Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities. Even when tumors are detected, the full extent of the disease may not be clearly visible with a standard mammogram. Many women with dense breast tissue may require additional imaging after their initial mammogram, such as ultrasounds and MRIs. With the new contrast-enhanced mammogram, the extra steps may be eliminated.

An iodine-based dye is injected through an IV before taking mammogram images. The dye travels to areas of increased blood flow. Because tumors require a blood supply to grow, the surrounding blood vessels collect the dye, making it easier to detect tumors. Special software minimizes the dense tissue in the background, so areas of concern are more visible.

“Contrast-enhanced mammography helps level the field for detecting breast cancer early in all women,” said Dr. Lynn Gayden, medical director of Baptist Women’s Health Center. “This new technology may decrease the number of breast biopsies and follow-up testing required, as well as provide more comfort and reassurance for women with dense breast tissue.”

Contrast-enhanced mammograms have several additional benefits. The process is faster and less expensive than an MRI, and it’s generally more comfortable for women, particularly those with claustrophobia who may be anxious during an MRI. The CEM may also provide patients with a definitive answer on the day of their visit compared to possibly waiting days or weeks for MRI results.

A contrast-enhanced mammogram does not take much longer than a standard 3D mammogram. Once an IV has been inserted, it takes two minutes for the contrast dye to be injected. The imaging takes place within seven minutes of the contrast entering the body.

“We’re excited to offer the latest technology in early breast cancer detection,” said Jennifer Martinez, administrative director of Baptist Women’s Health Center. “We traveled to Boca Raton to learn about the contrast-enhanced mammogram and knew this would benefit so many women in the Mid-South. We’re proud to be the first to offer these advanced mammograms to our patients.”

Most women should begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer should begin earlier. If you have a family history, talk to your health care provider about your risks.

A physician referral is required for the contrast-enhanced mammogram, based on the patient’s medical and family history. The CEM is part of a diagnostic mammogram workup if an irregularity is found on a regular mammogram.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE DENSE BREASTS?

Breasts contain several types of tissue: glandular, fibrous connective and fatty breast tissue. A woman’s breast density is based on how much of each tissue type is present in her breasts. Dense breast tissue has higher amounts of glandular and fibrous connective tissue, but lower amounts of fatty breast tissue.  

Dense tissue can make it more difficult to see abnormal breast changes, such as tumors, because the tissue itself and the abnormality both appear as white areas on a mammogram. Fatty tissue appears as a dark area, so the white area of a tumor is more visible in contrast to the tissue.

How can I find out if my breast tissue is dense?

Your personal breast tissue density can’t be determined through a self-exam or from your doctor’s manual breast exam. Only a radiologist can determine breast density based on your mammogram images.

I’ve been told my breast tissue is dense. Is this common?

Yes, approximately 50% of women have dense breast tissue. It’s not something that needs to alarm you, but it does mean you may require additional screening techniques to get the best views of your breasts. Dense tissue can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities, so your doctor may want you to have follow-up procedures, such as ultrasounds, MRIs or even a contrast-enhanced mammogram as mentioned above.

Are there different levels of breast density?

Doctors use the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) to classify breast density. This system was developed by the American College of Radiology and classifies breast density into four categories:

A. Entirely fatty breast tissue: Almost all of the tissue is fatty. Because this tissue is not dense, it is easier to see tumors or other abnormalities on a mammogram. This is found in about 10% of women and is more common in older women.

B. Scattered fibroglandular breast tissue: The breasts contain mostly fatty tissue with some areas of dense glandular and fibrous connective tissue. About 40% of women have this type of tissue. 

C. Heterogeneously dense breast tissue: This breast tissue contains large areas of dense glandular and fibrous connective tissue, with some areas of fatty tissue. It is difficult to detect changes and abnormalities in dense areas. This is found in about 40% of women. 

D. Extremely dense breast tissue: Almost all tissue is dense glandular and fibrous connective tissue, with little to no fatty tissue. Women with extremely dense breast tissue have a higher risk of cancer than those with little to no dense tissue. This occurs in about 10% of women.

The four categories of breast density, in order from A to D. 

Mammogram reports contain information about your breast density. If your report says you have dense breasts, your tissue falls into the category of either heterogeneously dense breast tissue or extremely dense breast tissue.

For more information about breast cancer services at Baptist Women’s Health Center, click here.

Mom to 3-year-old Grace and 1-year-old Andrew, Rapp was shocked but quickly transitioned into mama bear fighting mode, and her faith played a major role.

"Of course I’m scared, but there was a time when I didn’t think I’d be able to have children. God’s not going to bless us with these beautiful babies and take me away from them. I sat on the bed with my husband, and we prayed. We gave it all to God.”

Baptist Cancer Center  hematologist/oncologist Dr. Aleksandar Jankov ordered a lung biopsy, and Rapp received her diagnosis — Stage IV breast cancer. She was on full oxygen and could barely get out of bed. She was in the hospital for two weeks and had about 30 bags of antibiotics. 

“We weren’t sure I’d ever leave the hospital, and we thought I’d always need oxygen. Making it out of the hospital was nothing short of a miracle.”

Rapp not only left the hospital; she arrived at her follow-up appointment without oxygen.

The treatment plan

Because the cancer was so advanced, surgery wasn’t an option. So Rapp chose an aggressive treatment plan and immediately began her first round of infusion chemotherapy. She completed six full rounds of two types of chemotherapy — in just four months.

"I told Dr. Jankov I didn’t care what I have to go through; I want to be here to see my kids grow up."

Rachel and Dr. Jankov during a follow-up appointment.

Dr. Jankov wants women to know it’s easy to get a referral for genetic counseling.

