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Patients as Lifesavers – Cord Blood Donation with Texas Cord Blood Bank

February 15, 2012 in Baby/Infant, Children, Community, Pregnancy, St. David's HealthCare, Women, Women: Ages & Stages with 3 Comments

The words “cord blood” may not mean very much to you, but for some patients, those two words may mean the difference between life and death.

Right now, you may be asking yourself “what is cord blood?”
Cord blood is blood that is left in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby. The umbilical cord and placenta are usually discarded after a baby is born.

This special blood is a rich source of stem cells which can treat a number of illnesses and life threatening diseases.

Now you may be thinking “wait, aren’t stem cells tiny embryo’s?”
The types of stem cells that are found in cord blood are not the same as embryonic stem cells. These stem cells are simply in the blood of the placenta and umbilical cord and are typically disposed of after birth. These cells have proven to be life saving in the face of several diseases and illnesses such as leukemia, lymphoma and disorders of the immune system, just to name a few. This program is not controversial and is supported by many faith based communities because of the difference in the type of stem cell.

St. David’s Medical Center in downtown Austin is the only facility in the city currently offering free cord blood collection and donation. Until now, the only option for cord blood collection was through a private bank that requires a fee for collection and storage. Cord blood that is collected and donated may be used to treat someone who is a match with a life threatening disease such as leukemia, aplastic anemia or genetic blood disorders like sickle cell anemia.

Here’s a snapshot at the process of cord blood donation:

  • Receive information about cord blood collection and donation from your doctor during your prenatal visits.
  • Discuss screening done for all cord blood donors with your doctor. Most healthy moms are able to donate, but there are some common reasons you may not be able to donate such as a twin pregnancy.
  • Decide if participation in this program is right for you and your family.
  • Instead of discarding your umbilical cord and placenta after delivery, your baby’s cord blood will be collected by your physician after the baby is born. This process does not pose a risk to you or your baby, and it not painful to you in any way at all. Once the cord blood is collected, the placenta and umbilical cord are disposed of per Texas law.

The decision to collect and donate cord blood is personal for each and every family. Your options include – storing your cord blood at a private bank, donating and storing your cord blood to a public bank, or discarding the cord blood after delivery. Understanding those options may help you choose whether you would like to be a cord blood donor.

You may never know if someone’s life could be saved by the use of this special blood, but how special is the thought that you may be giving a child a second chance at life or helping a child live a normal, healthy life!

For more information about donating cord blood, please check out Texas Cord Blood Bank’s website at:
http://www.bloodntissue.org.

*All information used with the permission of Texas Cord Blood Bank.

Choosing the best Ob/Gyn for you

February 3, 2012 in Baby/Infant, Children, Lifestyle Tips, Physician, Pregnancy, Women with 0 Comments

(Ver en español)

Guest post by Blanca Duncan, MD

Because the outcome of pregnancy depends on your emotional as well as physical well being, it is important to find a doctor than meets not just your medical needs but also one that you are compatible with. Selecting a doctor to deliver your baby is a very important and personal decision. Following are some steps to help you in choosing the best Obstetrician Gynecologist for you.

Where to begin your search for ob/gyn?
Internet sites that provide basic information on doctors in your area are a good source. Some sites include: healthgrades.com; yelp.com.

Ask around for recommendations. An excellent source of referral is a trustworthy medical professional. Consider asking friends and family members who they see and if they recommend the doctor.

Pregnancy can be financially trying. Make sure the doctor you are considering is in your network of providers. Talk to your insurance. If it is a requirement for your insurance coverage to see someone in your network, you may want to narrow your list to include only physicians in your network.

The doctor’s office as well as the hospital facility where the physician delivers should be included in your decision. You will visit the doctor’s office several times and you may need to get to the hospital quickly. Therefore, the locations should be convenient to your job and home. In addition, you should feel comfortable in both settings. Assess the friendliness of the office staff. Get to know the hospital; ask about availability of tours to the labor and delivery unit.

