December 9, 2014

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TWINS!! That’s the exciting news my husband, Danny, and I (Lauren Struzick) found out at one of our doctor’s appointments. Can you believe it? The thought of being a mother of twins never crossed my mind when I took my home pregnancy test and saw the positive sign staring right at me.

Twins do not run in our families, and being naïve in all things twins, I didn’t even think it was a possibility! But low and behold, it is! We also found out during our mind-blowing appointment that we are expecting identical twin boys!

When my doctor delivered this double dose of exciting news, my husband and I weren’t sure how to react. We were speechless! We cried, laughed and truly were in shock. We already have a 2-year-old daughter, Molly, so we know how wonderful – and let’s be honest – how hard the newborn stage can be. So, naturally, along with the excitement, we’re a little bit nervous about the thought of taking care of two infants at the same time!

Identical twins are not genetic. It’s really just an anomaly when one embryo splits into two. Since I work in the Marketing Department at Texas Children’s, I see all the collateral we produce, and I know that the main risk of having my type of identical twins (monochorionic diamniotic) is twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a serious medical condition where blood flows unequally between twins who share a placenta. My twins share a placenta but are in two different sacs separated by a really thin membrane. Luckily, we haven’t run into any complications, and it helps that I have a wonderful team of physicians and nurses at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women who have taken exceptional care of me throughout my pregnancy.

Now, I have to say that telling our families about the twins was my favorite part. We captured everything on camera – from the initial shock on their faces to when they burst into laughter and tears! Both of our families think they’re going to find out the gender of our baby, but as you’ll see they were stunned and overjoyed, just as much as we were!

Mitchell family surprise! (click image)

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Struzick family surprise! (click image)

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While we’ve had some time for the twin shock to dwindle down (although sometimes I still freak out), we are super excited for many reasons. Excited to see how our twin boys interact and share that special bond as identicals. Excited to see our daughter, Molly, assume the big sister role to two babies at once. And, just excited in general and blessed to have more kiddos in the Struzick household.

Our twin sons are scheduled to make their grand debut next month. As we count down to the home stretch, we’d appreciate it if you can send some positive thoughts our way! We can’t wait to begin 2015 as a family of five!

November 25, 2014

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The holidays are just around the corner and you know what that means – it’s time to submit your favorite holiday photo of your precious little one!

Bump Watch asks employees to send us their favorite photo capturing their baby’s most memorable holiday moment. If you have a photo of your baby dressed up in a festive holiday outfit, a Santa hat, or perhaps you snapped a photo of your little one visiting Santa Claus, we’d like to see them. Bottom line, we’re looking for holiday photos that capture just how cute your kiddos are!

The deadline to submit Bump Watch photos is Friday, December 19. Please email high-resolution images to connectnews@texaschildrens.org. We will showcase your photos December 23 on a special edition of Bump Watch.

November 11, 2014

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By: Julie Griffith

I am so pleased to announce that my son, Cameron William Griffith, arrived the day before his due date on July 17 at 1:06 p.m., weighing in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 inches long.

My birth expectation was that I would labor at home until my contractions hit the cardinal, 5-1-1 rule (5 minutes apart, 1 minute in length for at least an hour) and then my husband and I would peacefully drive to Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, and labor for a couple more hours.

111214BWCameron640-2Our reality was more like that of a Hollywood movie scene, complete with plowing through trash cans in our neighborhood, running red lights, and screaming in excruciating pain as my husband wheeled me through the Pavilion lobby. We arrived in the nick of time, as Cameron was born just 26 minutes later.

Leading up to birth, I figured my maternity leave would be more like a maternity ‘transition’; a time to not only care for my new baby but to embrace the fact that my life would never be the same again. Going in, I had pretty clear expectations, some of which were spot on, and others, well…what was I thinking?!

Expectation #1: I would be a whirlwind of productivity.

