When it comes to celebrity pregnancy news, there's no shortage of entertaining (and sometimes informative) stories for us to read, but sometimes those stories have a huge impact on the women reading them. BabyGagarecently had the opportunity to speak toDr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, board-certified OB-GYN and TENA spokesperson, to clear up the misconceptions surrounding pregnancy that come with entertainment news.
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BabyGaga (BG):According to The U.S. Sun, Joy-Anna Duggar was recently criticized for leaving her newborn alone on a couch. Why should parents refrain from doing this?
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz:If you are going to put yourself out there this is the kind of careless actions people will witness and catch you on. For the record, my newborn daughter flipped herself off the bed and onto the hardwood floor I nearly lost my mind, but she is now a successful college sophomore.
So, here is the thing, motherhood is super hard. You run from one thing to the next, putting out fires and attending to the impending disaster while existing on minimal sleep and no self-care. This poor, young mom may even be suffering from incontinence at the same time like 1 in 3 women do in the first 3 months! Having said this, being present for each moment is work but it's critical. Do one thing at a time and never take your hands off a baby like this. She should only be left unattended in a secure spot like a crib, chair, or another humans arms.
BG:According to Cafe Mom, Jinger Duggar tried a special salad to induce her labor. Which foods can safely help pregnant women go into labor?
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz:None are proven but many are consumed, including: arugula, dates, the special dressing from a Los Angeles restaurant and is shipped all over the world! Red Raspberry leaf tea, blue cohosh castor oil, and many herbs have been used over the years. I am not endorsing any of them. We dont fully understand how or why labor is initiated. Its a complex neuroendocrine relationship between mom, fetus, and placenta.
BG:Are there any foods pregnant women should avoid when they are trying to go into labor?
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz:Anything that may cause you digestive discomfort acid reflux, bloating, cramps, and constipation.
BG:Do you think inducing labor by eating certain foods is a good idea, or should women just let it happen naturally?
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz:I think anything that safely makes you feel empowered in a frustrating and challenging time is a-okay with me. But it is not evidence-based so there is no proof that it will work. To avoid incontinence, be aware that it may be increased with bladder pressure or irritation. I would recommend TENA products for any incontinence problems. Acidic food and drink should be avoided. Traditional herbalism teaches that celery, dandelion, parsley, and cilantro in large quantities and especially as juice are diuretics. So, for those attempting to reduce swelling or lose weight post-partum, know that this may increase problems like post-partum incontinence.
BG:Singer Brian McFadden is expecting a baby with his fiance after having suffered through two pregnancy losses, according to Digital Spy. Being pregnant after having miscarriages is very difficult. Do you have tips for anyone else who might be in that situation?
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz:Emotional support and physical support are key after a miscarriage. The taboo around discussing this has in the past caused isolation and increased anxiety, depression, and shame. But, increasingly open conversations, time of grief, and processing really do help. For women with medical issues that increase risk, older women, and those who have had more than 2-3 miscarriages, medical support and evaluation are critical to prevention and treatment. The unspoken post-miscarriage medical state is super painful. For some, milk comes in hormonal fluctuations and a mini post-partum experience in the absence of a baby is torture.
BG:They also tried IVF. What advice can you offer others in that situation?
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz:IVF is a drain emotionally, physically, and financially. Not everyone has access to these procedures, but they also take a toll on our bodies and minds the stress is one thing but hormone use increases weight, mood swings, and all sorts of symptoms. Being gentle, supportive, and present are always the best strategies to support another woman on that journey. But, watch out for the toxic positivity you may intend to be helpful, but it may feel like shaming or pressure to someone struggling on this journey.
BG:How long do women usually wait to tell others about their pregnancies?
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz:I get asked this constantly this is entirely up to the expectant person and her partner. I tell patients to consider with whom they are sharing and who they might tell. But, also to share with those who will support them through any outcome.
BG:According to Market Watch, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend were criticized for documenting their miscarriage by taking photos and posting them online. How do you think this impacted her fans?
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz:I applaud them for openly sharing and normalizing an experience that is more common than discussed. In the first trimester, we estimate 1 in 4 pregnancies will be lost. In the second 2-3%. It is tragic and people deserve our support.
BG:Teigen has spoken publicly about her loss. Do you think this has inspired other women to be open about their pregnancy losses as well?
Dr. Gilberg-Lenz:Openness requires bravery and vulnerability this sharing is a gift to educate others. When we openly discuss miscarriage, sexual pain, incontinence, and hair loss we can learn to take better care of ourselves, demand better care from our providers, and collaborate on innovative solutions and best practices.
Celebrities have a big impact on their fans. Thank you for speaking with us about this, Dr. Gilberg-Lenz!
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Sources: Dr. Suzanne,The U.S. Sun, Cafe Mom, TENA,Digital Spy, Market Watch
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Original post:
Interview With Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz On The Impact Of Celebrity Pregnancy News - BabyGaga