“You don’t need a specialist to order the counseling; your primary care physician can do that.”

Baptist’s genetic counseling program  offers grants for women whose insurance may not cover the costs.

 Click here for a short quiz to determine whether you should consider genetic testing.

Rapp’s support system

“My husband and mom have been my rocks throughout this. I couldn’t even do laundry. I’ve needed so much help from others, and it’s been overwhelming to see how many people are jumping in to help us.”

Rapp isn’t just a Baptist patient; she’s also an employee. She’s worked as an administrative secretary at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women for two and a half years, and her work-family rallied around her. 

"God surrounded me with selfless and caring coworkers who have dedicated their lives to helping women. And Dr. Jankov — he is wonderful! I told him in the very beginning that I knew God sent him to heal me."

Rachel's coworkers kept her spirits up during her hospital stay.

Baptist Cancer Center uses a multidisciplinary approach to treating breast cancer patients. A team of professionals meets weekly to discuss cases, working together to find the best options for each patient.

“It’s so much more than just having an oncologist. It’s a galaxy of providers,” Dr. Jankov said. “That includes nurses, genetic counselors, surgeons, mammographers and social workers. It really takes a village.”

Rapp is grateful for her Baptist village, and she believes she is meant to use her diagnosis to spread awareness to others. Her children will have important information about their cancer risks, which will lead to early screenings, and she recognizes that knowledge is a valuable gift. She is thankful for the opportunity to show her young children how faith can carry them through difficult times.

“I want them to know you’re going to go through storms, but it’s not about what you go through. It’s how you get through it, and it’s important that your faith never wavers.”

Next steps

Because Rapp’s cancer is so advanced, the primary focus is to prevent additional spreading. Cancer cells were found in both breasts, her lungs, two ribs and her right hip bone. After she completed the infusion chemotherapy, a CT scan showed no cancer in her lungs and no new areas. Her original mass is considered stable.

“They say I’ll always have cancer, but I’m technically in remission,” she said. “My remission isn’t the same as what most people think of when they hear remission. MY remission means it’s stable. It’s still cancer, but it’s not as bad as it was.”

In September, she began an oral chemotherapy regimen. She takes two different medications — one daily, but the other is so strong that her body needs time to recover. She takes that medication for 21 days, then takes a week off before starting again.

Rapp’s faith has been instrumental during this difficult time.

“I know it sounds crazy, but I’m thankful God has allowed me to see His goodness through this, that He’s healing me. I’m so grateful for everyone who has prayed for me and supported my family, especially all my fantastic nurses.”

When asked what advice she’d give to other women, Rapp said, “If something is wrong, take it seriously. Don’t stop until you know what it is. I can feel my mass now, but I never noticed it before. Self-exams are extremely important, and getting mammograms earlier could be lifesaving.”

For more information about Baptist Cancer Center, please click here. 

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. 

“Our  full-service hospital has an emergency department, intensive care unit, step-down unit, acute care beds, a sleep disorders center, women’s health center and many outpatient services. Equipped with 81 beds, all rooms are private and spacious."

Lindsay Stencel, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville CEO and administrator

What services does your  emergency department offer? 

The most common ailments we see are sepsis and pneumonia. We frequently care for patients who need general surgery, such as an appendectomy. We also see a lot of patients who need casts or stitches.

What about strokes and heart attacks? Can you treat these patients?

If someone is in a life-threatening situation and we are the closest hospital, we can absolutely stabilize them. We frequently admit and care for stroke patients, but if the patient needs brain surgery or a stent, they would be transferred to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. We have teleneurology services and can perform some procedures, such as breaking up a brain clot.

Ambulances often attempt to get the patient to the closest hospital that offers the services needed. Though Baptist Collierville is not chest-pain accredited and cannot perform cardiac catheters or open-heart surgery, we can take those first steps to getting the patient treated and stabilized and then transfer them to another facility for specialized procedures if necessary. Some patients even come back to Baptist Collierville for recovery after their procedure. When someone does need a transfer, we take care of the details by contacting the other hospital and arranging the needed medical transportation.

What does your women’s health center offer?

We have a full array of women’s services, including 3D screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast biopsies and ultrasounds. We get a lot of praise about these services because we are so efficient with them. We also offer bone densitometry testing (DEXA scans), lymphedema therapy and cyst aspirations.

What outpatient services are available?

Our outpatient services are really our best kept secret. We do a lot of outpatient surgeries, from ortho to urology. People can come here for an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, respiratory therapy or general labs. A vascular surgeon inserts ports and lines. Many people come to our hospital for physical, occupational or speech therapy following their discharge from surgery or other procedures. Our wellness center is available for a fee to physical therapy alumni and community members who may need a little extra guidance with exercise.

What surgeries do you perform?

Forty percent of surgeries at Baptist Collierville are orthopedic. A total-joint-certified hospital, we see patients needing spine, hip, knee, ankle and shoulder surgeries. We have a great relationship with Campbell Clinic, currently housed in the physician office building across the street from the hospital. (Campbell Clinic is expanding and building a freestanding office down the street and will continue to partner with Baptist for surgeries.)

We also offer ear, nose and throat surgeries; gastrointestinal procedures (such as endoscopies and colonoscopies); cataract surgery; plastic surgery; and general surgery.

One exciting thing completely unique to Baptist Collierville is the single-port da Vinci surgical system. Most hospitals have a multi-port robot with many arms, which makes four small incisions for minimally invasive surgeries. Baptist Collierville is the first in the area to launch the single-port robot, which makes only one incision for an even less invasive process. For about six months now, we’ve been using the device for urology procedures, such as prostate removal and nephrectomies. We are the only hospital in a large radius with this single-port technology and a physician specially trained to use it.

