- General Page Tier 3BlogAs a lactation consultant, I talk to moms everyday about the ‘villages’ they have formed and found around their breastfeeding journey. This is a constant theme I hear when asking a new mom about what was most helpful in finding support and encouragement. August is National Breastfeeding Month, which serves as an important reminder of the health benefits of breastfeeding. Breast milk is a natural source of nutrition and provides the healthiest start for an infant, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (although any amount of time you breastfeed is beneficial) and say it’s an investment in the short- and long-term health of your baby, as opposed to just a lifestyle choice. READ MORE: Six ways to support a new mom A support system is key to meeting your personal breastfeeding goals. Here are some of the ways and places you can connect with other moms: Find support during the three most important phases. During your pregnancy, take a breastfeeding class in person or online. After giving birth, talk with a board certified lactation consultant. In the early weeks after birth, visit a support group. Connecting with care during all three of these time periods will have a huge impact on your wellbeing and success. Get out and about while nursing! Public breastfeeding is now legal in all 50 states. You can meet friends in the same places you would normally. Talk to a friend who has children. Ask them what they wish they knew before they started breastfeeding and what helped them stay motivated. If you will be pumping at work, talk to your co-workers and your boss about your plans and goals for keeping up with breastfeeding. Their understanding will make a big difference during the transition. Involve your partner, a family member or someone else you feel close to. Ask them to join you for a class or support group. The more support you have the more successful your journey will be. Check out Facebook! There are a number of online communities locally, nationally and even globally where you can ask questions and connect with other moms (even during those middle-of-the-night feedings). Find a group that’s a good fit for you. Breastfeeding Resources AAMC offers several breastfeeding support classes, all of which have gone virtual due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. See a complete schedule here. Breastfeeding Warm Line: Anne Arundel Medical Center’s lactation staff is available to answer any questions you might have about breastfeeding. You can reach our consultants seven days a week via our Warm Line at 443-481-6977. Simply leave a message and they’ll return your call between 9 am and 4 pm the same day. You can also e-mail our lactation staff anytime at [email protected]. Find a Lactation Consultant: A board-certified lactation consultant can help address your breastfeeding concerns or challenges. You can find one in your area through the United States Lactation Consultant Association directory. AAMC Smart Parents: Join our Facebook community focused on the journey of parenthood. This is a safe, non-judgmental group to ask questions and get answers from local moms and dads, and AAMC experts. Author Kelly Kendall is a nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Aug. 6, 2018. Last updated Aug. 10, 2020.0
- Women's Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMotherhood is one of the most beautiful and exciting experiences in the world. It can also be downright difficult! Especially in the beginning, moms need the love and support of their partner, family and friends. Here are six ways you can help support a new mom. Drop off a meal. There is one thing all moms have to do—eat! She may not want you to do her laundry. She may not ask you to do her grocery shopping. But, she will eat your food—especially if it’s her favorite. A pre-made dinner is the best gift on those days when mom’s exhausted, has been tending to a newborn all day and can’t find the time to prepare a meal. Help her reach her “mom goals”— like breastfeeding! Many moms want to breastfeed. It becomes an important goal for her. But once the baby arrives she may run into challenges. If you know it’s important to her, encourage her not to give up and to consult help from a lactation consultant. Helping her find her strength and confidence as a mom is probably the most important and powerful way you can support her. (See below for a full list of resources.) Remind her she’s more than her new role. Many moms feel they lose their identity as they transition into motherhood. Moms give their babies a ton of love and they may not leave enough for themselves. Remind her that SHE is just as important as her new baby. Encourage her to spare some moments for herself to do something she loves, something that makes her feel like herself! Offer to tag along with her and help her find her confidence. Getting out of the house can feel like an overwhelming task with a new baby. Offer to go with her as she ventures out. Having a buddy with her as she learns to boldly nurse in public or change a diaper almost anywhere can help boost her confidence and set the right tone for her future solo trips. Just listen. A new mom may want to gush about all the adorable things her new baby is doing, or may need to vent about her difficulties