engorged breasts • Back pain • Headaches • Pain in the perineum (vaginal births) • Incision pain (C-section births)

Recovery Time

Recovery doesn’t happen instantly, and Ryan encourages new parents to set realistic expectations. “Be patient and forgiving with yourself,” said Ryan. “It’s normal for it to take six weeks for your uterus and blood pressure to get back to normal. You may still notice some physical changes—such as pelvic relaxation or the width of your hips—that may never go back completely the way they were before.” You may bleed for four to six weeks; some people bleed for a longer or shorter time period. Items like oversized pads and mesh underwear may not sound glamorous, but they are a practical way to stay comfortable as your body heals.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression affects one in seven women. “We screen for depression at the hospital and in the doctor’s office,” said Ryan. “Depression is normal due to hormonal changes in the body. You might not feel happy about your new baby or your recent life changes. This should be temporary. However, if it affects how you care for your baby or yourself, your doctor can recommend ways to alleviate those feelings.” Treatment options for postpartum depression include support groups, self-care and medications. “We don’t want you struggling by yourself,” said Ryan. “Reach out to your doctor. Tell someone what you’re going through.”

Finding Support

In addition to support for your mental health, you can do certain things to support your physical healing. “Be mindful of headaches or changes in vision, which can signal high blood pressure,” said Ryan. “If you lost a lot of blood while giving birth, take an iron supplement to ensure you don’t become anemic which can increase fatigue.” People who had a C-section should refrain from exercise and sexual intercourse and should not lift anything heavier than their baby. “It can be very helpful to have a supportive person at home with you while you’re recovering,” said Ryan. “That person can help you make meals, clean the home and care for your newborn to give you a chance to rest and build up strength.”

Follow-up Care

According to Ryan, newborns typically see a pediatrician within the first week of birth. However, if you have concerns after delivery, he or she could see your baby the day after birth. “If you have a vaginal delivery, you will see your obstetrician six weeks after delivery,” said Ryan. “If you have a C-section, you will see your obstetrician two weeks after delivery, then four weeks after that.” During that follow-up appointment, your doctor will perform a breast and vaginal exam, check C-section incisions and make sure the uterus has returned to its normal size and shape. At this appointment, you might be cleared to resume sexual intercourse, exercise and birth control. Follow-up care may also include physical therapy for people who experience a relaxed bladder or pelvic floor problems due to a vaginal delivery. “Most physical therapists offer pelvic health treatments for pelvic pain, as well as bowl and bladder dysfunctions,” said Ryan. “These ‘mommy bounce back’ sessions can be very helpful.” No matter what your road to recovery looks like, postpartum is a healing journey that takes time, support and grace. Remember—if you’re struggling with postpartum depression or need to talk to someone, reach out to your health care provider. To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

With the arrival of your new baby, you may feel exhausted, hungry and overwhelmed with love. Getting to this point is an achievement—and it’s certainly time to celebrate! However, the journey isn’t over yet. You may have been so focused on pregnancy and delivery that you forgot to learn what to expect about post-delivery. If that’s the case, don’t worry. There’s plenty you can learn about post-delivery so that you feel confident and prepared. Dr. Alok Kumar, a board-certified OB/-GYN at MOGA in Southaven, MS, breaks down what you can expect after you deliver your baby—from what your baby should look like upon delivery to postpartum checkups, sex after having a baby and much more.

Your Newborn’s Appearance

You may be eager to see if your newborn has your nose or your partner’s mouth. What you may not expect is the color of your baby’s complexion immediately after birth. “It’s normal for babies to have a blue or purple hue, especially in their extremities,” said Kumar. As your baby starts to breathe, within about 30 seconds after birth, that bluish color subsides.” Labor and delivery is a stressful event for both of you. If your baby is born vaginally, he or she travels through a 10 centimeter (or four-inch) space in the pelvis and birth canal. “Parents are sometimes alarmed, but the blue color resolves on its own in about 12–24 hours,” said Kumar. Head molding is less likely with C-sections, especially if you have a scheduled C-section. If you have a long labor that eventually requires a C-section, your baby’s head may still appear irregular from attempting to move through the birth canal.

The Delivery Room

“The room can be fairly crowded during delivery,” said Kumar. “A number of specialized people help you and the baby. This usually includes a physician, labor nurse, scrub technician and charge nurse. This health care team, plus anesthesia members, also attend a C-section.” The delivery room quiets down once you have your newborn in your hands. “Typically, the people in the room at this point are family—often, it’s your mom and one support person, such as your partner, sibling or aunt. The labor nurse stays with you to assist with breastfeeding and bleeding.” According to Kumar, the first hour post-delivery is important for bonding. Baptist DeSoto is designated a Baby Friendly® hospital, which means it encourages breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact right after birth, as long as no health emergencies arise. “We take care of the baby as much as possible while he or she rests comfortably on your chest,” said Kumar. Nurses tend to your baby by gently suctioning fluid from the nose and throat, applying antibiotic ointment to the eyes to prevent infection, and giving a dose of vitamin K to help the blood to clot. They will also footprint your baby and place an identification tag on his or her wrist or ankle.

Colic and Crying

Crying might not seem like a good thing, said Kumar, but it’s an important way for your baby to communicate with you. “Babies cry when they’re born,” said Kumar. “Physically, this crying is a good thing. It helps with the breathing process and encourages physiological changes in the baby.” As time goes by, your baby’s cries can be a sign of hunger or discomfort related to temperature or a dirty diaper. Colic, on the other hand, is prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant. “Colic is when a baby cries more than three hours a day, more than three days a week and for more than three weeks,” said Kumar. “This can make parents feel frustrated and helpless. Your pediatrician or health care provider can recommend treatments and comfort measures for babies with colic.” Colic remedies may include warm baths, changes to the baby’s formula or medications.

Postpartum Checkups

Your body changes considerably as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. During these physical and emotional changes, you may experience discomfort, stress, mood swings or postpartum depression. That’s why checking in with your doctor is very important. “Most of your care will come from your obstetrician,” said Kumar. “You will see your OB exclusively for most things. Screening protocols occur at six weeks postpartum and include monitoring blood pressure and checking for postpartum depression.” If you're seeing other providers, tell them if you are choosing to breastfeed so that your doctor knows not to prescribe any medications that are incompatible with breastfeeding.

Your Menstrual Cycle

After birth, your periods will return at your body’s own pace. “A true menstrual cycle doesn't occur until 6–12 weeks after delivery,” said Kumar. “And that depends on if you’re breastfeeding or not. If you bottle feed, your period may return sooner than if you exclusively breastfeed.” Before you resume ovulation and menstruation, your body goes through postpartum lochia, or bleeding that lasts four to six weeks post-delivery. Lochia is a combination of red and white blood cells, amniotic fluid, mucus membranes, and tissues sloughed off as part of your body’s healing process. Lochia should get better with time, not worse. “If your bleeding worsens or increases, we need to know. Call us right away so we can check out what’s going on.”