What does the sleep disorders center do?

We have a fantastic facility that many people don’t know about, and it was one of the first sleep disorders centers to be accredited in the country. We have a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) clinic and an in-house sleep lab with seven rooms, where people can sleep in a home-like environment while our medical experts evaluate them to identify issues and offer solutions to help improve their sleep.

What’s the future like for Baptist Collierville?

We are about to start construction to expand our ICU from seven to 14 beds and increase our ICU space to 17,000 square feet. We’ll be moving into our former labor and delivery space and then adding more space. This will include an expansion for our emergency department, going from 13 beds to 20. We anticipate the ICU expansion to be complete in summer 2025, with the emergency department completion a few months later.

For more information about Baptist Collierville, please 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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“Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women in the U.S., with the exception of skin cancer,” said Allison Bosse, administrator and chief executive officer of Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital. “Detecting and treating breast cancer early saves lives. And Baptist is committed to helping women in our community access breast cancer screenings through our clinics and mobile mammography unit and by providing grant-funded mammograms for women who could not otherwise afford breast cancer screenings. It is our honor to provide these lifesaving services to the community, and we are grateful to the local organizations who join us in providing this vital service and honoring the incredible women in the midst of their breast cancer battle.”

Baptist’s events planned for October include the following:

·   Oct. 7: Baptist Women’s Health Center will offer mobile mammography screenings at Impact Baptist Church[KA1]  at 2025 Cilfton Avenue, Memphis, TN 38127 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Women can schedule appointments or apply for grant-funded mammography assistance prior to the event by calling 901-227-PINK or visiting baptistpink.org.

·   Oct. 19: Baptist Women’s Hospital will host “Painting With Purpose” [KA2] at Painting with a Twist in Germantown to celebrate National Mammography Day, which is typically held on the third Friday of October. Tickets range from $39 to $47, and half of the proceeds will support Baptist Women’s Health Center. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/germantown/event/3268180/.

·   Oct. 20–22: Kendra Scott will host a Kendra Gives Back event to help support mammograms for uninsured patients at Baptist Women’s Health Center. Twenty percent of proceeds raised during the event will be donated to Baptist Women’s Health Center.

·   Oct. 27: Baptist Women’s Health Center and Baptist Women’s Hospital will host Pink on Groove On [KA3]  at 50 Humphreys Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38120 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to honor breast cancer survivors. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite pink outfits to the event that includes a photo booth, giveaways, light refreshments, prizes for best attire and dances lead by Keep it Moving Cardio Line Dancers. To learn more or register, call 901-226-0826 or email Jennifer.coleman@bmhcc.org. The deadline to register is Oct. 25^th.

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. 

GE’s SensorySuite for mammograms surrounds patients with an interactive video that simultaneously stimulates their sight, smell and hearing to help distract patients from the anxiety that might accompany the mammogram process. Surveys have identified fear of pain from mammograms among the top reasons women don’t get mammograms.

“With the SensorySuite at Baptist Medical Group-Outpatient Care Center, patients can choose which scenes, sounds and smells will be the most comforting to them during their mammogram,” said Dr. Heidi Umphrey, radiologist at Baptist Imaging Center. “This is important because being able to relax during a mammogram can lead to more accurate screenings, patient compliance and retention. This technology helps provide a spa-like setting for patients, which can help ensure the most comfortable environment during screenings.”

Before the mammogram starts, patients can select video scenery and accompanying sounds from a flat-screen monitor. When patients choose a smell, a scent diffuser infuses the air with the fragrance.

The SensorySuite Mammograms will be offered at the BMG-Outpatient Care Center starting in October 2023. The service is considered the same as a routine exam and will be covered similarly by insurance. Women may contact the BMG-Outpatient Care Center at 901-757-1350 to schedule a visit or for more information.

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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.

Birth control pills are generally considered to be a safe way to prevent pregnancy. However, certain types of oral contraceptives increase a woman’s risk of developing a blood clot by two to four times. For Somerville, Tennessee, teenager Hailey Duncan, birth control pills contributed to near-fatal blood clots in her lungs. Today, Duncan is recovering at home before heading to Middle Tennessee State University, where she studies biology. However, during the summer, a pulmonary embolism blocked off most of the blood flow to her lungs and nearly extinguished her dreams of becoming an endangered species biologist.

An Advanced Form of Life Support

“I was working outside in the heat,” said Duncan. “It was hard to breathe, and I almost passed out. I called my parents to come get me. I felt better until the next day when I passed out at home, and my dad called the ambulance.” Duncan went into cardiac arrest several times on the way to the hospital. “Things quickly went downhill in the ambulance,” said Duncan. “My left lung collapsed. They put a tube in my chest. My heart stopped a few times, and they used CPR to revive me.” By the time Duncan arrived at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, she was too sick for surgery. “We quickly realized Hailey needed major intervention,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, medical director of critical care at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis and president of Memphis Lung Physicians Foundation. “Normally, we use a clot-busting medicine, but in Hailey’s case, she was bleeding massively from the tube in her chest. ECMO was the best and only option.” ECMO stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The machine that administers ECMO is similar to a heart and lung bypass machine used for open-heart surgery. Baptist doctors connected Duncan to the ECMO machine, which pumps and oxygenates blood outside the body before pumping it back into the body through tubes. “We set up the machine in one of two ways,” said Wright. “We use ECMO to supplement lung function or both heart and lung function. In Hailey’s case, we needed ECMO to temporarily replace the function of her heart and lungs to allow them to rest.” As a healthy, active young woman, Duncan recovered quickly and was off the machine after only three days. Typically, patients spend an average of one to six weeks on the ECMO machine. “We rely on ECMO about 40–50 times per year,” said Wright. “Our program is unique because of the dedication we’ve put into it. We’re one of the only hospitals in Memphis and in the state of Tennessee that is certified through the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. We strive to be a center of excellence in delivering specialized care, and our team receives extra training to be able to run the ECMO machine and save lives.”

