Living Well Spring 2015

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Living Well Muskogee’s Maternity and Obstetrics Services

SPRING 2015


Page 2 — Sunday, April 26, 2015

Muskogee Phoenix

Living Well

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee 9-month-old Skyla Humphrey tries to grasp nurse practitioner Kellie Swim’s scope during an examination.

References key to finding pediatrician By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer

When it comes to choosing your baby’s doctor, it helps to know who your friends are. References from family and friends proved to be the main reason Muskogee parents gave

for choosing their pediatrician. Muskogee mother Amber Humphrey said her sister referred a pediatrician for her daughter Skyla, now 9 months old. “It’s important that they know what they’re doing and care about children,” Humphrey

said. During a recent exam, Humphrey held Skyla while nurse practitioner Kellie Swim checked the tot’s lungs. She liked that touch. James Leathers of Checotah said a friend referred him to Muskogee pediatrician Dr.

Kevin Wade. “He’s very charismatic and very good with kids,” Leathers said, while Wade examined his son, Alex, for an ear infection. “I want a good knowledge of medicine and a doctor who is good with kids,” Leathers said.

“Reputation can go a long way in a small town,” said Becky Smith, mother of children ages 5 to 8. “If I hear a lot of people say good things about a doctor, I’m more willing to try the doctor.” According to the American Pregnancy Association’s website, ref-

erences and reputation can be valuable tools in finding a good pediatrician. The website said asking friends, family members and prenatal care providers is “a good start.” The website said par(See Doctor, Page 8)


Page 3 — Sunday, April 26, 2015

Muskogee Phoenix

Living Well

Good nutrition vital in pregnancy By Mark Hughes Phoenix Staff Writer

Staff photo by Mark Hughes

Felicia Watkins, food service aide at EASTAR Health System, scoops up mixed vegetables for a patient at their main campus. Expectant mothers should “start eating healthier and make sure they get all the food groups in — fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy,” said Registered Dietitian Jennifer Roe from the Muskogee County Health Department.

The one thing women contemplating pregnancy can do to ensure a healthy baby and their own health is to take a vitamin supplement that includes folic acid. That advice comes from Registered Dietitian Jennifer Roe from the Muskogee County Health Department. “Women contemplating pregnancy should start taking a vitamin supplement that includes 600 micrograms of folic acid three months before their pregnancy to help protect against birth defects,” Roe said. Folic acid can reduce the baby’s risk from neu-

ral tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly, she said. Folic acid is a man-made byproduct of folate, which is naturally occurring in dark, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and liver, Roe said. The reason women should do this is because spina bifida occurs early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant, according to the Spina Bifida Association. Folic acid should be taken throughout the pregnancy, if a woman is planning a pregnancy or is able to become pregnant, Roe said. Definite lifestyle changes of the future mom needs to make include no drinking alco-

hol, smoking or drugs, Roe said. Women should also “start eating healthier and make sure they get all the food groups in — fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy,” she said. Extra calcium also is important for pregnancy, Roe said. Limit caffeine intake to 12 ounces a day and don’t drink anything that’s not been pasteurized, she said. All meats, including lunch meats, need to be heated until they’re steaming hot to prevent listeria, Roe said. Another thing not to do is eat the hot dog right out of the refrigerator, she said. During the first trimester there are not really any changes in the wom-

an’s diet, because babies in the first trimester don’t really require any extra calories, she said. However, that changes for the rest of the pregnancy. During the second trimester a woman should increase her calories about 200 a day, Roe said. That amount will increase to 300 calories per day for a total of 500 calories during the third trimester, she said. Women becoming pregnant or who are pregnant need to watch their fish intake because of mercury contamination, Roe said. For example, albacore tuna has a higher mercury content (See Food, Page 5)


Page 4 — Sunday, April 26, 2015

Muskogee Phoenix

Living Well

Classes offered for new parents By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Richard and JoJo Liu of Tahlequah listen during a childbirth class at Northeastern Health Systems. Fathers, as well as mothers, can benefit from such classes.

Expectant parents have a lot to expect when a new little person joins their family. “There are a lot of different things to expect,” said Lindsay Sarver, who is 31 weeks into her pregnancy. Sarver said a childbirth education class at Northeastern Health System helps her know what to expect. The class is one of several courses on childbirth and infant care offered in the area. “If mom knows what to expect during pregnancy and delivery, she’s not going to be as anxious,” said Delaine Bartsch, administrator of EASTAR Health

System’s East Campus. “If you decrease anxiety, you progress more quickly through labor.” EASTAR’s Women’s Services department offers birthing classes each month at the East Campus, 2900 N. Main St. Couples can take four two-hour evening classes, beginning the first Tuesday of each month, or an all-day Saturday class once a month, Bartsch said. “We talk about what to expect during the labor process, who can be present during the delivery; we teach breast-feeding and postpartum care,” she said. The class also helps moms — and dads — know their rights, Bartsch said.