Reality: I considered writing one thank you note and showering before 4 p.m. a productive day. I had envisioned spending my “down time” trying out new recipes, organizing the junk drawer, and working on my scrapbook. In reality, I spent most of my days hunkered down on the couch clipped into my nursing pillow. When I wasn’t sitting and nursing, I was playing with Cam or laying down as he napped on my chest. We tried to stick to the EASY routine: Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time. However, I was often too on edge to enjoy the “You time”, in anticipation of Cameron waking. During any fleeting moments of guilt for my lack of daily accomplishments, I would remind myself that this was precious bonding time. The dishes in the sink could wait!

Expectation #2: Breastfeeding would be hard.

Reality: Breastfeeding/pumping is really hard. From the beginning, we struggled with latch issues and a sleepy eater who needed constant stimulation to stay awake to feed. At Cameron’s one month checkup, we learned that he was in the 10th percentile and not gaining weight appropriately. Our pediatrician recommended we see a lactation consultant right away. I learned he was not transferring milk well due to a poor latch caused by a lip tie, plus his lazy feeding behavior. This had also affected my milk production. And so commenced what I called the “triple feeding:” breastfeeding followed by breast pumping, then topping him off with a bottle of breast milk. This feeding process lasted about an hour and a half and then the process would start over again two hours later. We had his lip tie corrected, strictly monitored his weight gain, and did everything under the sun to boost my milk supply. Needless to say, Operation Feed Cameron consumed my life for the greater portion of my maternity leave. Even though breastfeeding is still challenging, I am happy to share that Cameron is now thriving.

111214BWCameron640-3Expectation #3: I would be gallivanting around town with baby in tow.

Reality: I predicted lunching with friends, walking around Memorial Park, and even mentally planned a family vacation for while I was on leave. Between the daunting task of packing the diaper bag, 100 degree summer temperatures, navigating the stroller in tight situations, and being tied to my Medela pump, it simply felt more comfortable staying at home. Our big outings seemed to be trips to H.E.B, Babies”R”Us or the grandparents’ house.

Expectation #4: I could handle caring for a newborn on my own.

Reality: I don’t typically seek support from others, however the first few weeks became a quick lesson on how caring for a newborn takes a village, and why I needed to be willing to let that village in. My “village” recognized the fact that this was precious mother-son bonding time and they demonstrated their support by helping me get caught up on cleaning, laundry, and errands. Plus, we were extremely grateful to friends and colleagues with dinner deliveries in the first few weeks!

Before Cameron arrived, we tried to prepare for life with a newborn by attending most of the prenatal education courses offered through the Pavilion for Women. All of the classes provided valuable information however the Bringing Baby Home course was the most impactful. After eleven years as a twosome we expected that transitioning from a couple to parents would be challenging. This course helped ground our expectations and taught us practical skills to be the best parenting team possible. Although everyone’s experience with a new baby is different, I will always look back fondly on this dedicated time with my son as the beginning of an indescribable love that continues to blossom every day.

 

October 28, 2014

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By Morgan Villareal

My husband, Cullen, and I are blessed with two wonderful children. We have a 5-year-old daughter, Bailey, and a 7-year-old son, Braydon. And, in a couple of months, we will be adding a new addition to our family. The timing couldn’t have been better. Our expected delivery date? Mother’s Day!!

When we shared this exciting news with Bailey and Braydon, they were absolutely thrilled! After all, this had been their birthday and Christmas wish – for mommy and daddy to have another baby so they could assume their coveted role of “big brother” and “big sister,” respectively.

Unlike my first two pregnancies, this one was a little bit rocky. For about a year, my husband and I were trying to have another baby. I had no problem getting pregnant with my son and daughter. However, this time around, presented some challenges, but we were determined to overcome them.

After fruitless attempts to conceive, my husband and I scheduled an appointment to see a specialist at the Family Fertility Center at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. I heard a lot of success stories emerging from the clinic, and since I work at the hospital, it was convenient for me to seek fertility treatment here.

After undergoing several tests, we discovered what was wrong with me. I had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – a condition where cysts grow in the ovaries – which makes it very difficult for women to get pregnant. My doctor told me the only way to conceive was through in vitro fertilization (IVF). So, that’s what we did!