A Rare Birth Control Complication

According to Wright, patients who take birth control pills shouldn’t panic. In fact, a woman who is on the pill is still at a lower risk of blood clots than she would be if she were pregnant. “Overall, risk of blood clots is low, but it’s elevated when you take oral contraceptive pills,” said Wright. “Smoking, family history and being over age 35 also increase your risk.” Doctors think Duncan’s birth control pills contributed to her blood clots, but it wasn’t the only factor. Further testing revealed that Duncan inherited a genetic blood disorder. The estrogen in her birth control pills, as well as an oral surgery to remove her wisdom teeth earlier in the year, likely escalated her condition. “Because of my disorder, I’ll take blood thinners for the rest of my life,” said Duncan. “But I’m not going to let this slow me down. I’ve always been an active person. I love horseback riding and acrobatics. I’m grateful for the doctors and nurses at Baptist who took care of me — they’re the reason I can continue to do what I love.” Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

A lump in the breast is frightening, even if it turns out to be noncancerous. When Shuntavia Bowman — who was just 16 years old at the time — found a lump in her breast in 2015, she didn’t know what to do. “I was in high school when I found the lump,” said Bowman. “I lost weight, my breasts shrunk and my menstrual cycles were difficult. I didn’t want to believe I had cancer. I wanted to believe the lump would go away, so I didn’t tell my mom.” Two years passed before Bowman revealed her concerns to her family, who took her to the emergency department. However, without health insurance, she couldn’t afford the tests doctors recommended. Again, her health took a backseat as she experienced additional hardships, including homelessness. Recently, Bowman’s sister found a way to help. “Her sister expressed concern to her teacher who then called me,” said Janice Taylor, program director for Baptist Operation Outreach. “When we heard about her situation, we immediately welcomed Shuntavia for testing.” Baptist Operation Outreach is a free health care clinic for individuals or families without permanent housing. It started as a mobile clinic operated by Baptist Memorial Health Care and Christ Community Health Services in 2005. In 2019, Baptist Operation Outreach added a clinic location at the Catholic Charities of West Tennessee midtown location.

Long-Awaited Medical Care

At Baptist Operation Outreach, Bowman met with a nurse practitioner who examined her and referred her to Baptist Women’s Health Center for a mammogram. “During her mammogram, doctors determined she needed diagnostic tests,” said Taylor. “Testing confirmed she needed surgery to remove some of the lumps in her breast.” Bowman had seven noncancerous lumps in her breast, called fibroadenoma. Doctors don’t know what causes fibroadenoma, but it can grow larger over time or spread to other organs. “My surgery was a smooth process,” said Bowman. “I’m grateful that the mobile clinic and Baptist Memorial Hospital provided all the services I needed. They even helped me find a way to pay.” Because Bowman’s mammogram results were abnormal, she was enrolled in the Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi program at Baptist. The program helps patients access grant funding for breast care. As an eligible candidate, Bowman received testing and treatment free of charge.

Baptist Operation Outreach Services

Many patients like Bowman seek medical care in the emergency department because they don’t have the funds to go to an ordinary clinic. According to Taylor, Baptist Operation Outreach alleviates the barrier to medical care for the homeless population. “All the services homeless patients receive when they come to our location are free of charge,” said Taylor. “In fact, 85% of the patients we serve are uninsured and don’t have the ability to pay for their medical care.” Baptist Operation Outreach connects patients with a physician who uses an electronic system to record the details of the visit. This practice makes it simple for the mobile clinic to share patient records with other doctors or institutions who may request them. “It also ensures our patients receive consistent primary care,” said Taylor. “Patients are put into the system and the physician schedules a follow-up appointment or writes a referral for a specialty provider, if necessary. We make it easy for patients to continue seeing us as their primary care provider.” Patients may access a variety of services at the clinic, including adult immunization and other preventive care, behavioral health services, screenings and diagnosis of medical and health problems, treatment and management of specific diseases and minor injuries.

Making Health a Priority

If she could go back in time, Bowman would do things differently. She would give her 16-year-old self the same advice she has for others. “No matter how scared or fearful you may be, go get checked,” said Bowman. “Ladies, men and anyone who may need to make important decisions about their health — please don’t put it off. Take care of yourself. If you or someone you know in Memphis is homeless, living at a shelter or staying on a friend’s sofa, visit Ms. Taylor at the mobile clinic. She makes it her mission to help you.” The Baptist Operation Outreach clinic is located at 1325 Jefferson Ave. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Baptist Operation Outreach mobile clinic travels to different locations throughout Memphis during the month. To find out where the mobile clinic will be, visit Baptist Operation Outreach’s webpage or call 901-842-3167. Explore how Baptist helps patients access grant funding for breast cancer care. Learn more about how Baptist uses its resources and expertise to achieve the greatest good for the homeless community in Memphis. 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.  

For some patients at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, there is a new way to get radiation therapy for breast cancer. The procedure, called intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), delivers a concentrated dose of radiation during surgery to remove a tumor in the breast. Dr. Alyssa Throckmorton, breast surgeon and medical director for Baptist’s multidisciplinary breast cancer program, said IORT helps reduce side effects, such as skin changes from whole breast radiation or risk of infection from partial breast radiation devices. IORT also eliminates the need for patients to make multiple trips to the hospital for weeks of radiation treatment. “Patients can have their breast cancer removed, receive a single dose of radiation and  be finished with all their local therapy in a single setting,” said Throckmorton.