“We teach them how to be advocates in their care,” she said. Bartsch said health care providers sometimes need to ask, “‘Oh, did you want to have the baby go to breast-feeding immediately,’” or “‘Oh, did you want to have an epidural?’” Northeastern Health System usually offers its childbirth education class every three months, said Megan Grogan, a certified childbirth educator who teaches the class. The class usually meets two hours a week for three weeks. “We help mothers through any stage of pregnancy, prenatal care and childbirth,” Grogan said. (See Classes, Page 5)


Page 5 — Sunday, April 26, 2015

Classes Continued from Page 4

JoJo Liu, who is 23 months along in her pregnancy, said the class has been a good investment. “I’m learning about labor and delivery, how the baby is born,” Liu said. Sarver said learning about the stages of labor was valuable. Muskogee’s Pregnancy Resource Center, 3301 W. Broadway, offers a self-guided video class, “Earn While You Learn.” The videos cover such topics as what to expect during each trimester, prenatal care and bonding with the baby. “There also is a unit on labor and delivery,” Director Vicki Pack said. Mothers taking the class get “Mommy Money” credits for watching the videos, then use them to get formula, baby clothes and other items at the Resource Center, Pack said. “They can save up for a car seat,” she said.

Muskogee Phoenix The center also offers a “Practical Fatherhood” video class for fathers, Pack said. Parents can learn how to rear the new little person through Incredible Years, offered through Muscogee (Creek) Nation Behavioral Health. The program is offered free for families with a Native American living in their household, said Beverly Mefford, young child wellness coordinator for McIntosh County. The eight-session course covers various aspects of the baby’s first year, including connecting with the baby, vision and physical, mental and emotional growth, Mefford said. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation offers the course on an as-needed basis, whenever enough people can get together for a class, Mefford said. Classes could be offered in Eufaula, Checotah, Muskogee or other communities within the Creek Nation. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.

Living Well

Food Continued from Page 3

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Baby dolls and other items line a table at Northeastern Health System’s childbirth class. The dolls are used to demonstrate breast-feeding.

than regular canned tuna. Fish that are safer to eat are tilapia, catfish and salmon which are lower in mercury, she said. Larger predatory fish like shark and swordfish contain a higher level of mercury and need to be avoided, Roe said. Roe recommends breast-feeding for the next year as there are benefits to both the newborn and the mother. “Breast-feeding protects the baby from allergies and infections, Roe said. “And babies who are breastfed have a higher IQ.” Moms who breastfeed decrease their risk of breast and ovarian cancers, she said. Additionally, the mother’s hormones increase, making them calmer and more relaxed. Reach Mark Hughes at (918) 684-2908 or mhughes@muskogeephoenix.com.


Page 6 — Sunday, April 26, 2015

Muskogee Phoenix

Living Well

Things you can do to prepare for your baby By Kandice Lawson

Parents begin early for the arrival of their new bundle of joy. Often the Finding out the news pressure of having everythat you’re expecting a thing in order before your little one can be a jubilant baby arrives can be excitoccasion. ing yet overwhelming. To Phoenix Staff Writer

prepare for your child’s entrance into the world, here’s a few suggestions to get started. • Find the right health care provider – Pregnancy.org says that if you do

not have a current health care provider, start interviewing. Would you prefer to see an OB/GYN to navigate your pregnancy and birth on your own or more of an engaged healthcare provider such as a midwife? • Choose a pediatrician – Healthychildren.org says the best way to start looking for a pediatrician is by asking other parents you know and trust. Start with interviewing a few you may consider personally, also ask your health-

care provider for references as well. • Prepare for maternity leave – According to Getrichslowly.org, once finding out you are pregnant you should start saving money for maternity leave. “Practice living on one income well in advance of the time your baby is born. You’re more likely to succeed as a one-income family if you have practice living on one income before you actually lose your income.”

• Purchase essential nursery needs – Make sure you have plenty of bottles, bottle brushes, diaper pail, receiving blankets and other miscellaneous must-haves for your baby’s nursery. • Choose safe furniture – Before purchasing furniture such as a crib, you should make sure all furniture complies with up-to-date safety requirements and is appropriate for your baby’s age, according to Healthychildren.org. • Baby wardrobe – When you find out you’re expecting one of the first things mothers do is run to the nearest stores and buy all the frills their daughter can stand or little pants and hats covered with baseballs and bats. A few of the basic must haves for your baby’s first few weeks include six to eight T-shirts, three to four dozen newborn-size diapers, swaddle blankets, and socks according to healthychildren.org. Also, don’t forget to wash all your baby’s clothing before using. • Packing your hospital bag – Sutterhealth.org says that mothers should pack their bags for their hospital stay by the beginning of their ninth month. Some items essential to bring along include a bathrobe, toiletries, slippers, pajamas and loose fitting clothes to wear home. • Purchase and learn how to install your car seat – Your baby should always be placed properly in the car seat for safety. According to ok.gov, you should check the seat’s labels to ensure it is appropriate for your child’s age, height and weight. Reach Kandice Lawson at (918) 684-2914 or kandice.lawson@muskogeephoenix.com.


