Tag: Childbirth

What Does Motherhood Mean to You?

Posted on June 28, 2017August 6, 2021 by Greenville Womans Care

Motherhood, I invite you to think about what this word means to you? As an Obstetrician, I am blessed to witness the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth where every delivery is like I am in awe for the first time. But I would be remiss in not talking about my Patients who become a Mother in other ways. Mothers who foster or adopt their children, human and furry alike. Mothers who provide their own eggs or body for surrogacy so that someone else can become a mother. Mothers who are working hard to overcome their infertility challenges to meet the child they know is out there. Lastly there are the silent mothers who experienced the joy of a positive pregnancy test that sadly ends in miscarriage. She did not get to see or hold this baby that entered her heart the moment she saw those two lines, but now has an angel above. Every day thereafter is bittersweet for anyone who loses a pregnancy, a baby or a child. Even with loss however I am sure you would agree that no matter how one comes to know motherhood, it is a leap of faith worth making.

The road to motherhood is unique to everyone. There was a time in my young life where the thought of becoming a mother or being around children effectively sent my heart racing with sense of angst and uncertainty. I had a defined plan for my life. Starting in the 7^th grade, I knew I wanted to be in Medicine. I was blessed by several influences and thankful to those who mothered me. It was my teachers who nurtured me, and opened my eyes to the power of education and all its possibilities. It was listening to the intriguing stories that my late Grandmother Joyce told of her life as a Registered Nurse in the ER. She would share medical stories that sparked my interest, but her accounts went much deeper than story telling. I saw the passion she had in helping others and the curious navigation through humanity that she made. A journey of this kind could not be made without knowing the love, devotion and tireless work I saw in my Mother. She also empowered me to pursue my dreams. I had a defined plan for my life. I vowed to let nothing stand in my way. How and when would I insert having children into this equation did not seem possible should I pursue this dream?

It was at the age of 21 however that my world was forever changed. I fell in love with my husband and in our new life together also came a precious 4-year old little girl. At the time I thought to myself, “Oh no! Will I be Cruella de Vil to her?! How will I relate to her and better yet will she like me?” Our story together evolved into the birth of something quite the opposite of that which I feared, I found the beauty in motherhood. Life was no longer just about me; it was what was best for her and our family. I was blessed to later officially adopt her. The day she called me “Mom” for the first time, the day I saw my name on her birth certificate and the day she became a big sister to her two brothers are by far the best and proudest moments in my life. I am so glad that the defined plan for my life was altered and my journey to Motherhood lead me to my beautiful miracles. Thankfully the equation for my life allowed me to not only be blessed with family, but they joined me on my journey in Medicine.

Don’t get me wrong and I am sure you would agree that this wonderful world called Motherhood comes with as much joy as there are and tears. I struggle daily to balance my life as a Mother, Wife and a Physician. Every minute you fret and question what will happen if I am not here? Am I doing the best I can? Did I make the right decision? For my children, how can I best teach them to live and love in this good life? How can I protect them from the world? I have resolved to believe that I am human. I try to do the best I can with what I have, and accept that this must be right for me, my family and my patients. I find the humor in my crazy life and call it controlled chaos. My Grandmother Joyce used to sing us a song by Doris Day “I love you a bushel and a peck.” I always loved to hear her sing it, but there is one verse I never understood until now. After she passed I wanted to find those words and know them exactly by heart, I wanted my children to come to know and love this song just as I had. I found the words and I especially love the verse and it goes…

I love you a bushel and a peck

A bushel and a peck though you make my heart a wreck

Make my heart a wreck and you make my life a mess

Make my life a mess, yes a mess of happiness

So, take the time to reflect on what motherhood means to you. It is important to remember and cherish those who affected your past, your present and future with who you may call, or may call you, Mother.

Birth Control after Pregnancy

Posted on August 4, 2016August 4, 2021 by Greenville Womans Care

Birth control is something all new mothers should think about, even if you’re not feeling ready to have sex. Most people don’t believe they need birth control already, but did you know that:

Some women can get pregnant again just six weeks after having a baby.
You can still get pregnant if you’re breastfeeding.
Your body needs time to recover after having a baby before getting pregnant again.
If you’re not doing anything to prevent getting pregnant, it could happen.

Talk to your partner about future plans for the size of your family, and then talk to your provider so they can help you choose the method that is right for you. There are a number of good birth control options for nursing moms.

Oral contraceptives or birth control pills are available in many dosages and types. There is about a 92% effectiveness rate and you have to take the prescribed pill daily in order for it to be effective. If you miss a pill or take certain medications, you should use a back-up method such as condoms.

Nuvaring is a small flexible plastic ring that is placed in the vagina around the cervix. It contains a combination of hormones that function the same way as birth control pills. The device is inserted and left in place for 3 weeks, removed for one week and then replaced. It is as effective as birth control pills when used as directed.

Intrauterine devices are small T-shaped devices that are placed in your uterus by your doctor and have an effectiveness rate of approximately 99%. They act by preventing the egg to be fertilized by sperm. Depending on the type of IUD you get, this method of birth control is effective for 3-10 years.

Nexplanon is an implant that is inserted by your doctor under the skin in the inner area of your upper arm. It is about the size of a match and is about 99% effective in preventing pregnancy by releasing the hormone called progestin. The device is effective for 5 years.

DepoProvera is an injection that is given every 3 months in your arm or buttock. It is a type of progestin and works by preventing ovulation. It has about a 94% effectiveness rate.

Essure is a surgical procedure that involves placement of coils in your fallopian tubes that block them to prevent fertilization. These can be inserted in the office or surgery center depending on the preference of the doctor. It has a 99% effectiveness rate.

Tubal Ligation is a surgical procedure that is done in the hospital or outpatient surgery center. It involves removal and/or closing off the fallopian tube to prevent the egg from moving down the fallopian tube. It has a 99% effectiveness rate. If you are planning to have a tubal ligation, it can be done after delivery while you are still in the hospital but arrangements need to be made before you have your baby.

Vasectomy is a procedure that is performed on your male companion. It involves cutting the tubes, vas deferens, through which sperm travel. It is an outpatient procedure and is usually done by a urologist. This procedure is not totally effective for 2-4 months because there still may be sperm in the vas deferens. He will be tested after the procedure to check his sperm count. A back-up method will need to be used until he is cleared by his doctor.

Condoms are latex sheaths that are placed over a man’s penis prior to intercourse. It prevents the ejaculate from entering the vagina. It must be used each time you have intercourse and provides an 82% effectiveness rate. It provides the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Spermicides are chemicals that destroy sperm before they are able to fertilize the egg. They must be inserted in the vagina close to the cervix before intercourse. They have a 72% effectiveness rate.

Diaphragms are a dome shaped silicone cup designed to fit over the cervix to prevent entrance of sperm into the uterus. It is used in conjunction with spermicides and must be inserted before intercourse. It is left in place 6 hours after intercourse, removed, washed and stored until needed again. It intercourse occurs before the 6 hours is up more spermicide is inserted into the vagina. It has an 88% effectiveness rate.

Withdrawal involves removal of the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation. This has a 73% effectiveness rate and requires a great deal of discipline.

Speak with your doctor about the right birth control method for you. It’s important to refrain from sexual intercourse after giving birth until your doctor tells you it is okay. Most doctors recommend waiting at least six weeks after delivery in order to allow your body time to heal. If you do have intercourse before that time, you need to be aware you can get pregnant even if you are breastfeeding.