102914BWmorgan640-2My physician, Dr. Ertug Kovanci, and the staff at the Family Fertility Center were wonderful. They answered all of my questions promptly and made sure I was comfortable during the entire IVF process. We completed the first round of IVF, and two weeks later, Dr. Kovanci delivered the news that we had been waiting for, “You are pregnant!”

My husband and I shed so many tears of happiness. Best of all, it was great to see the big smile on our kids’ faces. Their wish for a little brother or little sister is finally coming true. We thought we’d have to undergo several rounds of IVF to get pregnant, but one round was all it took.

I am almost 11 weeks pregnant, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m thankful to the staff at the Family Fertility Center for helping us achieve our goal. Our family can’t wait to meet our precious miracle in May.

October 14, 2014

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By Laurel Laviolette

As the donation coordinator for the Mother’s Milk Bank at Texas Children’s, I am grateful to the generous mothers who donate their excess breast milk to our Milk Bank to ensure critically-ill infants in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) receive the nutrition they need to get stronger and stay healthy.

infant2As a mother of three, I breast-fed my babies because I knew it was the right thing to do. Not only does human milk contain essential vitamins and nutrients, it’s also packed with disease-fighting antibodies that protect your baby from illness. Donating your excess breast milk is one of the best gifts you can give to infants in need.

What motivates you? Maybe you know someone who received donor breast milk and you want to pay it forward. Perhaps, your baby prefers her milk straight from the tap and you have a deep-freezer full of milk you stored to go back to work. As a lactating mother, you are in a unique stage of life and in an excellent position to impact your family’s and community’s health. In addition to providing ideal nutrition for your own baby, you can also set aside some of your extra milk for premature and critically ill infants in our NICU. Every mom who donates milk will make a lifelong impact on many babies and their families.

Milk Bank checklist for donating breast milk

  • Always label your milk with the date (month/day/year) and time it was expressed. Most moms are doing this as a matter of habit. This small routine will make the rules that follow much easier to follow.
  • We can only accept milk with one pumping per container. Please do not store a container in the refrigerator and add to the container over multiple pumpings. The main reasons are to avoid excess bacterial growth that can occur along with increased chance of rancidity of the milk.
  • Keep a calendar of dates you or your baby have been sick with colds, fevers, viruses etc. We are unable to accept milk pumped while you or your baby is sick. If you can make a note on the calendar, it will help you to know which dates you need to exclude from your donation.
  • Make a note on a calendar or on your milk storage container of any days you take over the counter or prescription drugs (medicines for allergies, colds, stomach upset, etc.). Most medicines that are considered safe for breastfeeding are not permitted for milk donation. Our Milk Bank has a “washout period” for every medication or supplement, which refers to an amount of time after you take the drug before it is okay to save milk for donation again. Making a note of the day you took the medicine will make it easy for you to separate that milk out when it is time to send in your donation. Since your milk will be fed to very fragile infants, it is crucial to report all medicines and supplements you have taken while storing milk.
  • We cannot accept milk pumped while moms are taking herbal supplements, including teas and preparations intended to increase milk supply, such as fenugreek. Sometimes herbal preparations hide in prenatal vitamins, too. Therefore, if you think you might want to donate milk, read the ingredients carefully on your prenatal vitamins. You can also check with the milk donation coordinator to know if your vitamin is allowed for milk donation.

If you have extra milk, you can apply to be a Texas Children’s Hospital milk donor at www.texaschildrens.org/milk. Click on “Become a Donor.” We are so thankful to all of the moms who give our babies such a special gift.

October 7, 2014

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By Veronica Love

Hello everyone. Since I haven’t posted in awhile, I thought I’d squeeze in another blog before 2014 comes to a close. I can’t believe this year is winding down. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here, and then Christmas will be right around the corner. I must say, 2014 has been an awesome year full of many blessings. It’s another year of good health for me and my family, following my triumphant battle against breast cancer three years ago.