as she discovers motherhood. If she needs to get some things off her chest, just listen. An open ear, a kind smile and an understanding hug will go a long way. Remind mom she’s doing a great job. Being a mom is not as easy as she may make it look. While holding it together, she might feel like it’s all about to fall apart. She may feel like her efforts are being shadowed by the challenges of breastfeeding. She may still be getting used to the responsibility of a new child. Tell her she’s doing a great job! It will mean so much to her that her efforts are noticed and that she’s somehow figuring out this motherhood thing. Being a mother is one of the hardest yet most rewarding jobs in the world. Sometimes it’s hard for a new mom to recognize the rewards because of the many hurdles she faces every day. All new moms have to find out what works for them and their new family but she shouldn’t feel alone in that journey. Be there to offer support, encouragement, a break or just to listen. She deserves it and everyone wins when mom is happy! Author Lindsay Bittinger is a local mom, living in southern Anne Arundel County with her husband, two daughters and one crazy puppy. Breastfeeding Resources Breastfeeding Basics Class: Learn how to prepare for breastfeeding, how to hold your baby, how often and how long to feed, how to avoid common problems and much more. Breastfeeding Warm Line: Anne Arundel Medical Center’s lactation staff is available to answer any questions you might have about breastfeeding. You can reach our consultants seven days a week via our Warm Line at 443-481-6977. Simply leave a message and they’ll return your call between 9 am and 4 pm the same day. You can also e-mail our lactation staff anytime at [email protected]. Breastfeeding Support Group: Breastfeeding mothers are welcome to this gathering on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The group is led by Kim Knight, a board-certified lactation consultant. The group is very informal and welcoming to breastfeeding mothers regardless of experience or degree of commitment. Bring your baby! Find a Lactation Consultant: A board-certified lactation consultant can help address your breastfeeding concerns or challenges. You can find one in your area through the United States Lactation Consultant Association directory. Back to Work and Breastfeeding Support Group: Discuss questions and concerns common to nursing moms who returned to work. Share your experiences and hear new ideas on how to continue to work and breastfeed successfully. This group meets the first Friday of every month at the Big Vanilla in Pasadena. AAMC Smart Parents: Join our Facebook community focused on the journey of parenthood. This is a safe, non-judgmental group to ask questions and get answers from local moms and dads, and AAMC experts. Originally published April 14, 2016. Last updated May 2, 2019.0
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSummer is finally here! The sun is out, the grass is green and you are likely to participate in many outdoor activities. Along with all this summer fun comes heat and humidity. So, as the mercury rises, you need to pay close attention to your hydration. Your body is 60 percent water by weight and proper hydration is essential for your overall health. Approximately 80 percent of our water intake comes from drinking water and other beverages, and the other 20 percent comes from food. The water you consume optimizes blood pressure, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints and aids in digestion. As your body works hard to keep you cool, you lose fluid through sweating and evaporation. How do you increase your water intake without feeling waterlogged or like you have to go to the bathroom all the time? Here are 10 tips to stay hydrated this summer: Make sure you drink enough. Fluid recommendations are based upon body weight but a good rule of thumb is to aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Purchase reusable water bottles. This is safer for you and the environment but also makes you mindful to drink if you carry it with you throughout the day. Infuse with flavor. Infusing your water with fruit slices, lemon or lime can make for a refreshing beverage without added sweeteners. Drink before you eat. Sometimes our brains confuse thirst for hunger, so next time the feeling strikes, hydrate before eating and your hunger pains may disappear. Fill up on electrolytes. A sports drink can replace minerals you lose while sweating. Avoid sugary ones that can lead to dehydration. Use caution with very cold beverages as these can lead to stomach cramps. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake. Heat acts as a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose more fluid through urine, resulting in dehydration. If alcohol is in the mix for your summer outing, alternate every drink with a water. Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables. Most fruits and veggies are 85-95 percent of water. So eat up! Exercise in the early morning hours or late evening. Pound the pavement when the sun is not out in full force and temperatures are cooler. If you do exercise in the heat for more than one hour, supplement water with a sports drink that contains 6 to 8 percent carbohydrates. This prevents hyponatremia, which dilutes your blood and could also lead to serious impairment or death. Know the warning signs of dehydration. Early signs include increased thirst, flushed skin, fatigue and concentrated urine. Later signs of more severe dehydration can be dizziness, weakness and labored breathing with exertion. If you notice these signs it is time to make hydrating a priority. Snack on dried fruits and nuts. For long hikes, when you will need food, dried fruit and nut mixtures contain high amounts of potassium, sodium, protein, carbohydrates and calories. However, continue to drink plenty of water. Water is truly the elixir of life. As you experience all the wonderful milestones of summer, remember to drink plenty of water and eat a diet rich in hydrating whole fruits and vegetables to keep you going strong all season long. Authors Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford are nutritionists and registered dietitians at Luminis Health. To reach them, call 443-481-5555 or visit Luminis Health Nutrition Services. Originally published July 2018. Last updated July 2022.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnswers to some commonly asked questions Updated on January 10, 2022 Many of us miss the days when a sore throat was just a sore throat. In the current environment, a sore throat or other symptoms can lead to several questions. Should you take a test, or call a provider? Barry Meisenberg, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief Academic Officer at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, answers several frequently asked questions below regarding symptoms, testing, and what to do if you feel sick. What are the symptoms of the new Omicron variant? Although symptoms vary by person, the most common are fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, headache, and body aches. You may experience loss of smell or taste, but this does not occur as often, compared to previous variants of the virus. Should I go to the emergency room (ER) for a COVID test? No, the emergency room is not a testing site. Only go to the ER if you have severe pain, severe illness or life-threatening conditions. ERs are experiencing high volumes and delays can be expected. Better alternatives for urgent medical care (COVID-19-related or not), include your physician’s patient portal or urgent care sites for any condition that is not life-threatening or severe. Should I contact my doctor if I feel sick or test positive for COVID-19? You should contact your primary care provider if your symptoms become severe, you have difficulty breathing, you have other complicating medical conditions, you are experiencing high or low blood sugars as a diabetic, or you have a significantly or sustained high fever. Visit the Maryland Department of Health website for COVID-19 testing information. What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19? If you have mild to moderate symptoms, recover at home (with at least five days of quarantine and until you are symptom-free for 24 hours). Take acetaminophen (generic brand, Tylenol) for fever and aches, drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest. If your symptoms are severe or you are considered high-risk due to other medical conditions, or you are immunocompromised, call your primary care provider for more personalized care guidance. What should I do if I have been exposed (without a mask for more than 15 minutes) to someone who has tested positive, but I feel fine and have no symptoms? If you can find a home test, take a test to confirm if you are positive or negative. Testing too early may give a false negative. Since tests are in short supply, wait at least three days if you are still symptom-free before taking a test. If you cannot find a home test and have no symptoms, wear a mask at all times outside of your home. Limit yourself to only essential contacts and interactions for five days. What should I do if I have been exposed (without a mask for more than 15 minutes) to someone who has tested positive, and I do have symptoms? Get tested at a county, retail or physician location. Isolate for at least five days and until you are symptom-free for at least 24 hours. Learn more about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations here. I have received COVID-19 antibodies either from monoclonal antibody treatment or previous COVID-19 infection – aren’t I already protected? No, you are not. Monoclonal antibody treatment is currently on pause because the antibodies are not effective in guarding against the Omicron variant. The Omicron variant is now the prevailing variant infecting our state. What about the new COVID-19 pills? Can I take those and where can I get them? Currently, two COVID-19 pills (Merck drug, Molnupiravir for patients 18 and older, and Pfizer drug, Paxlovid authorized for patients 12 and older) have received Emergency Use Authorization, although they are in very short supply. You can find them at some retail stores and healthcare locations. These treatments require a physician’s order, and they are only used for high-risk patients with complicating or underlying medical conditions. They must be taken within five days of a symptom onset. If you have questions regarding availability and use of COVID-19 oral antiviral medications, click