What to look for in an ob/gyn doctor?
A provider with whom you feel safe and relaxed is key to optimizing your pregnancy and childbirth experience. Below are some things to consider in choosing a doctor.

Doctor’s personality

  • Is the doctor easy to communicate with?
  • Are things explained in a manner that you understand?
  • Do you feel that your concerns are validated and addressed?

Doctor’s practice outlook

Write down any specific concerns about your pregnancy. Find out what the doctor’s outlook is in regards to things that are important for you. For example if you have a specific birth plan such as at home birth or natural birth, find out the doctor’s perspective on this. If you are considering vaginal birth after cesarean section find out if the physician and hospital would be supportive.

Determine if the doctor’s scope of care meets your specific needs

If you have special health needs such as diabetes, heart disease, or very complicated pregnancy history, find out how much experience the doctor has treating these areas. You may want ask if the doctor work in conjunction with a maternal fetal specialist (a doctor that specializes on high risk pregnancy).

Once you have narrowed your choices, you may want to interview a few providers and compare notes until you find the one that you feel is the best choice for you.

Safe Travel Tips for Moms to Be:

December 19, 2011 in Baby/Infant, Diet, Holiday, Lifestyle Tips, Pregnancy, Women, Women: Ages & Stages with 0 Comments

Traveling during the holidays and have some questions?  Here are some important travel and holiday tips from Dr. Linda Fonseca, Maternal Fetal Medicine physician with St. David’s Medical Center.

 Q- What recommendations do you have for women who are pregnant and traveling during the holiday season?

A- “Air travel is generally safe during pregnancy in the absence of obstetrical or medical complications. It is therefore important to ask you doctor first before making travel plans. If you are planning to fly this holiday there are a few things to consider. First, you must use your seat belt at all times since air turbulence cannot be predicted. Seat belts should be placed low on the hipbone. Secondly, the potential risk of blood clots from long periods of immobilization and low cabin humidity has been a cause for concern despite the lack of evidence of such events during pregnancy. The use of support stockings and periodic movement of legs are preventative measures that can be used to minimize the risk of lower extremity blood clots. Thirdly, it is best to avoid consuming gas-producing drinks while flying because entrapped gases expand in high altitudes. Stay hydrated by consuming water or juice. Finally, whole body scanners at airports have been a recent concern to all travelers even thought radiation exposure is minimal. If you remain concerned it is reasonable to ask for a different screening method such as wand scan or full body pat- down.”

“Regardless which method of travel you choose, it is always important to consider how far along you are and the potential for complications at the time of travel. The most common obstetric complications occur in the first and third trimester. So if you must travel during these periods it would be reasonable to have your prenatal records with you and your doctor’s contact information. Also make sure to take anti-nausea or heart burn medications because it is not uncommon to feel sick during a road trip or flight.”

Q- At what time during pregnancy should a woman no longer consider flying to travel?

A- “This is an individualized decision between you and your doctor however each airline has its own policy. Most airlines will allow you to fly up to 36 weeks. Remember the closer you get to term the more common it is to go into labor or have blood pressure problems unrelated to travel.”

Q-There are so many holiday gatherings and meals at this time of year, is there anything a pregnant woman should avoid eating for health reasons?

A- “Yes, holiday meals can contain food items that should be avoided during pregnancy because of the concern for infection. It is unsafe to consume unpasteurized milk or cheese. Unless it clearly labeled as pasteurized then you must avoid brie, feta, camembert, blue cheese and Mexican queso blanco/fresco. You must also avoid deli meat or uncooked meat and poultry. It is also important to stay away from pate, meat spreads and refrigerated lox. Sushi may contain uncooked seafood and shellfish and should also be avoided. Uncooked eggs can be found in some homemade Caesar salad dressing, hollandaise sauce, mayonnaise and custard recipes so it is important to ask the cook before consuming. Home made egg nog recipes call for raw eggs and alcohol and therefore should not be consumed. Store bought egg nog contains pasteurized eggs and does not contain alcohol so it can be consumed safely during pregnancy. Because there is no amount of alcohol that is considered safe during pregnancy it should be strictly avoided.”

