Yes, We do VBAC’s!

The new guidelines released by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have resulted in our office getting quite a few calls from women asking if we do VBAC’s. I am happy to say, “Yes, we offer VBAC’s.”

It’s been a part of my personal philosophy for many years; a woman who can avoid having a repeat c-section, should. Obviously, there are cases where it can’t be avoided. Depending on the type and circumstance of the first c-section, it may be too risky to VBAC. For most women, however, a VBAC is an option.
It is important to talk to your practitioner early to make sure you are a good candidate. Keep in mind that the overall goal is to have a healthy baby and a healthy mom.

For your convenience, I will repost the revised ACOG guidelines. Talk to you soon!

PREPARING FOR YOUR BABY’S BEST BIRTH

For some, pregnancy can be one of the most exciting nine months of their lives. For others, it can be confusing and anxiety ridden as they try to work out every little detail of their baby’s future. After calming the fears of so many soon-to-be mothers, I realized those who think through these basic points tend to be more relaxed and thus have better births. Interested?

Pick the doctor that best fits your personality. Most offices offer “Meet and Greets” with the practitioners. Interview them and find out if their medical philosophy fits your ultimate goal. In the end, however, make sure you like them as a person. After all, you’re going to see their smiling face quite a bit over the next year.

Work with them to create a pre-determined birth plan. Do your research. Take the hospital tours and decide which one best suits your expectations. It is also important to discuss your child birthing options. You will deliver vaginally or via c-section but depending on your history, some doctors allow for a vaginal birth after c-section. There are also alternative ways of facilitating your vaginal delivery; water birth, hydrotherapy, Lamaze, hypnobirthing, with or without epidural, etc…

Be flexible and remain calm. Your baby will ultimately decide when/how they will enter the world. You and the medical staff are simply the baby’s guides. While the majority of deliveries go as intended, in some cases the baby may have other plans. It is up to you and the hospital staff to proceed prudently depending on the medical situation. The health of your baby depends on your remaining calm and being flexible.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT – solutions are easier than you might think

Eat More, Drink More, Lose More Weight.   There is no disputing the fact that exercise is important in any weight loss goal.  However, what is often overlooked but crucial is diet – and not in the traditional sense of the word.  Proper nutrition is THE most important step in any successful weight loss program.  There are many variations of exercise which work for different body types to achieve weight loss goals.  But if these efforts are not combined with proper nutrition your results will be short lived.  Slow metabolism is your worst enemy…even more so than the double-bacon cheeseburger or triple-dip hot fudge sundae at your favorite restaurant.  Slow metabolism is the result of poor nutrition, yo-yo dieting and inactivity.   

 

For more information on this and other ways to accomplish your goals, call ISIS at 770.521.2229.

Fixing a Good Problem to Have

My office manager excitedly brought something to my attention a few months ago. She said my schedule was booked about a month out. That’s the goal in a medical practice, right? To be busy with a schedule full of patients each time you’re in the office.

I suppose but there is something that doesn’t feel right about that.

In other words, if a woman called today, it would be about a month before she could get assistance? In my opinion, that’s a problem. Being busy is a good problem to have, but not the best option for patients.

An obvious solution would be to add more hours to the week. Unfortunately, between delivering babies and a packed operating schedule I can’t do that and still tuck my little ones in at night. The next best option is to add another practitioner. Bingo!

We searched for months to find the type of person that would best serve ISIS patients. They would need to have a track record of providing excellent care, have a great bedside manner and demonstrate strong ethical judgment.

After several interviews we found just that person. Allow me to introduce Deborah Jones. She is a seasoned nurse practitioner caring for patients over the past 14 years. When she came to the office for her final meeting, the entire staff enjoyed her demeanor from the moment she stepped into the waiting room. Done. I am proud to say that she will begin seeing patients on February 1, 2010.

Problem solved.

Now, women no longer have to wait weeks to get an appointment with an ISIS practitioner. They say some problems are good to have but I am glad to get this one fixed.

Hughan