here. If I have tested positive for COVID-19, do I need a re-test to return to work or other activities? The guidance on this has changed as more information has become available and test availability has decreased. The RT-PCR (RNA test) can stay positive in your nose for up to three months as a remnant. It does not indicate contagiousness or persistent infection. A follow up PCR therefore reveals nothing about your status, so do not re-test with PCR. The rapid antigen test has previously been recommended to determine “viral clearance,” but new science indicates that the quarantine period can be limited to five days from onset of symptoms (followed by five days of rigorous mask wearing) without the necessity for a repeat test for most people. If you are immunocompromised, you should consult with your primary care provider. What treatments are available for mild to moderate COVID-19? Monoclonal antibodies can make some patients feel better faster and prevent hospital admissions. Unfortunately, the Omicron variant is resistant to the most commonly used antibodies and as of now, they are not being used. One antibody remains in use but it is in very short supply, so referring physicians and infusion centers are being asked to reserve it for the highest-risk patients. Two new oral drugs requiring a prescription are now available, Molnupiravir and Paxlovid. They are available through a narrow network of retail pharmacies, and more information on availability can be found here. Because they are in short supply, physicians are being asked to reserve prescription for those at highest risk of a hospitalization. The National Institute of Health has a guideline on high- risk status here. What else do I need to know? Get vaccinated and boosted. It remains the BEST option for preventing and/or reducing the severity of COVID-19 variants. Where can I find the latest information from Luminis Health? Please visit the Luminis Health Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages for the most up-to-date information. Authors Barry Meisenberg, MD, is the chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief Academic Officer at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWomen are more likely to experience bladder control problems, also known as urinary incontinence. Many women think that accidental leakage is a normal part of aging. While incontinence is common, it is not normal. The good news is there are many options for help, and most women who get treatment see their symptoms improve. Here are a few treatment and self-help options to help you manage incontinence. Maintain a healthy weight and diet. Carrying extra weight adds stress to your pelvic floor and impacts function of the nerves and muscles in your genital tract. Also, find a healthy balance of fluid intake to stay hydrated without overdoing it. This can reduce your trips to the bathroom. You also want to drink the right kinds of fluids. Beverages like coffee, tea and energy drinks with artificial sweeteners can irritate your bladder and create a sudden urge to ‘go.’ Live an active lifestyle. Fitness plays an important role in managing your incontinence. While high-intensity exercises can increase your risk of incontinence by placing pressure on your pelvic floor, regular physical activity keeps you normal. Kegel exercises, with or without the help of a physical therapist or professional trainer, can also help you better control your pelvic floor muscles and help with leakage. Try physical therapy for the pelvic floor. Pelvic physical therapy can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and aid in function of the organs that support your pelvic floor. Physical therapy might include pelvic floor contractions for urge control as well as stretching and strengthening exercises to help decrease pain. Therapists can also help you with proper Kegel technique to make sure you are getting the full benefit of the exercise. Talk to your doctor about medication to help control symptoms. There are several medications available to help manage the muscle spasms in your bladder that cause incontinence. Your doctor can help you learn both the risks and benefits of using medication. Talk to your doctor about minimally invasive surgery treatment. If other treatments fail to improve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery to treat incontinence has advanced to include minimally invasive options. Minimally invasive surgery allows for a faster recovery and quick return to daily activities. Most surgical patients leave the hospital less than 24 hours after surgery. Urogynecology is a field of medicine dedicated to the treatment of pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence, in women. Places like Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Women’s Center for Pelvic Health have urogynecology doctors to help patients of all ages optimize and maintain pelvic wellness. Don’t let incontinence take away from your quality of life. Talk to a urogynecologist about a treatment plan specific to your symptoms. Author Kay Hoskey, MD, is a urogynecologist with AAMC Women’s Center for Pelvic Health. Her office can be reached at 443-481-1199. Originally published Aug. 28, 2017. Last updated Sept. 1, 2025.0
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