Q-  Do you have any special travel recommendations for women who are pregnant and have a past history of pre-term labor or premature rupture of membranes?

A- “It is best not to travel after 23- 24 weeks (viability) with this obstetrical history because of the high risk of recurrence and the need to be near a tertiary center should these complications recur. If travel cannot be avoided but can be planned in a patient with such history it would be best to do travel prior to 23 wks and after 34 wks because management of the mother and baby are less critical.”

Q- If a woman who is pregnant and traveling starts to not feel well, what is the best course of action?

A- “If she is traveling by air she should tell the flight attendant immediately so that medical help can be enlisted. If she is traveling by car the patient or her travel companion can call her physician to address the concerns. If it is an emergency (labor, bleeding) then she should find the nearest hospital. It is always important to know the names, addresses and phone numbers of hospitals that are located along the travel route or nearest the final destination in case of emergency.”

Great information for woman throughout this holiday season.  Tell us about your holiday traditions and advice for surviving the holiday season while pregnanct!

~Meg

[Image Credit]

Holiday Tips for Expecting Moms!

December 7, 2011 in Baby/Infant, Children, Community, Holiday, Lifestyle Tips, Pregnancy, Women, Women: Ages & Stages with 0 Comments

Here are some helpful holiday tips for expecting Mom’s!

During the holidays we are all participating in many activities that generally bring happiness, but may also cause stress.

If you are pregnant, be sure to listen to your body this holiday season! Here are some tips to take care of yourself and your unwrapped present during this time of year:

  • Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep – you are growing an entire human being, congrats! That is hard work. Make sure to take time out for yourself and rest when you body tells you to.
  • Stay hydrated! During the winter months people generally don’t drink enough water since the temperatures outside are dropping. Water is key to a healthy pregnancy and feeling well. Being dehydrated can lead to fatigue and even uncomfortable contractions. Make sure to keep a water bottle with you throughout the day and take small, frequent sips!
  • Eat smaller meals, but eat often- This is especially important for women who are farther along in pregnancy. As the baby grows, he or she will push on your stomach causing you to feel discomfort if you are eating a large meal. Small snacks throughout the day may help you avoid tummy discomfort and heartburn. We often see women in labor & delivery reporting abdominal pain after eating a Christmas feast! Eating smaller meals can most certainly help avoid this discomfort.

What tips have you received for surviving the holidays while pregnant? Share with us, we would love to hear them!

Happy Holidays-

Meg

FAQ: First Gynecological Visit

October 26, 2011 in Children, Physician, Pregnancy, Women with 0 Comments

by Blanca Duncan, MD

Q: At what age should the first visit to an gynecologist take place?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the first visit take place between the ages of 13 years and 15 years.

Q: What topics are typically discussed during the initial visit?

Screening and preventive health measurements including educational information and guidance.

Discussion of common health concerns shared by many young women such as:

  • Menstrual cycles: normal and problematic
  • Nutrition and exercise
  • Sex and sexuality
  • Birth control
  • STIs
  • Alcohol, drugs, and smoking
  • Mental health
  • Acne

Q:What exams are performed?

  • General physical exam
  • External genital exam

A pelvic exam is not usually performed at the first visit unless there are problems.

Q: What happens during an external genital exam?

The doctor looks at the vulva, which is the external female genital area. This is a good opportunity to learn about the body and the names for each part.

Q: What are the Pap test and Pelvic exam?

The Pap test checks for abnormal changes in cervix that could lead to cancer. It is recommended at the age of 21 years.

Although a pelvic exam will not likely be needed, the adolescent should understand what one is.

The pelvic exam has three parts:

  1. Looking at the external female genitalia
  2. Using a speculum to look at the vagina and cervix. When a Pap test is performed, a small brush is used to obtain a sample of cells from cervix.
  3. Assessing the internal organs with a gloved hand

Q: How often should visits take place?

Typically visits should occur yearly, or as appropriate depending on arising health issues.

Q: Why is it important for adolescent to visit ob/gyn?

Gives patients and parents the chance to meet the health care provider, alleviate fears, develop trust, and start a physician-patient relationship.