Sex and Birth Control

While there’s no required waiting period, Kumar and other health care providers recommend waiting at least six weeks before engaging in penetrative sex after birth. “At the beginning, there are some infection concerns,” said Kumar. “The cervix is still open a little bit. Early intercourse could also lead to problems as you heal from lacerations and repairs.” Kumar says sex may not be a priority at the beginning of your postpartum phase; it becomes important later. “Sex is important,” said Kumar. “But it’s not the only way to have intimacy with your partner. Communicate your feelings and concerns. Spend time alone with your partner without the baby—just a few minutes when baby is asleep can really re-establish the bond between partners.” You can still get pregnant soon after giving birth, so abstaining from sex for six weeks eliminates the chance of getting pregnant again before you’ve fully healed. When you resume intercourse with your partner, let your health care provider know if you experience pain. “Having intercourse too early can lead to more tears where a laceration or episiotomy was performed,” said Kumar. “Many things can be done to help you heal and get your body ready for sex again. For example, Kegel exercises can help get you back to your normal self.” As you step into this new role as a parent, it’s important to allow your body the time it needs to heal. The first six weeks post-delivery bring a tremendous amount of change. “It’s a wonderful time, but it can be difficult,” said Kumar. “You may feel pressure to do it all—take care of the baby, clean the house, wear makeup, return to work—all with a smile. These are unrealistic goals for you to reach on your own. Always accept help when it’s offered. You deserve it.” To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

Giving Birth: What to Expect in Labor and Delivery

As the third trimester comes to an end, parents start actively preparing for their child’s birth. You may turn a spare bedroom into a nursery and purchase toys and clothes. Many first-time parents want to plan for labor and delivery too. Knowing what to expect can lessen your concerns and make preparing for your big day a little easier. Dr. George Sean Tucker, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Baptist Medical Group-Women’s Consultants, has been a practicing physician since 2004. He answered our questions about giving birth for the first time, from labor pain and pain relief options to what post-delivery care looks like for you and your baby.

Labor Contractions

Labor causes a dull ache in the back and lower abdomen. Contractions move from the top of the uterus to the bottom. It may be difficult to recognize a contraction with your first pregnancy. Some pregnant people describe labor as very strong menstrual cramps. “When labor starts, it’s common to fear you won’t get to the hospital in time,” said Tucker. “However, you probably have more time than you think. It’s usually time to go to the hospital when you experience painful contractions every five minutes that last for one full minute and continue for an hour.” According to Tucker, your water might break before you get to the hospital—or it might not. “Your water doesn’t always break when you’re in labor,” said Tucker. “But if you experience a big gush of fluid or just leaking fluid, we need to address that. We want you to get to the hospital so we can evaluate you and make sure everything is normal. Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto has an OB emergency department, so you can walk in and be evaluated.” Once you arrive at the hospital, labor can last hours or days. Each person is different and each pregnancy is also a little different; although in general, people tend to labor longer in their first pregnancy than in subsequent pregnancies.

Pain Relief Options

There are several ways to manage labor pain, including medical and non-medical techniques. “Slow, deep breathing can bring relief for many people, as can a warm bath or shower, changing positions and back massages,” said Tucker. You can also request an epidural during labor. An epidural is administered continuously and can last as long as you need pain relief. “Some doctors prefer to give an epidural only after you’re two to three centimeters dilated,” said Tucker. “But more doctors are open to giving epidurals almost immediately, as long as the laboring person is committed to not leaving the hospital until after delivery.” After birth, you will experience painful uterine cramps, which keep you from bleeding and help the uterus start shrinking back to its normal size. You’ll require stitches if you have a perineal laceration or a C-section incision. Those stitches could be uncomfortable as your body heals. “We generally give aspirin or ibuprofen for muscle pain,” said Tucker. “Opioids are reserved for incisional pain.”

Delivery

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced restrictions for laboring people, their families and health care teams. For safety, you will receive a COVID-19 test before you go to your delivery room. Most deliveries are vaginal deliveries, but there is a chance you may require a Cesarean section. In the United States, the C-section rate is just over 30%. You may need to deliver your baby by C-section if labor does not progress or if the baby is in distress. Most people who deliver their baby vaginally will have a perineal tear with delivery. When this happens, doctors repair the tear with stitches while you are holding your baby for the first time.

Post-Delivery

After you deliver your baby, doctors make sure you are hemostatic, which means you aren’t bleeding or hemorrhaging. If you need stitches, you’ll receive those before the physician leaves the room. Babies who are delivered vaginally will have a temporarily elongated head from passing through the birth canal. Babies delivered by C-section don’t have an elongated head at birth. Most babies, despite how you deliver them, will have some bruising on their skin. “When you’re back in bed with clean sheets and blankets, we encourage skin-to-skin contact with your baby,” said Tucker. “If you choose to breastfeed, a lactation consultant will be there to help you. A team of nurses will care for you, while others are dedicated to monitoring your baby.” One to two hours after delivery, as long as your bleeding and blood pressure are stable, you will move to a private postpartum room to recover.

Going Home

Many parents are eager to take a new baby home. You may be surprised at how quickly you can leave the hospital after giving birth. “It keeps getting earlier and earlier,” said Tucker. “People used to stay for three days, sometimes four days. Right now, if there are no problems with C-sections, people are going home in two days. If there are no problems with vaginal deliveries, people can often go home the next day after they have rested and any anesthesia has worn off.” When you go home, it’s important to rest as much as possible. Accept help if family, friends or neighbors offer it. Giving birth is an achievement, and you and your baby deserve to recover peacefully. To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

If you’re in the third trimester of pregnancy—from week 29 to week 40—it won’t be long until your baby arrives. You may feel a mixture of tiredness, anxiety and excitement. Your emotions may be unpredictable, but the third trimester doesn’t have to be. Dr. Charles Ryan, obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Cornerstone Women’s Center, recommends using these last few weeks to rest and enjoy time alone or with loved ones. As you move into this next stage and gear up for your due date, it’s also important to keep a few things in mind about your body and the baby’s development.

Changing Symptoms

With a new trimester comes new symptoms—and even some familiar ones. Morning sickness often disappears in the second trimester, but in the third trimester you may notice nausea start to return. “It’s not morning sickness this time,” said Ryan. “Because the uterus is getting larger and pushing on the stomach, it may cause gastric reflux. While anti-nausea medicine worked for morning sickness in your previous trimesters, Pepcid Complete or an acid reducer will probably be the best thing for you in the third trimester.” As the uterus grows larger, you may also feel shortness of breath because the lungs can’t expand as much as they did before. Some people may develop preeclampsia in the third trimester. This is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and other abnormal lab results. According to Ryan, the only way to get rid of preeclampsia is to deliver your baby. “Preeclampsia is a serious, potentially fatal condition,” said Ryan. “If you have a persistent severe headache, abdominal pain, swelling or problems with your vision, call your doctor right away to have your blood pressure tested and to catch preeclampsia early.”

Weight Gain

“You’ll probably gain about half your pregnancy weight in the third trimester,” said Ryan. “Typically, weight gain of 25–35 pounds is recommended. Some people may gain more.” A lot of weight in the third trimester comes from increased fluid retention. More fluid causes increased swelling in the lower extremities, which can be normal, but Ryan cautions against ignoring this symptom. “Swelling can also be a symptom of preeclampsia,” said Ryan. “That’s something that you would want to talk to your doctor about as well.”

The Baby’s Growth and Position

The third trimester is an important growth phase for the baby. “Your baby is growing and putting on weight,” said Ryan. “The lungs are the last thing to mature. They may not be fully mature until the baby reaches full term—so that’s why doctors don’t elect to induce labor before 39 weeks. We want to make sure the lungs are fully mature before that time.” The third trimester is also the time when babies start to move into a downward position for birth. “Typically, babies turn head-down by 36 weeks,” said Ryan. “We always check the position of the baby at 36 weeks, along with checking your cervical dilation.” Don’t worry too much if your baby is still breech, or feet-first, around 36 weeks. According to Ryan, sometimes doctors can still turn the baby to a head-down position by doing what’s called an external cephalic version. However, doctors typically wait to see if the baby turns naturally, and if not, usually deliver by Cesarean section.