A More Convenient Treatment Option

Yavette Gray was one of the first patients in the operating room. Gray was diagnosed with an early form of invasive mammary carcinoma in December 2018. Initially, she opted to undergo a full mastectomy with reconstruction — a major surgery to remove her breast tissue. “In the end, I reconsidered and decided to do a partial mastectomy with IORT,” said Gray. “Dr. Throckmorton explained why I was a candidate and that this procedure could allow me to get back to work and normal life sooner than traditional radiation treatments.” Throckmorton performed three of the first four IORT procedures at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, and Dr. Lindi Vanderwalde performed the other procedure. In all cases, Dr. Angela Wortham, radiation oncologist, delivered the radiation once the area was prepped by the surgeon. Potential candidates for IORT include patients who have:

• Early-stage breast cancer and are 45 years old or older
• Breast cancers that are estrogen receptor positive and negative for the HER2 gene
• Tumors that measure less than 3 centimeters and axillary lymph nodes that appear negative on preoperative examinations

Understanding the Procedure

Throckmorton and her team made sure Gray knew what to expect, from the first incision to how radiation would be delivered. “First, we make an incision and remove the cancer from the breast,” said Throckmorton. “We put a balloon device in place where the cancerous tissue used to be. A radiation oncologist and a physicist bring in the machine that delivers the radiation. The radiation source slides down into the balloon and fills it. The process takes about 10 or 15 minutes.” When the treatment is done, Throckmorton removes the balloon, closes the incision and sends the patient to the recovery room. Patients go home on the same day. “Before IORT was available, patients like Yavette had the option of doing 20 treatments after surgery in a process similar to an X-ray,” said Throckmorton. “Alternately, patients could choose to do 10 treatments over a five-day period during which a temporary device is inserted into the breast and removed after treatment.” IORT is a more convenient option. Gray, project manager for clinical trials at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, wanted to return to work without having to drive back and forth for multiple treatments. “In Yavette’s case, we were able to finish all her treatment in one day — and she's done really well,” said Throckmorton. “She’s cancer-free and didn’t need additional surgery or radiation treatment.”

Side Effects and Recovery

Gray credits her annual breast screenings for catching her cancer early. “It's really important to get your annual screening,” said Gray. “One of the reasons I was a candidate for this treatment is because they caught it so early. I would strongly encourage women to make sure they do self-examinations and never skip their annual screenings.” Gray’s recovery period and side effects have been better than she anticipated. She manages her fatigue, soreness and discomfort with ibuprofen and rest. Throckmorton has not seen significantly more side effects with IORT. The risk for infection is lower than with other radiation treatments. “It's important to have the right team of medical professionals,” said Gray. “I was very pleased with Dr. Throckmorton — she was personable and down to earth. My joy and spiritual relationship with God also helped me emotionally. I’ve been fortunate to have my faith and the support of family and friends throughout this whole journey.” Since Baptist began offering IORT, 24 patients have received the treatment and only two have needed to return for further treatment (whole breast irradiation). Learn more about Baptist’s first intraoperative radiation therapy procedure, or explore programs and services at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page. [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="3474,3475,3476,3478,3479"]

For years, standard maternal care guidelines recommended women check in with their doctor six weeks after giving birth. While most new moms follow up at the six-week mark, some women experience complications soon after they leave the hospital. Without timely care, preventable complications can be deadly. According to multiple studies, the United States has the worst maternal mortality rate in the developed world — especially among African American women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly a 27% increase in maternal deaths between 2000 and 2014. “About half of these deaths occur after delivery,” said Dr. Laura Bishop, an OB-GYN at Ruch Clinic, chair of the physician evaluation committee and member of the perinatal quality committee at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women in Memphis, Tennessee. Now, experts agree that six weeks is too long for new moms to go without continued health support. To combat the rising maternal mortality rate, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released updated guidelines for postpartum care.

Woman-centered, Follow-up Care

The report, published last year, recommends women have contact with their OB-GYN or obstetric care provider within the first three weeks of giving birth. “Our goal in the first days and weeks of the fourth trimester is to catch complications that might be missed before women come in for a six-week visit,” said Bishop. “It’s important to maintain clear, individualized communication about how new moms are doing.” At Baptist, postpartum care is woman-centered with a focus on monitoring childbirth-related injuries, high blood pressure and chronic medical problems, such as diabetes. “Many preventable maternal deaths and postpartum complications are related to high blood pressure,” said Bishop. “At Baptist, we consistently target high blood pressure throughout pregnancy, during delivery and postpartum.” In addition to addressing chronic and physical challenges, ACOG recommends health care professionals screen new moms for struggles with mental and emotional well-being. Postpartum depression rates vary by state and can be as high as 1 in 5 women. “A baby can be challenging,” said Bishop. “Women are learning to care for a newborn while they recover from a major health event and struggle with changing hormones. We screen for postpartum depression and provide mental health resources.” The Universal Parenting Place at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women offers continued support for new moms. At the Rattled Postpartum Depression Support Group, women can talk with others suffering from postpartum depression. All moms and children are welcome. “Rattled is a great, free resource,” said Bishop. “It’s a relief to meet others like you. Most importantly, women should talk with their doctor if they have mental health concerns.”