Assists adolescent in negotiating entry into the health care system when she has a specific health need.

To learn more about women’s services at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center click here

Un-Expected Therapy

September 15, 2011 in Lifestyle Tips, Pregnancy, Women: Ages & Stages with 0 Comments


I recently started taking a pottery class- let me re-state this: I started taking a pottery class 4 weeks ago. In 12 hours of class time I have made a small jar or cup looking piece that is about 3 ½ inches tall and 2 inches wide. I have not fired it or glazed it yet. It’s somewhat depressing, but also inspiring at the same time.

I started taking this class to work on my skills and patience. Centering, centering, centering! It took me almost 6 hours to remember how to center my clay!

What I didn’t expect was to find a sense of community in the class. It feels almost therapeutic. The class consists of all women, all of us very different and at very different stages in life. Some of us have children, others don’t – some of us working busily in our careers, others retired.

Even though it’s challenging, working with the clay seems to provide us all the same benefit- relief. When I’m there in the studio, the only thing I’m thinking about is my current masterpiece.

There is a woman in the class is who about 7 ½ months pregnant or 30 weeks. As I watch her with the clay, I think how life is imitating art. How she is working so hard with this clay to get a perfected end result, much like her body is working hard to produce an entire perfect human being. Both are simply amazing. She is getting so close to the end result. Despite her growing tummy, she moves with intention and molds the clay.  She thought she would have to quit her classes as her stomach started to grow, but as it turns out she is more comfortable throwing pottery then she is most other times of the day. Her tummy lays low near the wheel as she pushes the weight of her body into her piece.  It doesn’t sound comfortable but she says she is!

The class talks about her upcoming due date offering tips and advice along with affirmations & validation.

I wonder to myself if she knew that this class would be an un-expected therapy when she signed up?

What are some of the activities that you did during pregnancy that offer other un-expected benefits?

Check out some of my work!

Top 5 :: Things to bring to the hospital when having your baby:

August 15, 2011 in Baby/Infant, Lifestyle Tips, Pregnancy, Women, Women: Ages & Stages with 0 Comments

Friends and family often ask me what to bring to the hospital when they come to have their baby-
This is a classic tale of LESS IS MORE!

Remember that although our rooms are comfortable and spacious you will have a new addition in the room that comes with lots of new equipment (diaper bag, car seat, CLOTHES!). There may also be many people coming to give you and the baby well wishes.

Here is a top 5 of things you should definitely consider bringing to the hospital.

  1. Your own pillow. Nothing says home like the smell of your sheets and a comfortable pillow.
  2. A small radio or iPod speakers/docking station. Music has been shown to decrease anxiety, motivate and relax a person – makes a great addition to any labor or postpartum room.
  3. Comfortable slippers with non slick soles.
  4. Magazines, books or something to focus on during early stages of labor and after the baby arrives.
  5. A comfortable robe – this is a recommendation from a friend who recently had a baby. Since hospital gowns are ‘one size fits all’ she felt somewhat exposed in her gown as she is a very petite person and the gown engulfed her. A soft, lightweight robe that you can easily breastfeed would be very helpful & comforting.

What did I forget?

~ Meg
Learn More:

Baby-Friendly : St. David’s Medical Center

July 12, 2011 in Baby/Infant, Children, Community, Pregnancy, Women, Women: Ages & Stages with 0 Comments


You are officially invited on the baby friendly tour! St. David’s Medical Center downtown is embarking on a journey to become a designated “Baby-Friendly” hospital and we would like you to come along, watch our progress and cheer us on.

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program which is sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to encourage & recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding (babyfriendlyusa.org).

St. David’s Medical Center nurses have been reading, watching, learning and shadowing breastfeeding experts to be able to assist you in your endeavors to successfully breastfeed.

Did you know that recent studies show that women who breastfeed enjoy decreased risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia, and osteoporosis? (babyfriendlyusa.org)

We can’t wait to share with you all the great things we have learned.

Check out Commitment to Breastfeeding below!

-Meg