Safe Workouts

Regular exercise can help relieve some discomfort you may feel in the third trimester of pregnancy. People with certain pregnancy problems should avoid certain workouts. You can talk to your doctor about exercises that are right for you. “Some people don’t know that yoga can lower stress and improve the quality of your sleep,” said Ryan. “Walking and swimming can also be good cardio activities. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.”

Red Flags

One of the main things to watch out for in the third trimester, said Ryan, is premature or preterm labor. This is when your body starts getting ready for birth too early—usually around three weeks before your due date. “Up until 36 weeks, if you’re having contractions that are closer than 10 minutes apart and last for an hour, you should get checked out at the hospital or in the doctor’s office. Acting fast can make a big difference, and doctors can do things to delay an early delivery.” In addition to preterm labor, you should also be aware of decreased fetal movement toward the end of the third trimester. “Babies are running out of room, and the fluid around the baby is decreasing as well,” said Ryan. “From about 36 weeks on, you may feel squirming rather than big kicks. This is normal. But any prolonged, decreased fetal movement should be checked out by your doctor.”

Taking a Childbirth Class

Childbirth classes can help reduce fear and anxiety while increasing your confidence about labor and delivery. “The more information you have, the less scary birth can be,” assured Ryan. Childbirth classes through Baptist-DeSoto teach about breathing and visualization techniques, different modes of pain relief, what's going to happen when you go into labor, as well as newborn care and breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. “If you take some of the mystery out of it, it's not as tense or nervous of a situation,” said Ryan. “Childbirth classes can really help demystify the process.” To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

In part one of our series, “What No One Told You About Having a Baby,” Dr. Andrew Stahler, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Baptist Medical Group, discussed what you need to know about preconception care and the first trimester of pregnancy. Today, we sat down with Dr. Elizabeth McAdory, a board-certified OB-GYN at MOGA in Southaven, MS, to talk about potential complications that can arise during the second trimester and what to watch out for as you enter this phase of your pregnancy.

Common Second Trimester Complaints

One issue some women may experience in their second trimester is bleeding, though this doesn't always mean something is wrong. "Bleeding doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem," said McAdory. "If it's light bleeding and it goes away quickly, this is very normal and common. Heavier bleeding that looks more like a period, lasts for a long time, or is accompanied by stomach cramps can be a cause for concern, though, and you should get checked out by your doctor." Another common complaint in the second trimester is round ligament pain. The round ligaments are located in the pelvis and help support the uterus. "As the baby grows it starts to stretch everything out, and those ligaments can start to pull and cause a sharp pain down the side of the abdomen or even into the groin area," said McAdory. "This can be concerning if you're not expecting it, but it's completely normal."

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be a serious concern during pregnancy. For some women, hormones present during pregnancy can cause the body to make less insulin or not respond as well to insulin, making the body behave like it is diabetic during pregnancy. To screen for gestational diabetes, health care providers typically use a two-step process. First, your physician will have you consume a drink containing 50 grams of sugar and then check your blood sugar one hour later to see how your body responded. If your blood sugar is in a normal range (typically less than 140 mg/dL), you do not have gestational diabetes. If your blood sugar is higher than normal, that's still not enough to diagnose you with gestational diabetes. Next, your physician will test your blood sugar while fasting, then have you consume a drink containing 100 grams of sugar and check your blood sugar every hour for three hours. If you fail two of these four blood sugar tests, you have gestational diabetes, and your health care team will begin counseling you on how to manage it. If it's not closely monitored and controlled, gestational diabetes can cause high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. It also puts the baby at higher risk of being overweight, which can put the mother at greater risk for Cesarean-section delivery or potential complications during a vaginal delivery. "The good news with gestational diabetes is that it goes away at the end of the pregnancy," said McAdory. "You will have a higher risk later in life for developing Type 2 diabetes, though. So, you want to continue to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Do all of the things you would do to prevent diabetes in the future."

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

While physicians monitor for high blood pressure throughout a pregnancy, it's especially important to keep an eye on it during the second trimester. "If we know you have high blood pressure before you're 20 weeks pregnant, it most likely means you have chronic hypertension, meaning you have high blood pressure outside of pregnancy," said McAdory. "If you have high blood pressure after 20 weeks, then it's typically a pregnancy-related issue." Women who have hypertension during pregnancy face a higher risk for developing worsening blood pressure problems at the end of the pregnancy, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Physicians will typically check blood pressure at every prenatal visit to monitor for these conditions.

Family History Matters

Having a good understanding of your own health and your family history can help you and your health care team know what to watch out for in your second trimester. "Typically, you get an ultrasound at 20 weeks to look for any signs of birth defects," said McAdory. "It's helpful to know if your family has a history of birth defects or genetic issues, because we can specifically focus on those areas in the ultrasound or offer you additional screening tests." Patients with preexisting conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, patients who are overweight, and patients with a family history of diabetes can also be at a higher risk for gestational diabetes. If health care providers know this ahead of time, they can begin screening for the condition earlier in the pregnancy. "It's also good to know about any issues the patient had with previous pregnancies," said McAdory. "There's going to be a higher risk for that to happen again, so we want to start screening for problems earlier."

The Good News

Round ligament pain and light bleeding aside, McAdory says many women actually feel better in their second trimester than their first. "Many women tend to get more energy than they had in the first trimester," said McAdory. "Your nausea usually gets better or completely goes away, and you're just a lot more comfortable. It's still important to keep up with your prenatal appointments in the second trimester, though! These give us the opportunity to detect possible problems early in the pregnancy." To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

Becoming a parent is an exciting time of change, growth and learning. To help you feel empowered and prepared to welcome a new member to your family, we sat down with Dr. Andrew Stahler, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Baptist Medical Group. In part one of our series, “What No One Told You About Having a Baby,” Stahler discusses what you need to know about preconception care and the first trimester of pregnancy.

Preconception: Planning for a Baby

Your health before pregnancy is called your preconception health. Being healthy before pregnancy can increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery, and baby. If you want to try to have a baby, there are certain things you can do to prepare.

Take some personal health measures.

Start your pregnancy off right by getting your body ready at least three months in advance of becoming pregnant. “I like to call it ‘act like you're pregnant,’” said Stahler. “If you’re trying to conceive, don't do things you wouldn’t do if you were pregnant. For example, don’t smoke, drink alcohol or take illegal drugs.” You can also boost your preconception health by doing the following:

• Exercise 20–30 minutes per day
• Work out your pelvic floor (Kegel exercises)
• Eat a diet high in fiber, fruits, vegetables and low-fat forms of protein
• Drink eight to 12 cups of water per day
• Eat enough calories (about 300 calories more than normal)
• Reduce stress

Talk to your doctor about your medical conditions.

Some medical conditions can increase your risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects, so it’s important to discuss a health plan with your doctor if you have one or more of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Overweight or obesity
• Psychiatric illnesses
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders

“It’s also important to talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking, because some medications are not safe to take if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant,” said Stahler.

Birth defects can happen before you know you’re pregnant.