Making a Postpartum Plan

Many parents make a detailed birth plan, but delivery doesn’t always go as expected. Similarly, life after delivery is often filled with unanticipated challenges. “When it comes to your postpartum health, it’s good to put a support system in place beyond just the first few days at home,” said Bishop. “Make a plan that prioritizes rest, recovery and successful breastfeeding if you choose to breastfeed.” Even with a plan that includes supportive family and friends, new moms may find it difficult to manage infant care, fatigue, sexuality and health maintenance. Visiting the doctor’s office three weeks postpartum might seem impossible. “We don’t always need to have a face-to-face visit,” said Bishop. “ACOG guidelines don't mandate an office visit during those first three weeks. We understand it’s sometimes hard to get yourself and the baby to the doctor’s office, so we do health screens over the phone when possible.” New moms experiencing pain, increased bleeding, trouble breastfeeding or other symptoms should not wait to contact their doctor. “Don't hesitate to call the doctor's office if you're having symptoms you're concerned about,” said Bishop. “You should feel better every day, not worse. If you start feeling worse, we need to know. You should experience an improvement every day.” Learn more about maternity and childbirth care at Baptist. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Tennessee. Sadly, breast cancer deaths are significantly higher for African American women, a population that is more likely to receive late-stage diagnoses. To help increase breast cancer survival in the Mid-South, Baptist Women’s Health Center offers mammograms and diagnostic services for women who qualify through grants from the Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi affiliate and the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program. The Tennessee Breast and Cervical grant cycle ends on June 30, but grant-funded mammograms will still be accessible after that date.

Diagnostic Breast Care Services

Early detection is the best way to reduce breast cancer deaths. However, many women are rarely or ever screened for breast cancer. For many, cost and access to care are barriers. “Unfortunately, there are women — low-income, older, underinsured or uninsured — who are less likely to access diagnostic breast care services,” said Nikki Gast, administrative director at Baptist Women’s Health Center. Grant funding based on need helps Baptist Women’s Health Center make mammograms and other breast diagnostic services more accessible to patients who cannot otherwise afford these services. “Anyone who is not getting regular screenings or following up on breast health issues due to an inability to pay or access to care needs to contact us,” said Gast. “We will determine which grant fits your needs.” Patients who obtain grant funding receive comprehensive mammography screening and diagnostic services. The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening grant also provides an avenue for coverage through Medicaid for patients with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Reaching Women Where They Are

Baptist Women’s Health Center not only offers mammograms but also ultrasound imaging for annual screenings and high-risk patients. “Our high-risk nurse assists with care for patients who have a strong family history of breast cancer or other factors that put them at risk for the disease,” said Gast. High-risk patients may be offered a referral for services with a breast specialist, discussions on screening recommendations and genetic testing with genetic counselors. “We have been able to reach women at our location at 50 Humphreys Blvd., but there is still a need to find innovative ways to reach women where they are in the community,” said Gast. “Our mobile mammography unit helps fill that need.” The mobile mammography unit  partners with local physicians, churches and health care providers, such as the Church Health Center and Christ Community Health Services to bring screening services to patients. The mobile unit also visits businesses, grocery stores and community centers. It provides a convenient way for women in need to receive quick, 15-minute breast screenings without having to take time off work. “The mobile unit also serves as a powerful outreach tool to raise breast cancer awareness in our community,” said Gast. “An African American woman in Memphis is almost 50% more likely to die from breast cancer. This disparity is tied to later diagnoses due to a lack of access and an inability to pay for care. The mobile unit  focuses on the 14 ZIP codes in Memphis with the highest mortality rates [for breast cancer].”

How to Receive Funding for Breast Cancer Screenings

Grant assistance is available based on financial need. Some grant funding ends June 30, while other grants are available on an ongoing basis. To inquire about eligibility for grant-funded breast health care, please call 901-227-PINK (7465). To find out where the mobile unit is scheduled, please call 901-226-0832. Forms to help patients prepare for a mobile mammography appointment are available online. “Contact us to let us know you need a mammogram,” said Gast. “Inability to pay for care should not mean patients don’t get the tests and preventive care they need. Early diagnosis is key to surviving breast cancer. Mammograms are uncomfortable, but they last just a moment and that moment can truly save a life.” Learn more about breast cancer services at Baptist or how you can support Baptist and the Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi affiliate. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Until recently, it was not uncommon for some women in the Mid-South to travel as far as Chicago for a procedure to help prevent miscarriages and preterm deliveries. Now, local oncologists who practice at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women are offering the leading-edge procedure—called robotic-assisted cervical cerclage. During a cervical cerclage, doctors place a single stitch around the cervix to stop it from opening too early during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, less than 1 percent of pregnant women need a cervical cerclage. “Women at risk for these complications have a weakened or short cervix,” said Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, gynecologic oncologist with Baptist Cancer Center. Using robotic technology, Kumar inserts the cervical stitch to increase women’s chances of delivering healthy, full-term babies.

What is robot-assisted cervical cerclage?

Several second trimester miscarriages happen because the cervix opens too early. While doctors can evaluate patients for an incompetent cervix before pregnancy, the condition is usually not diagnosed until a patient experiences a second or third trimester miscarriage. According to Kumar, cervical cerclage can be done vaginally, abdominally or robotically. “In highly selected patients, our first approach is to do the procedure vaginally because it's a smaller operation,” said Kumar. “If the vaginal stitch fails, then we recommend an abdominal or robotic cerclage.” Robotic cerclage uses the da Vinci Surgical System and requires only a few small abdominal incisions. Doctors rely on 3D images to view the surgical field and minimize their movements in real time. With robot-assisted cerclage, Kumar can take careful measures to avoid blood vessels, hence reducing the risk for errors and injuries. “The stitch is left in for good, unless it's removed at the time of cesarean section,” said Kumar.