Perhaps the best blessing of all came earlier this year when I gave birth to our precious daughter, Logan, on January 30, 2014, at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. My husband and I were a bit apprehensive about whether I’d be able to conceive after completing my cancer treatments a few years back, but miracles do happen. Logan, who is now eight months old, and her big brother, 6-year-old Declan, absolutely adore each other, and we adore them too!

For many moms-to-be out there, choosing which hospital to deliver your newborn is one of the most important decisions to make. I chose to give birth at the Pavilion, and I couldn’t have planned it any better.

My hospital stay at the Pavilion was truly magnificent. I went for an office visit and ended up staying to have a baby. The atmosphere was so calm and tranquil. I was alone in my labor and delivery room for awhile, and then my husband and parents showed up just in time for the big show! The birth of my daughter happened really fast. I told the nurse that I felt some pressure and she went to check and said, “Oh, that’s hair!” She promptly summoned the physician on-call, and a few pushes later, I delivered our precious little girl.

For new moms-to-be, figuring out what to pack in your hospital bag days or weeks before your delivery date can be a huge task. I’ve learned putting together a checklist in advance will make things a lot easier.

Here are a couple of things that helped me prepare for my Pavilion stay:
1. Zipper front robes. Two should be fine.
2. Two pairs of warm, grippy socks
3. Big comfy undies. They do have some there, but they didn’t fit me well.
4. Chapstick
5. Reading material while waiting for baby to arrive
6. Hair ties, clips, and headband
7. Your favorite scented soap and lotion. The Pavilion provides this, but I like my favorite scent to help stay calm.
8. An open mind. You can plan all you want but the truth is, it’s not up to you. So, just relax and let it happen.
9. Your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one has all the answers even if you have done this before. You can let everyone know gently that you’re the mommy here and you call the shots.
10. Your confidence. You do fantastic work and this will be no different.

September 30, 2014

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By Dr. Carol Baker, vaccine and pediatric infectious disease specialist

As we prepare for cold and influenza (flu) season, which typically begins in late November or early December, getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. But what if you are pregnant? Should you still get vaccinated?

The answer is simple: YES. Pregnant women should get vaccinated against the flu.

Pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimester, are more likely to have complications from flu, rarely even death. In fact, the flu can lead to serious problems for an unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery. Getting vaccinated protects against these bad outcomes and also protects the baby against flu until the baby first can be vaccinated at age six months.

The best way to protect yourself and your unborn child from influenza is to get vaccinated. And it’s important to remember that pregnant women should only get the flu shot, not the nasal spray, known as FluMist. (FluMist contains live virus and should not be given to pregnant women because it may not be safe.) The flu shot is available at most doctors’ offices and all local pharmacies.

It takes up to two weeks for inactivated influenza vaccine to become fully effective. So the best time to get this vaccine is as soon as it is available. Even a late vaccination can be beneficial because the flu season can last through March and April.

According the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination helps protect women during pregnancy and their babies for up to six months after they are born. One study showed that giving flu vaccine to pregnant women was 92 percent effective in preventing hospitalization of infants for flu.

As a pediatric infectious disease specialist and executive director of the Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research at Texas Children’s Hospital, I am dedicated to finding the best ways to stop children and their parents from getting preventable diseases. I know the dangers the flu can pose to pregnant women and their unborn children. So I urge you to disregard the myths and misperceptions that often circulate about the flu vaccine. The flu shot cannot cause a person to develop influenza because the virus in the vaccine has been killed.

During the 2013-14 flu season, about half of pregnant women protected themselves and their babies from flu by getting a flu shot. This is a significant progress. But almost half of pregnant women and their babies still remain unprotected from influenza. As I noted above, the flu shot is the single best way protect yourself and your family from the flu. Make sure to protect yourself and your baby – get vaccinated.

This website will help you find a location near you where you can get vaccinated. For more information about pregnant women and the flu, visit the CDC or download the PDF below by visiting here.