To decrease the risk of birth defects like neural tube defects, preterm delivery and others, you can take the following steps before becoming pregnant:

• Talk to your doctor about existing health conditions and medications you take
• Make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations
• Take folic acid
• Get to a healthy weight
• Get a genetic health screening

First Trimester: Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are supplements that contain daily vitamins and minerals needed before conception and during pregnancy—such as folic acid, iron, vitamins A, C and D, zinc and others. So, who needs to take a daily prenatal vitamin, and when? According to Stahler, any person with a uterus who is of reproductive age and may want to become pregnant should take prenatal vitamins—even if they are not actively trying to get pregnant. “The reason is because of the folic acid contained in prenatal vitamins,” said Stahler. “Multiple studies have shown that supplementation with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day can decrease the rates of neural tube defects by at least 50%.” Neural tube defects are severe birth defects of the brain and spine. Whether you might become pregnant soon or down the road, prenatal vitamins can help your body get the folic acid it needs for healthy fetal development.

Prenatal vitamins don’t help you get pregnant.

A prenatal vitamin is not a magic fertility pill, and it won’t make you any more likely to get pregnant. However, starting a prenatal vitamin before conception can reduce the chance of not only neural tube defects but also heart defects, limb deformities and cleft palate, according to research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada.

You don’t need to take the biggest prenatal vitamins.

“Horse pills aren’t any better than other forms of prenatal vitamins,” said Stahler. “You can take what you’re comfortable with, whether it’s a chewable tablet, gummy or pill format. You don’t have to take the biggest vitamin on the market. Some prenatal vitamins are available in smaller forms and are meant to be taken twice a day.”

A prescribed prenatal vitamin could be right for you.

Some women with certain health conditions may need higher doses of specific supplements. Depending on your medical conditions and medical history, your doctor might prescribe a prenatal vitamin instead of recommending you purchase an over-the-counter variety. “If you’re unsure if you need a prescription for prenatal vitamins, talk with your doctor,” said Stahler. To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

Experts agree that children learn best when they attend school in person. In addition to academics, such as math, reading and science, students learn social and emotional skills and receive mental health and behavioral services in school. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges for the upcoming school year. Many families wonder how they can prepare their children for a school setting during the pandemic. We sat down with Dr. Jennifer Snow, medical director of the pediatric intensive care unit and department chair of pediatrics at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital, to discuss how you can help prepare your children for the classroom.

Be Honest in the Face of Uncertainty

“The pandemic is fluid and dynamic,” said Snow. “It is constantly changing and generating uncertainty. Uncertainty creates stress for children and parents. It’s important to stay honest and realistic with children about the changes they will face.” No matter what form learning takes this year, acknowledge that schedules and routines may shift, but this won’t last forever. “Be honest,” said Snow. “Let children know why we're asking them to wear masks and practice social distancing. Explain the importance of handwashing, especially during a pandemic. We use precautions to keep ourselves and others safe from illness.” Snow also recommends modeling positivity for children who return to the classroom. “Children are observant, and they tend to mirror their parents’ emotions,” said Snow. “Talk calmly about what they can expect. We sometimes underestimate kids. They are quite resilient and adaptable, especially if they receive positive reinforcement. Help them focus on what they can control instead of what they cannot control.”

Practice New Routines

Before school starts, help your child practice wearing a mask for long periods of time. “Start small by setting a timer or playing a song,” said Snow. “Gradually increase the time they wear their mask to get them accustomed to wearing it all day at school. Make it fun for younger kids. Even older kids like to dress up. Get them a mask with their favorite superhero. Make it seem like a costume or a prop.” Snow recommends wearing your own mask for the same amount of time to model the behavior you expect from your child.

Reinforce Safety Measures

“Teach children how to wash their hands for an appropriate length of time—at least 20 seconds,” said Snow. “Encourage handwashing after school, before they eat and when they use the restroom. Instead of high fives or holding hands, invent a fun, new greeting your child can do while remaining socially distanced.” Some may wonder how to prevent young children from sharing their masks with others. Again, Snow recommends positive reinforcement. “Just like you don't share forks and spoons, you don’t share masks,” said Snow. “Remind children that their mask is for their face only. Teachers will help make sure children do not remove masks or switch with friends.”

Learn About School Protocols

Schools are implementing strict guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most schools have already released guidelines that define in-person, virtual or hybrid learning environments for students and teachers. “As you prepare your child for in-person learning, you may have questions for teachers and school administrators,” said Snow. “What are the masking guidelines? How will teachers reinforce social distancing? How will staff serve lunch at school in a safe and socially distanced manner? Ask questions if your child’s school hasn’t already communicated its approach and procedures.” Parents can also make sure they understand the notification process if someone at school tests positive for COVID-19. “Schools create specific quarantine and isolation precautions for people who test positive, as well as those who may have been exposed to the virus,” said Snow. “If you don't already know the notification process, ask the school what that process looks like.” Returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic will require collaboration and support between schools, parents, students and health care professionals to make the learning environment as safe as possible. However, a surge in positive virus cases could result in school closures. “Some schools have already opened and closed,” said Snow. “Be prepared. Try to create a backup plan in case your child needs to learn at home.” Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Children’s Hospital. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Some schools plan to embrace distance learning this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of returning to a classroom, many students will learn online at home. To help parents and guardians navigate the transition to virtual learning, we sat down with Paige Marcantel, licensed clinical social worker and director of the Universal Parenting Place at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women.

Have a Family Meeting

Family meetings can be fun, productive and meaningful ways to strengthen communication and trust. Hold a family meeting to establish expectations and discuss how your family can support each other as you navigate virtual learning together. “Explain that virtual school is going to be different,” said Marcantel. “Mom and dad or grandma and grandpa aren't necessarily teachers, but they are going to help with schoolwork. Everyone will make mistakes, but we’ll be patient with each other. Let your children know that you're not perfect—and you don't expect perfection from them either.”

Explain the Safety Measures

Children need to understand why they aren’t going back to their school classrooms right now. “Make sure they know they aren’t alone,” said Marcantel. “Their classmates are learning virtually, too. Explain that masking, practicing social distancing and learning at home help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Kids have a great ability to develop empathy and understanding for other people. They can see why safety measures matter.”

Establish a Productive Learning Environment

“For most parents, the at-home learning environment may be the dining room table, a desk or an office space,” said Marcantel. It's important to keep this space clear of distractions and stocked with materials your child needs, such as textbooks, pens, pencils and markers. Mimic an in-school environment as much as possible. Turn off TVs and eliminate phones and other screens. Use headphones or earbuds so your child can listen to a lesson without distractions. “Your learning environment doesn't have to be fancy or expensive,” said Marcantel. “It just needs to feel like a regular school desk as much as possible.”

Make a Schedule

“Create a learning schedule that works for your household,” said Marcantel. “Kids thrive in predictable environments. Think about how much time your child spends on the computer, when they will have breaks for physical activity and when they will eat lunch.” Consider making a visual schedule to display on your wall or refrigerator to relieve any uncertainty or anxiety your child may feel about the virtual school day.

Take Brain Breaks

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents model appropriate technology use and encourages them to set clear boundaries around screen usage for children of all ages. Because virtual schooling increases screen time for kids, Marcantel recommends children take brain breaks. “Get physical movement involved to give the brain a break,” said Marcantel. “You may need to set other screen rules in your house to prevent what you feel is too much screen time. I like to remind parents that they decide how and when their children use technology.”

Prioritize Connections and Coping Skills

“We know that young children learn by playing with others,” said Marcantel. “They learn how to take turns, how to be kind to others and how to respond when someone acts rude. Children practice these social and emotional skills in the classroom.” Parents can find new and old ways to nurture these skills, including arranging a virtual play time with their child’s friends, encouraging their child to talk to friends on the phone or writing letters and sending notes by mail. “Older children and teenagers struggle, too,” said Marcantel. “Acknowledge their feelings and allow them to grieve the loss of formative experiences, such as canceled extracurriculars and sports. Encourage them to continue to communicate with friends.” Marcantel regularly cautions parents not to forget about their own needs and reminds them they are doing the best they can in challenging circumstances. “It's important to have reasonable expectations for yourself as a parent,” said Marcantel. “You're going to get tired and frustrated at times. Be gentle with yourself. This is a big challenge. Offer yourself patience and grace.” Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Elaine Jewell Mason entered the world three months earlier than planned, weighing just 1.25 pounds — and small enough to wear her father’s wedding ring on her ankle. She was born at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and spent the first six months of her life in the newborn intensive care unit where she received around-the-clock care. Premature babies like Elaine are known as micro preemies because they are born before 28 weeks gestation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, babies born too early — especially before 32 weeks — have higher rates of death and disability. Thanks to advances in modern medicine and new technology, Elaine and other premature babies can survive and continue developing outside their mother’s womb.

Navigating a Complicated Birth

Nothing could prepare Kimlyn Mason for the day she learned her daughter Elaine was coming early. “I knew I was going to have a high-risk pregnancy because I was 35 years old,” said Mason. “But everything was going fine. I had no blood pressure problems and no diabetes or infections. It was a good pregnancy — until I gave birth early.” Mason, a certified surgical technologist, is familiar with labor and delivery. But she didn’t suspect anything was wrong until she finished her usual night shift at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, where she worked at the time. “I was so tired,” said Mason. “My husband and I were supposed to go to bible study, but I didn't go because I didn't feel well. When he came home, I told him something wasn't right. I went into the bathroom and lost my mucus plug.” During pregnancy, the mucus plug accumulates to seal the cervix and protect the uterus. Losing the mucus plug is a sign that your body is preparing for labor, which may begin soon after or one to two weeks later. Mason and her husband immediately drove to Baptist DeSoto. When they arrived, she was three to four centimeters dilated. Medical staff sent her to Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. “I learned I needed an emergency cesarean section and gave birth that Thursday,” said Mason. “I went home Sunday, but my daughter stayed in the hospital for seven months.” Elaine spent six months at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, where she underwent surgery to repair a congenital heart defect and laser surgery to prevent blindness. Elaine spent another month at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital due to bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a severe lung disorder that affects premature babies.  

A Bright Future

“Today, Elaine is 14 years old,” said Mason. “She’s a very active child. She wears glasses because she has scar tissue from her eye surgery. She's still in speech therapy. As a baby, she was in physical therapy because she had some developmental delays, such as crawling, walking and talking. Therapists taught her how to sit up, roll over and crawl.” Elaine, Kimlyn, her husband Dwight and their other daughter Elizabeth still attend NICU reunions to visit with doctors, nurses and health care staff who played a vital role in Elaine’s birth and follow-up care. [gallery link="file" columns="2" size="medium" ids="3507,3505"] “I can't even describe the level of care and love Baptist gave us,” said Mason. “The doctors, neonatologists, nurses and respiratory therapists were wonderfully hands-on. They told me Elaine would have good days and bad days. They suggested that I keep a journal, so I could read how her days went. That helped me tremendously. On a scale of 1 to 10, Baptist staff [members] were a 20.” Like Mason, many women give birth to premature babies — and sometimes, doctors don’t know why. More research is needed to understand premature babies and micro preemies. “This experience showed me things happen, and we don't always have answers,” said Mason. “For people who are just starting this journey, I recommend keeping your faith. I relied on my husband, my family and church members. Rely on your faith. Stay grounded. Surround yourself with positive people who have traveled the journey.” Learn more about maternity and childbirth care at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.  

Spring is a time for long walks, picnics and yard work. For 36 million Americans, spring also signals allergy season. As global temperatures rise, pollen and tree allergens last longer and may trigger more intense symptoms. People who are prone to allergies can follow a few steps to minimize their symptoms and find relief.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, such as pollen, grass or mold. According to Dr. Mark Castellaw, medical director at Baptist Medical Group, seasonal allergy symptoms are similar to the common cold and include itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion and sometimes cough. “Before assuming you have allergies, get evaluated by your doctor,” said Castellaw. “A physical exam and current blood work rule out more serious conditions, such as chronic sinus infection or sinus polyps. If discharge from your nose is yellow or green, that's usually an indication of an infection. Once your doctor eliminates infection and serious sinus conditions, it's probably allergies.”

Do-It-Yourself Allergy Protection

Allergy sufferers can make several lifestyle changes to keep uncomfortable symptoms at bay. “On days when the pollen count is high — especially in April, May and June — the best thing to do is stay indoors,” said Castellaw. “Keep the windows closed, use the air conditioning and make sure the filters are changed regularly. Pollen caught in air filters circulates in the house and becomes an irritant.” Allergy maps, such as the National Allergy Map from Pollen.com, help users see allergy levels and pollen count forecasts in different areas of the country. Allergy alert apps can send in-depth insights to your smartphone to help you plan when to spend a day indoors. If you must go outside to exercise or work in the yard, Castellaw recommends wearing a protective mask and changing clothes as quickly as possible. “You may not always see it, but your clothes have pollen on them,” said Castellaw. “If you sit in the easy chair before changing clothes and showering, you’re inoculating where you sit with pollen and stirring up a problem.” In addition to maintaining pollen-free clothes, Castellaw cautions not to forget about pets who go outside during the spring and summer months. “Pets carry pollen, ragweed and grasses on their fur — just like we do on our clothing,” said Castellaw. “It's very important to brush or bathe your dogs and cats when they come back inside. Otherwise, they spread allergens to carpet, furniture and clothing.”

Managing Allergies With Medication

It’s difficult to completely avoid seasonal allergens when the air is thick with pollen. For most allergy sufferers, over-the-counter medications and nasal sprays provide welcome relief. “Over-the-counter medication is a simple way to alleviate allergies — as long as it doesn't interact with your prescription medicine, especially blood pressure medications,” said Castellaw. “Always check with your doctor to find out if it’s safe for you to take nonprescription Allegra, Claritin or Zyrtec.” Steroid sprays like Flonase and Nasacort are also available without a prescription. Patients with severe symptoms can see an allergist to determine if allergy shots may be necessary to find relief. “For most people, over-the-counter steroid nose sprays and non-drowsy antihistamines are very effective at relieving watery eyes, itchy noses, mucus production and sneezing,” said Castellaw. Learn more about Baptist's ear, nose and throat services, or find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

More people than ever before are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the United States, about 1 in 59 children has been identified with ASD, and it is four times more common among boys than girls. Despite its prevalence in children and adults, autism remains a mysterious condition to many Americans. To promote a greater understanding of autism spectrum disorder, we sat down with Dr. Candice Crewse, a pediatrician at River City Pediatrics in Memphis, Tennessee.

Autism Symptoms and Early Detection

The autism spectrum refers to a range of abilities, symptoms and levels of functioning—from severe to gifted. Some children and adults need little to no support, while others require considerable assistance with basic tasks such as communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals diagnosed with ASD have varying degrees of learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities. For children with autism, symptoms begin early and last throughout life. “Typically, children begin to display autism symptoms from ages 1 to 2.5 years old,” said Crewse. “They may fixate on one toy, avoid eye contact and fail to develop verbal communication skills. Many children with autism develop repetitive behaviors and social and communication problems around age 3.”