Risks and Benefits of Cervical Cerclage

“Just like any surgery, there are some risks involved,” said Kumar. “Risks include pain, infection, bleeding, damage to internal organs and a very rare chance of death. If the patient is pregnant, there is some risk of pregnancy loss as well. But those risks are extremely low, and they are lower with the robotic approach. Most patients who have this operation go home just fine.” Typically, patients go home the same day after surgery. Within one to two weeks, most patients report a complete recovery. However, as they recover at home, patients should watch for nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, excessive bleeding and contractions of the uterus. “If any of those things are going on, please call us,” said Kumar. “We can make sure our health care team sees you and takes the appropriate next steps.” For cervical cerclage patient Andranika Arnett, the main benefit of the procedure—preventing preterm births—outweighed possible risks and gave her hope for finally starting a family. “It was a relief,” said Arnett. “I thought it was the end—that I wasn’t going to be able to try for a child again.” In addition to helping women start families of their own, robotic-assisted cervical cerclage is a minimally invasive option resulting in less pain, less scarring and less trauma to muscles and nerves. “Especially if you’re older or overweight and your doctor recommends abdominal cervical cerclage, discuss the robotic approach with him or her,” said Kumar. “This method is going to decrease your risk of infection and lessen pain during recovery. The robotic approach to the operation will be safer overall.”

Choosing Cervical Cerclage at Baptist

Kumar and Baptist’s health care team are passionate about helping patients understand the risks, benefits and team approach they take to robotic cervical cerclage. Patients know what to expect before, during and after surgery. “At our clinic, patients fast after midnight to prepare for the procedure,” said Kumar. “On the day of the operation, the surgery itself lasts 30 to 40 minutes—and patients typically go home that day. Previously, our patients traveled as far as Chicago for this operation, but I want them to know that we are doing these operations now at Baptist. They should not have to travel out of town because we can do it right here in Memphis.” Watch the WMC news story to learn more about robotic-assisted cervical cerclage or explore maternity programs and the high-risk delivery referral program at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. Find a doctor 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.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death for babies between 1 month and 12 months old. It is the unexplained, unexpected death of an infant, and it is often determined after a thorough investigation. While many SIDS cases remain a mystery, experts believe unsafe sleeping environments—such as a crib with blankets, toys or pillows—can result in accidental sleep-related deaths. Fortunately, parents, grandparents and other caregivers can help reduce the risk for SIDS and sleep-related accidents by following these 4 steps.

1. Always place babies on their backs to sleep.

Babies should never sleep on their stomachs or sides. Instead, you place babies on their backs, according to Kristi Davis, registered nurse, childbirth educator and board-certified lactation consultant at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. “Back in the mid-90s, we noticed that when babies slept on their backs, a greater percentage of babies did not die of SIDS,” said Davis. “Health care providers and pediatricians began educating parents and caregivers on the importance of placing babies on their backs, so as not to block the airway. Because of the increased awareness and education around sleeping placement and the dangers of accidental suffocation, the SIDS rate dropped 50 percent.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics both support placing a baby on his or her back, including for naps throughout the day, at night and while traveling. “Car seats are great for transport—and of course, it’s fantastic when babies fall asleep in them,” said Davis. “But car seats are not intended to be a sleeping device. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles need to remove a sleeping baby from a car seat and place him or her flat to sleep as soon as possible.”

2. Use a safety-approved crib and firm mattress.

CDC recommends choosing a crib, bassinet or cradle that is no more than 10 years old and has been certified safe by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Signs a crib is unsafe include loose or modified parts and gaps between the crib and mattress. According to Davis, parents should also make sure the sleeping space is bare. “Keep everything out of the crib,” said Davis. “Blankets, toys, bumpers and pillows—these items can twist around a baby’s head or push against the face. A bare crib is the safest sleeping environment for an infant.” In addition, Davis recommends using a firm mattress that can properly support a baby’s growing spine and bones. An organic cotton mattress is not only firm but comfortable for infants.

3. Dress babies lightly for sleep.

While experts encourage an empty crib at bedtime, some parents worry their infant will become cold or uncomfortable without a soft blanket to keep them warm at night. However, according to Davis, cooler environments and less clothing make breathing easier for babies. “Many of us think we need to wrap babies in several layers of clothing, but that's not necessary,” said Davis. “They are just as comfortable as we are. To help them sleep cool, I always recommend no more than three things on the baby. They should have their diaper, an undershirt or onesie and a wearable blanket or sleeper.” Set a room temperature that feels comfortable for average adults, and monitor your baby for signs of overheating, such as rosy cheeks and damp hair.

4. Avoid sharing a bed with an infant.

Bed-sharing, or co-sleeping, means you and your baby sleep together in the same bed. This can be a dangerous practice, as studies have shown bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS. According to Davis, parents and babies can sleep in the same room but not in the same bed. “Our beds are made for grown people,” said Davis. “We have soft pillowtop and memory foam mattresses. These are designed for adult comfort, whereas babies need to sleep on a firm surface.” Bed-sharing also poses other dangers, including accidental suffocation. Babies can fall off the bed or get stuck under blankets or an adult’s body. While health care professionals and researchers say co-sleeping is off limits, there are ways to achieve much needed cuddle time with new babies. “You can still snuggle with your baby—just don't do it in your soft, cushy bed,” said Davis. “You'll have to lie on something firm like the floor. Put your baby on the floor beside you, but don’t share a bed.” Learn more about maternity care, childbirth services and breastfeeding counseling at Baptist, or find a nearby maternity specialist on our Find a Doctor page.