Page 7 — Sunday, April 26, 2015

Muskogee Phoenix

Living Well

Proper exercise beneficial in pregnancy By Kandice Lawson Phoenix Staff Writer

Dr. Timothy Hoesktra said exercising can reduce some of the discomfort women may experience during pregnancy, and it can be beneficial for both mommy and baby. “By far, exercising will make things go way easier during your pregnancy,” said Hoesktra, who has been practicing obstetrics for more than 20 years. “It eases back pain, helps with nausea in early pregnancy stages; if you have the right vitamins the exercise works with your diet to make your bones stronger and the baby’s bones stronger.” Muskogee Swim and Fitness membership coordinator Sharon Morgan gave birth seven months ago. She’s always been active and says she taught pilates up until she was 39 weeks pregnant and continued to do elliptical and weights throughout her pregnancy. “It reduces swelling, stress, soreness and helps with overall recovery after having a baby,” Morgan said. “It helps with endurance having the baby, and it helped me not gain excess weight. It’s hard when you’re pregnant because you’re tired and things hurt that didn’t hurt before. Of course, with weight gain you have to adjust to that. It helped me stay positive throughout all the changes in my body. My recovery was really fast, too, and I attribute that to working out.” Jennifer Drain of Staff photo by Kandice Lawson Muskogee is five months Jennifer Drain works out on the elliptical at the Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center. pregnant with her secDrain is 25 weeks pregnant and said exercise gives her more energy. ond child and says work-

ing out gives her much needed boosts of energy while also taking care of her 4-year-old child. “Keeping up with my 4-year-old takes energy,” Drain said. “I teach dance, also, and doing household work and stuff like that, I’m definitely not as tired since I exercise. I just try not to push myself too much. I try to limit myself.” Tiffany Tennant of Muskogee is in the first trimester of her third pregnancy. She has worked out during her last pregnancy and this one, but did not during the first. Tennant says there was a definite difference. “I’ve noticed especially, I’m not quite as sick and have more energy,” Tennant said. “I’m not as tired as I was with the first. Obviously, I didn’t gain any extra weight, which is a nice perk for afterward. I just felt better all the way around. I seemed to have a better experience with the second. This one has been even easier and I work out more consistently than I did with the second.” Suitable exercises for women expecting include, but are not limited to, walking, jogging, cycling and even aerobics classes that are designed just for pregnant women. According to Swimming.org, swimming offers a relatively weightless environment. Water can support up to 90 percent of your body’s weight, which can offer pregnant women relief. Morgan says swimming is one of the safest forms of exercise. “The pool is also always great for pregnancy

because you’re in water, which is the baby’s natural environment,” Morgan said. “It’s not hard on your joints and doesn’t stretch your ligaments.” Hoekstra says some of the exercises pregnant women should avoid are those sports that may require contact or could potentially hurt mom and baby. “If you play touch football you’re going to be fine, but if you play tackle football you’re not,” Hoekstra said. “You don’t want to smash the baby into things, and so, sometimes, vigorous sports such as volleyball, basketball and football those are the kinds of things where we say caution because of the danger of being banged around.” Hoekstra says that although it is not dangerous to exercise, women should avoid starting intense workout methods if they were not active before. “Its kind of dangerous to start a really intense workout program after you’ve gotten pregnant,” Hoekstra said. “You’re not supposed to lose weight. You have to be really careful and go into things really slowly if you didn’t work out prior to pregnancy.” Morgan’s advice is to always go with your gut. “Listen to your body, it will tell you if you’re going too far. I would encourage you to still use weights, just go lighter if you have been doing it before you were pregnant. Cardio is always great. Something that doesn’t strain you.” Reach Kandice Lawson at (918) 684-2914 or kandice.lawson@muskogeephoenix.com.


Page 8 — Sunday, April 26, 2015

Doctor Continued from Page 2

ents should ask friends and relatives about their referrals. Questions would include “Do you feel rushed at your appointments? Are all your questions and concerns addressed by your pediatrician? Do your children like their pediatrician?” It also is important to ask the pediatrician questions about educational background and training. Other questions could include whether the office has separate waiting areas for sick and healthy children and if a nurse would be available if the doctor is not. The American Academy of Pediatrics website, healthychildren. org, suggests getting the

names of several pediatricians and arranging interviews during the final months of pregnancy. The website suggests asking basic questions, such as office hours, when to call with routine questions and how the office handles billing and insurance claims. Muskogee Women’s Clinic office manager Donna Brestel said they do not make referrals for specific pediatricians. However, ob/gyn patients who make it to 36 weeks in their pregnancy are given a checklist of things to consider. Brestel said parents should take a long-term approach. “We suggest finding someone you’re going to get along with for the next 18 years,” she said. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.

Muskogee Phoenix

Living Well

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Alex, 7, waits while pediatrician Dr. Kevin Wade checks his ears.


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