Social Impairment and Communication Difficulties

Individuals with autism may be nonverbal or struggle with communication issues—including misunderstanding personal space or boundaries, resisting physical contact and not sharing interests with others. “Children with autism appear to live in their own world or environment,” said Crewse. “Communication and social situations are challenging for them. Often, they're not interested in playing with other kids. They don't imitate their parents’ actions—like clapping or waving. They don't make a lot of eye contact.”

Repetitive Behaviors and Stimming

“Many kids who are autistic are also resistant to change,” said Crewse. “They don't do well with broken routines. Depending on a child’s level on the autism spectrum, disturbances in his or her normal routine can cause meltdowns.” In addition to routine disruptions, sensory disorders also affect many people with autism. Noise, light, textures and smells can be overwhelming. Self-stimulatory behavior calms and regulates the senses. “Some children and adults do repetitive behaviors, called stereotypies or stimming, where they flap their hands, rock from side to side or twirl,” said Crewse. Stimming is a tool for managing strong emotions—such as anger, fear, anxiety, excitement or anticipation. Discouragement from stimming causes more distress for people with autism.

Causes, Diagnosis and Intervention 

The cause of autism is still unknown, but scientists believe genes and environment may play a role. Family and identical twin studies indicate a possible genetic predisposition. While some parents fear vaccinations increase the risk for autism, multiple peer-reviewed studies disprove this theory. “Vaccines are not linked to autism,” said Crewse. “Scientists have thoroughly studied immunizations. The link between vaccines and autism has been disproven time and time again. Vaccines are safe. They continue to try to find a cause that can help inform earlier autism diagnoses.” According to Crewse and the American Psychiatric Association, children should be screened for ASD at their 18- and 24-month checkups. “We give children an M-CHAT [Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers] questionnaire,” said Crewse. “It looks at their communication and social skills. Do they bring you something to show you? Do they look at your face and smile? If a child fails the screening, we refer him or her to a developmental specialist.” Many tools and therapies are available for children who are diagnosed with ASD, including speech therapy, occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis, an autism-specific therapy. “I tell parents and caregivers—if they are worried about an autism diagnosis for their child, if they don't want the label—once they have a diagnosis, children do much better when they get early help with therapies,” said Crewse. “They do better in school and socially as they get older.” Crewse adds that many people with ASD, including renowned scientists, artists and entrepreneurs, lead fulfilling lives. “It's not necessarily a bad thing that people with autism see the world in a different way—people like Dan Aykroyd, Anthony Hopkins and Dr. Temple Grandin, the autism spectrum disorder activist and animal scientist,” said Crewse. “People with autism have brains that function differently—and that can work to their advantage. Just because a child has an autism diagnosis doesn't mean that child can't be successful.” Learn more about leading-edge pediatric care services at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Immunizations make a vast contribution to global health. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines prevented at least 10 million deaths between 2010 and 2015. Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, infectious disease consultant and epidemiologist for the Baptist Heart Transplant program, discusses what you need to know about vaccinations, including why vaccines are safe and when to get them.

Who do vaccines help protect?

“Vaccines protect us all,” said Threlkeld. “While we're used to thinking of vaccines as protection for children, they protect adults from serious illness, too. They prevent you from transmitting an infectious disease to other people—particularly people who might have weak immune systems, such as infants, people with vaccine allergies and people with an immune-suppressing disease.” Immunizations typically start in infancy. Early childhood vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect children and others from life-threatening diseases. Children who do not finish the recommended number of vaccine doses or do not receive immunizations face serious risks. For example, in 2017 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented the first reported case of a child contracting tetanus in Oregon in more than 30 years. The case involved an unvaccinated 6-year-old boy who cut his forehead while playing outside. As a result, this child spent 57 days in the hospital, could not open his mouth and developed severe muscle spasms and hypertension. Thanks to vaccinations, cases like this are rare.

When should people get vaccines?

The need for vaccines varies throughout a person’s life. Dr. Threlkeld suggests parents and adults consult their doctors for a vaccination schedule, or visit CDC’s website for a list of vaccines organized by age and population or condition. The site includes vaccine schedules for infants and children, adults, health care workers, travelers, pregnant women and others.

How do people with weak immune systems benefit from others’ immunity?

“Herd immunity is a term used to describe indirect protection from infectious diseases,” said Threlkeld. “It occurs when a large percentage of a population is immunized.” Herd immunity makes it difficult for certain infectious diseases to spread from one person to another and provides a level of protection for adults and children who are not immune. “The more vaccinated people you have around a person with a poorly functioning immune system, the more protected they are going to be,” said Threlkeld. “However, when parents don't vaccinate their children, we lose some of that herd immunity. An unvaccinated child is a risk to themselves and others. When people aren't protected, more people are potentially exposed to infectious diseases.”

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are rigorously tested and evaluated in safety trials for years before receiving approval for infants, children and adults. The Food and Drug Administration licenses vaccines for public use only if they are safe and effective. “When you look at the measles vaccine and the fear of autism, those data have been extensively studied,” said Threlkeld. “There is no link between autism and vaccines. Many parents are afraid because the age at which children receive vaccinations is the age at which some children show signs of autism. It’s natural for parents to look for a link. However, it's been extensively studied and there's no evidence that vaccines cause autism.” Serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare. For example, vaccine allergies may occur in 1 or 2 people out of 1 million doses of a vaccine. Common vaccine side effects include fever, shivering, headache and muscle or joint pain. “If you compare these side effects to the enormous protection that vaccines afford you, your family and the community, it's a statistical no brainer,” said Threlkeld. “Immunizations are designed to protect us.” Learn more about the importance of vaccination, or find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page. 

The Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program designed to encourage mother-baby bonding, individualized care and successful breastfeeding practices at hospitals around the world. More than 20,000 maternity facilities in 150 countries have earned the prestigious designation, including Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City and Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi. “Being a baby-friendly hospital is about providing evidence-based maternity care for the women in our area,” said Kimberly Rickard, manager of labor and delivery and the obstetric emergency department at Baptist DeSoto.

How do hospitals earn the Baby-friendly designation?

To qualify for international recognition, Baptist’s professionals adhere to standards established by a team of global experts. “We follow the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, and that's how we got our designation,” said Lori Porter, nurse manager of the mother-baby unit and level 2 nursery at Baptist DeSoto. The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding guide the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative and require hospitals to have a breastfeeding policy and trained staff who provide the information and support new moms need to initiate and continue breastfeeding. In addition to providing breastfeeding assistance, Baptist offers educational classes for women before delivery, during their hospital stay and after they go home.

Benefits of Breastfeeding and Lactation Support

According to Baby-friendly USA, the national authority for the initiative, optimal care starts with skin-to-skin contact after delivery. “Skin-to-skin contact helps promote attachment between moms and babies,” said Rickard. “It helps babies transition to life outside of the womb, and it stabilizes their temperature and breathing. It also helps support breastfeeding for moms that want to breastfeed.” Breastfeeding offers many benefits for babies, including protection against certain allergies, less stomach upset and a decreased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Also, women who breastfeed decrease their risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and osteoporosis later in life. According to Porter, breastfeeding also helps decrease the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Nurses at Baptist Memorial hospitals acquire more than 20 hours of baby-friendly training. Qualified health care teams help patients begin breastfeeding immediately after delivery. “If new moms have difficulty breastfeeding, I’ll come to their room to provide support,” said Candace Doddridge, lactation nurse and prenatal educator at Baptist DeSoto. “When a mother goes home with her baby, we reach out with a follow-up call to see if she’s having problems. We also make sure to provide a callback number in her discharge information. If a patient is having severe difficulty at home, we can make an appointment for her with lactation nurses for hands-on, in-person support.”

Designing a Family-centered Environment

Baptist’s family-centered approach to maternity care allows families to be with mothers as much as possible during labor and after delivery. A few hours after giving birth, mothers and newborns move down the hall to the mother-baby unit. “At Baptist DeSoto, our labor and delivery unit, mother-baby unit and level 2 nursery are all on the same floor behind the same set of doors,” said Rickard. “We're all together in the Women’s Pavilion so moms don't have to move very far after delivery.” Nurses on the mother-baby unit provide couplet care, which means the same nurse takes care of a postpartum mother and newborn. Mother-baby care offers significant benefits to both moms and newborns by promoting bonding and attachment. “We provide what’s called 24-hour rooming in, which allows mothers and babies to spend much-needed time together,” said Porter. “During this time, moms learn feeding cues, including when to feed more as the baby requires it rather than feeding on a schedule. We provide this instruction whether the baby is breast- or formula-fed.” In addition to achieving optimal infant feeding, the baby-friendly recognition demonstrates Baptist’s commitment to providing evidence-based maternity care. Together, these goals are the building blocks for high-quality care that has a lasting impact. “Moms and babies get unique care at Baptist,” said Rickard. “We support your choices and make sure you are educated and prepared for taking your baby home.” Learn more about maternity and childbirth care at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page.

The number of confirmed cases of a rare, polio-like illness continues to rise among children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 196 cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) were confirmed in 39 states in 2018. AFM primarily affects young children—however, the risk of getting it varies by age and calendar year with peaks occurring in late summer and fall. To help you learn more about this condition, we spoke with Dr. Jennifer Snow, medical director of the pediatric intensive care unit and department chair of pediatrics at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.  

What is AFM, and what are the symptoms?

While several infectious diseases can cause weakness or paralysis, such as polio and West Nile virus, AFM is not caused by polio. According to Snow, the condition is serious but rare. “Though the CDC has been tracking cases of AFM since 2014, we still don’t know what causes it,” said Snow. “There were a few cases in 2014, 2016 and then again in 2018, which is why it’s been brought to media’s attention recently. But it is still very rare—about one in a million.” Though researchers and health care professionals continue to learn about the condition, parents and caregivers can monitor children for symptoms associated with AFM. According to Snow, AFM is usually preceded by an illness.  “Weakness typically follows a respiratory illness, and fever,” said Snow. “It specifically affects areas of the spinal cord and causes rapid onset weakness, typically in the arms and legs. Most patients experience loss of muscle tone and reflexes, and some have drooping eyes, facial weakness or difficulty swallowing and speaking.”

Is AFM contagious?

“Since we don't know the cause, it's hard to say with certainty if AFM is contagious or not,” said Snow. “It seems to follow the seasonal pattern of an infectious disease—it tends to peak in late summer or early fall.” According to Snow, that seasonality is consistent with other viruses, such as a group of enteroviruses that occur in the intestinal tract and cause polio and hepatitis A. “However, AFM is different because it doesn’t seem to be contagious,” said Snow. “We’ve seen reports where one child in a family has AFM, but his or her siblings don’t have it. So, while it doesn’t appear to be contagious, more research is required at this point in time.”

How is AFM diagnosed and treated?

Medical professionals diagnose AFM by examining a patient’s nervous system and reviewing MRI images of the spinal cord. “Sometimes it’s difficult to diagnose because AFM shares symptoms with other conditions,” said Snow. “Testing can help doctors rule out conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome—a disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves.” Patients who are diagnosed with AFM receive early physical therapy and rehabilitation. “Beside supportive care, there's no specific treatment right now because we don’t know the cause,” said Snow. “Researchers have tried several treatment modalities, including steroids and medications called immune modulators, but none have been documented to be effective. However, experts are gathering a lot of data right now. Once a specific cause is identified, researchers will, hopefully, be able to determine an effective treatment.”

What are the prospects for recovery?

As researchers work to understand long-term outcomes for patients with AFM, health care professionals continue to monitor how children recover from the condition. “Some children have been documented to have a complete recovery,” said Snow. “However, other children have long-term deficits and severe weakness or paralysis of the arms, legs or respiratory muscles. Some patients require a tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. But again, we don't have long-term data in terms of outcomes, including if those patients could eventually achieve complete recovery.” Because most AFM patients reported having a fever or respiratory illness before developing AFM, Snow advises parents and children to follow best practices for good personal hygiene to help decrease the risk of getting a viral infection. “If AFM is caused by a virus, there are steps you can take to lower the risk of viral infection, including encouraging children to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze, maintain a healthy diet and wash their hands with soap and water. Hand washing is always an essential step to help prevent spreading germs.” Explore pediatric services at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital, including the pediatric intensive care unit and pediatric emergency room. Find a pediatrician by visiting our Find a Physician page.

Healthy women are more likely to have healthy babies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’re pregnant or want to become pregnant, make sure you are prepared with these 5 health and safety tips from Pam Sere, program manager for childbirth and family education at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women.

1. Maintain a healthy diet.

It’s important to maintain a healthy diet before, during and after pregnancy. Pregnant women should eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods each day, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk (or fortified nondairy products, such as almond milk) and protein from beans, meat and seafood. According to Sere, the body not only needs healthy foods but also more calories for weight gain. “A pregnant woman needs to add approximately 500 calories per day to her diet,” said Sere. “The extra calories should come from foods that are high in protein, iron and calcium—these nutrients are important for growing a healthy baby. The recommended healthy weight gain during pregnancy is 25–35 pounds, but your physician may give you different guidelines based on your individual situation.” Pregnant women should also be mindful of their fluid intake to ensure they’re staying hydrated throughout the months leading up to their baby’s arrival. “Drinking plenty of fluid is essential for a healthy pregnancy,” said Sere. “Most of your fluid intake should come from water—not sugary drinks. Milk, juice and broths are also good sources of fluids.”

2. Take a prenatal vitamin.

Take a daily prenatal vitamin when you begin thinking about having a baby. Prenatal vitamins help ensure your developing baby receives the calcium, folic acid and iron he or she needs for healthy brain and spinal development. “It is difficult to get the recommended number of vitamins through diet alone, so prenatal vitamins are an important supplement,” said Sere. “Specifically, folic acid has been proven to decrease the risk of certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.”

3. Stay active.

Physical activity is important for everyone, especially women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Maintaining an exercise routine may help shorten your labor and keep you feeling your best. “Labor is very hard work,” said Sere. “Women who stay active are typically in better shape for the work of labor. Staying active can also help with fluid retention and aches in the back and joints. To decrease the risk of injury, exercises should be low impact. During pregnancy, we don’t recommend you do exercises that would cause you to be flat on your back—this position shifts the weight of the uterus and baby onto the aorta, which can cause issues with blood flow.” Nonaerobic exercises, such as walking and stretching, are ideal for pregnancy, as they are safe ways to stay active and increase your heart rate. However, pregnant women should stay mindful of their heart rate during exercise. “If you’re pregnant, you need to be conscious of your heart rate,” said Sere. “It should not exceed 150 beats per minute during exercise.”

4. Stop unhealthy habits.

Three dangerous but preventable risks to a fetus include tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs. Because a woman passes on much of what she drinks and eats to her baby through the placenta, unhealthy habits can directly affect an unborn child. “Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs can cause serious issues for your baby—even after delivery,” said Sere. “If you have concerns about any of these risks, speak with your physician for solutions so you can have a safe pregnancy and healthy baby.”

5. Attend a childbirth class.

“Educating yourself about labor and childbirth can help you understand what is going to happen, what to expect and how to prepare for it,” said Sere. Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women offers classes that provide information on labor and childbirth, infant care, breastfeeding and general knowledge to help parents prepare for the first few weeks at home with their new baby. “We encourage all of our expectant moms and dads to download and use our free pregnancy app,” said Sere. “The Beautiful Beginnings app offers a week-by-week pregnancy guide, an appointment calendar, reminders, a baby bump picture feature, packing lists, and a contraction and kick counter. It’s mobile friendly and easy to download on your smartphone.” In addition to the smartphone app (available on the Apple and Google Play app stores), Sere invites all parents to participate in the Beautiful Beginnings program at Baptist during their pregnancy. Parents who attend the program get financial information, hospital paperwork and access to resources, including classes, a tour of the facility and support groups. “We feel it is so important to continue to support moms after they deliver,” said Sere. “Postpartum classes at Baptist include Rattled, a free weekly support group for mothers dealing with stress, anxiety and adjustment issues that can contribute to postpartum depression. Beautiful Bundles is another free weekly support group for moms and their babies. New mothers can meet other moms and get breastfeeding help, advice and support from Baptist’s nurses.” Some parents discover that bringing a new baby home creates stress for older siblings. The Universal Parenting Place is a free resource for moms who need or want individual counseling with issues related to parenting challenges. “Education and the continued support offered at Baptist are the best ways to learn to care for your new baby and decrease the anxiety new parents often feel,” said Sere. Learn more about maternity care at Baptist, including childbirth, labor and delivery. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page.

Peace of Mind for Mothers and Babies

Support for the DeSoto Community

• Dairy products that are low- or non-fat
• Whole grain products
• Fruits and vegetables
• Protein from lean meats, fish, poultry and beans

• Isn’t wider or longer than your child’s torso
• Doesn’t fall more than 4 inches below the waist
• Has padded shoulder straps and a padded back
• Is ergonomically designed
• Has more than one compartment
• Is reflective
• Has belts around the chest and hips

“She’s Excelling”

Her “Special Eye”

Inspiring Others

Taking the Journey with Dr. Calzada

• A temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher and she is under 3 months old
• A fever of 104 degrees or higher for children older than 3 months
• Unresponsiveness
• Trouble breathing
• Vomiting
• Unresolved crying
• Seizures

• Is struggling to breathe
• Is breathing rapidly
• Stops breathing completely
• Is choking
• Must flare his nostrils to get oxygen
• Is turning blue

• Six hours without urination
• Cannot keep down a teaspoon of fluids
• Crying without actual tears
• Lack of energy
• Blood in the vomit or diarrhea

• Keep all medicines in a locked cabinet – even ones that don’t require a prescription.
• Don’t transfer medicines to different bottles.
• Count the number of pills in a bottle to ensure you always know how many should be there.
• Avoid telling children that medicine is like candy – even if you’re trying to get them to take it.
• Supervise all medications your child takes.

• Keep shampoos, soaps, deodorant, makeup, toothpaste, and any other hygiene products out of your child’s reach – don’t leave them on the sink counter or bathtub shelf.
• Supervise your child anytime he brushes his teeth or takes a bath to ensure the products he’s using don’t get ingested.

• Keep cleaning products in the containers they came in, clearly labeled.
• Store laundry detergent, detergent pods, dishwashing detergent, household cleaning products, and aerosol sprays in locked cabinets out of reach.
• Don’t use bug or rodent poison, power, or sprays on floors, furniture, or mattresses.
• Don’t leave cleaning products unattended while in use.

• A new rash or a few hives around the mouth or face
• Lip swelling
• Vomiting
• Widespread hives or welts over the body
• Face and tongue swelling
• Any difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Repetitive coughing
• Any change in skin color (pale or blue)
• Sudden tiredness/seemingly limp.

1. Feed your infant only if he or she is healthy. Do not do the feeding if he or she has a cold, vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness.
2. Give the first peanut feeding at home and not a daycare facility or restaurant.
3. Make sure at least one adult will be able to focus all of his or her attention on the infant without distractions from other children or household activities.
4. Make sure that you are able to spend at least two hours with your infant after the feeding to watch for any signs of allergic reaction.

1. Prepare a full portion of one or more of peanut containing foods.
2. Offer your infant a small part of the peanut serving on the tip of a spoon.
3. Wait 10 minutes. If there is no reaction as the small portion is given, continue gradually feeding the remaining serving of the peanut containing food at the infants typical feeding pace. Whole nuts should not be given to children less than five years of age and peanut butter directly from the spoon or in lumps/dollops should not be given to children less than four years of age.

• Childbirth Class
• Expectant Parents Class
• Breastfeeding Class

• Anxiety
• Changes in eating habits
• Trouble sleeping
• Lack of enjoyment in hobbies
• Avoidance of certain situations

• Place babies to sleep on their backs – never their stomach or side
• Adjust the room temperature to keep him from getting too hot – if you notice sweating, heat rash, rapid breathing, or flushed cheeks, the room could be too warm
• Dress your baby in light clothing for sleep
• Make sure the mattress is firm and covered by a fitted sheet that meets current safety regulations
• Keep the crib in a completely smoke-free area
• Use a pacifier, but ensure that it does not have clips or fabric that could cause strangulation
• Remove toys, blankets, comforters, pillows, bumper pads, and stuffed animals from your baby’s crib
• Opt for sleep clothing or wearable blankets over loose bedding
• Never put a baby to sleep on a chair, couch, waterbed, cushions, or pillows

• Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight noted by the manufacturer, or until they are at least 2 years of age, whichever comes first.
• Toddlers and preschoolers who have outgrown a rear-facing car seat should use a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the maximum height or weight specified by the manufacturer.
• School-aged kids who have outgrown a front-facing car seat should use a booster seat that positions the seat belt properly until they are 4’9” or taller. This recommendation typically applies to kids between the ages of 8 and 12, but all children under the age of 13 should always ride in the back seat.
• Older children who are large enough for the seat belt to be positioned properly without a booster seat should always use the lap and shoulder belts for maximum safety.

• Visibly cracked or damaged
• Older than the recommended age of use by the manufacturer
• Missing the label with the manufacturing date and model number
• Lacking instructions for how to properly use the seat
• Under recall
• Being resold after being in a car accident
• Missing pieces

• Organic acid metabolism disorders
• Fatty acid oxidation disorders
• Amino acid metabolism disorders
• Hemoglobin disorders
• Lysosomal storage disorders
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Biotinidase deficiency
• Galactosemia
• Hearing loss
• Cystic fibrosis
• Severe combined immunodeficiency
• Critical congenital heart disease
• Adrenal gland disorders

• After coughing or sneezing
• After using the bathroom
• Before eating a meal or snack
• After coming in from outside

• Breast milk or baby formula
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Eggs
• Baby cereal
• Meats
• Fish