Breast Cancer Disparities

Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities Through Komen Funding 

How the Komen Community Grant Helps Underinsured Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Implementing Blood Loss Best Practices

Treating Dangerous Blood Pressure

Providing Services for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Peace of Mind for Mothers and Babies

Support for the DeSoto Community

Q. Why does Baptist prefer to manage hysterectomy pain with other pain relievers?

Q. How should I tend to my incisions?

Q. I feel fatigued and exhausted after my hysterectomy. Is something wrong with me?

Q. Do you recommend exercise following a hysterectomy?

• Who you want present during delivery
• Whether you’d like to be in bed, walking around, sitting up, or in a tub during labor
• If photos and video are acceptable and who should be responsible
• Eating and drinking during active labor
• Birthing positions
• Things you’d like to bring into the room, like music or personal items

• An epidural
• Pain medication
• Fetal monitoring
• Oxytocin
• Vacuum extraction or use of forceps
• Episiotomies
• C-sections vs. vaginal delivery

• Whether you want to hold the baby immediately after birth
• Breastfeeding plans
• Involvement of your partner
• Cutting the cord
• Banking cord blood
• Suctioning requests
• Placenta requests

• Water retention
• High blood pressure
• Protein in urine

• Changes in vision
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Infrequent urination
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Lower back pain
• Anxiety
• Frequent, easy bruising

• Having your first pregnancy
• History of preeclampsia in your family
• A multiple pregnancy
• In vitro fertilization
• Being between the ages of 20 and 40
• Previous experience with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension

• Sumucous fibroid: grows underneath the lining of the uterus
• Intramural fibroid: grows in the wall of the uterus
• Intracavitary fibroid: grows inside the uterine cavity
• Pedunculated fibroid: attached to the uterus by a stalk
• Subserosal fibroid: grows on the outer surface of the uterus

• Use of birth control at an early age
• Having experienced one or more pregnancies in the past
• Diet with large amounts of red meat
• African American ethnicity

• Heavier menstrual bleeding, increased duration of bleeding, or bleeding in between periods
• Feelings of pressure or fullness in the abdomen
• Location specific symptoms, like constipation, painful intercourse, or frequent urination
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Pregnancy complications like difficulties with labor, breeched fetus, water breaking early, or separation of the placenta from the uterine wall

• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Unusual fatigue occurring with activity
• Discomfort during physical activity

1. Birth defects are so rare – my child isn’t likely to have one. Many parents don’t realize how common birth defects actually are. Every 4 ½ minutes, a baby in the United States is born with one. They impact one in 33 babies each year and are responsible for one in five infant deaths. Almost 120,000 babies are affected by a birth defect every single year.
2. Genetics are the only cause of birth defects. While genetics certainly can be the cause of a birth defect, they are not the only cause. In fact, many birth defects are the result of simple lifestyle factors like smoking, using drugs or consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Other things like lack of folic acid in the diet or exposure to dangerous chemicals or viruses during pregnancy can also greatly increase your infant’s risk.
3. Moms can’t do anything to prevent birth defects. There is no way to guarantee that your baby will be born without a birth defect, but there are many things that can be done to reduce his risk. This includes:
   • Taking folic acid supplements before conception
   • Taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy
   • Avoiding tobacco, drugs and alcohol during pregnancy
   • Speaking with your doctor about medications you’re currently taking
   • Maintaining a healthy weight to prevent obesity and diabetes
4. If my baby leaves the hospital without a diagnosis, he does not have a birth defect. Some birth defects affect physical appearance, but not all. In fact, many birth defects aren’t found right after birth. For example, if your little one has spina bifida, cleft lip, or another physical defect, it will be easily spotted. However, heart defects might not be caught immediately. It’s important to have a relationship with your pediatrician and bring your baby in for check-ups as often as recommended to ensure that anything not spotted at birth can be identified as early as possible. If you’re concerned about the risk of birth defects due to genetics in your family health history or need recommendations for adjusting your lifestyle before getting pregnant, speak with your doctor today.

• Childbirth Class
• Expectant Parents Class
• Breastfeeding Class

What kind of special amenities are offered at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women that are unique to the area?

How does Baptist support moms after they return home?

How does Baptist work to meet an expectant mother’s birth plan?

Why should an expectant mother choose Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women?

• Feeding every two to three hours is common.
• One sign that you are producing a healthy supply of milk is the presence of the milk-ejection reflex.

• Address issues with milk production
• Help identify and diagnose breast infections
• Provide suggestions for treatment
• Show you how to help your baby properly latch on
• Help you wean your baby when the time comes
• Assist you in recognizing your little one’s specific hunger signs

• Floppy hat: Wearing a hat helps to provide shade.
• Dresses and skirts: Flowy fabrics will keep you cooler and allows room for growth as your tummy gets bigger.
• Sandals or flip flops: Permits your feet to breathe and provides room for swelling.

• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• If possible, go by ambulance or have someone else drive you to the hospital
• Remain calm and do your best to take deep breaths

• Irregular periods
• Abnormal periods
• No periods at all
• Especially painful back pain, pelvic pain, and cramping during periods
• Changes in libido (desire for sexual activity)
• Changes to skin, like acne
• Loss or thinning of hair
• Unexplained weight gain
• Hair growth on the chest, chin, and lips
• Pain during intercourse
• A milky, white discharge from the nipples that is not correlated with breastfeeding

• Aging
• Severe stress that causes a lack of menstruation
• Dangerous levels of weight gain or weight loss
• Tobacco use
• Extreme alcohol consumption

• Varicoceles: when a man’s testicles overheat because they are large
• Exposure to lead or pesticides
• Lifestyle habits like smoking, use of steroids, hefty alcohol consumption, testosterone supplements, and drug use
• Other medical issues like testicular failure, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis
• Previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment