True Birth

The Growing OB/GYN Shortage in the United States: Causes and Implications The United States is currently facing a significant shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs), a crisis that poses serious implications for women's health care across the nation. This shortage is driven by a combination of factors that are causing many OB/GYNs to leave the field and deterring new doctors from ent...

Should You Trust Online Reviews? The Pros and Cons of Relying on Online Feedback In our increasingly digital world, online reviews have become a staple for making decisions, especially when it comes to choosing healthcare providers. But with so much information at our fingertips, how do we know if we should trust these reviews? Let's explore the pros and cons of trusting online reviews to help you...

Today, we're diving into a fascinating and important topic: what to expect during a twin vaginal delivery. Twin pregnancies come with their own unique set of considerations, and understanding the process can help expectant parents feel more prepared and confident. In this episode, we'll explore the stages of labor, the role of the medical team, and the potential challenges and joys of delivering t...

Welcome to True Birth, where we provide raw, honest insights into pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak, a Perinatologist, and Certified Nurse Midwife Kristin Mallon are here to share their professional perspectives straight from the trenches of the labor floor. Episode Overview: In this special episode, we delve into the sensitive topic of coping with perinatal los...

When expecting a baby, among the flurry of decisions to be made, choosing where to deliver stands out as one of the most significant. It's a choice that goes beyond mere geography or convenience; it's about where you'll welcome your child into the world and the first level of care both of you will receive. It's about safety, support, and a positive birth experience. Today, we're spotlighting Hacke...

A typical day for an OB/GYN on the labor floor in Labor and Delivery (L&D) is dynamic and multifaceted, blending clinical acumen with compassionate patient care. Their day begins with rounding on patients who are in various stages of labor, assessing their progress, and managing any complications that arise. Throughout the day, the OB/GYN is constantly on the move, alternating between the labor wa...

Easing Back Pain During Pregnancy: Tips and Insights Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation and joy, but it can also bring about a less welcomed companion: back pain. Many expectant mothers experience back pain, particularly in the second and third trimesters. This discomfort arises from the natural changes your body undergoes to accommodate the growing baby. However, the good n...

Navigating the Path toward a Successful VBAC: Essential Questions for Your Healthcare Provider As strong advocates for informed and empowered childbirth, this episdoe addresses a topic close to the hearts of many expectant parents: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Choosing a VBAC-friendly provider is a critical step in this journey, not just for the success of the procedure, but for the overal...

The No Surprises Act: A Much-Needed Shield in the Healthcare Battlefield In the labyrinth of American healthcare, where the Minotaur of unexpected costs lurks around every corner, the No Surprises Act emerges as a beacon of clarity and protection. Enacted in 2022, this legislation represents a crucial step in untangling the Gordian knot of medical billing, a maze that has perplexed and overwhelmed...

True Birth discusses new tech in pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of wonder and anticipation, but it also comes with its share of medical checkups and monitoring. Traditional prenatal care often involves frequent visits to the doctor's office, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient for expectant mothers. However, with advancements in technology, a revolutionary change is underway in obstetrics...

Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous and life-changing experience. The 24 hours following childbirth are a crucial time for both mother and baby, as they require specialized care and support. In this episode of True Birth, we will take you through what to expect during this period, from the delivery of the placenta to the early stages of postpartum recovery in the immeidate hours aft...

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can cause respiratory infections in people of all ages, including pregnant women. RSV infections are more prevalent during the fall and winter months. While RSV infections are usually mild and cold-like in healthy adults, they can lead to more severe respiratory symptoms in certain populations, including young infants and individuals with we...

Navigating the healthcare payor system in the United States can be a complex and sometimes overwhelming task. Understanding the intricacies of in-network and out-of-network insurance, as well as co-pays and deductibles, is crucial for making informed decisions about your healthcare. Here's a guide to help you through this labyrinth. Understanding Your Insurance Plan 1. In-Network vs. Out-of-Networ...

What are some of the reasons someone would choose to transfer OB/GYN providers later in a pregnancy?  Say, perhaps after 20 weeks of gestation?  There are several reasons why someone may choose to transfer to a different healthcare provider late in pregnancy. These reasons may include: Dissatisfaction with Current Provider: A person may become dissatisfied with their current healthcare provider du...

The landscape of obstetrics is undergoing a profound transformation, characterized by both positive and challenging changes. On the positive side, advancements in medical technology and evidence-based practices are enhancing the safety and well-being of expectant mothers and their babies. Access to prenatal care, maternal education, and support systems is improving, leading to better outcomes. How...

In the world of obstetrics and labor and delivery, statistics often play a pivotal role in shaping expectations for both parents and healthcare providers. Whether it's the odds of a smooth pregnancy, a complication-free childbirth, or a successful outcome in high-risk scenarios, we're frequently presented with numbers that can either bolster our hope or sow seeds of doubt. However, it's vital to r...

While many things have remained the same for millenia, the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) has witnessed remarkable advancements over the years, revolutionizing the way healthcare professionals care for pregnant individuals and women's reproductive health. As medical understanding deepens and technology progresses, certain practices that were once considered standard have fallen out of...

In the realm of pregnancy complications, vasa previa stands as a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that demands vigilant attention and awareness. Although relatively uncommon, vasa previa requires early diagnosis and appropriate management to ensure the safety of both the mother and the unborn child. In this blog post, we'll delve into the depths of vasa previa, exploring its causes,...

Throughout the ages, various misconceptions have surrounded this magical phase of a woman's life, often leading to laughter and disbelief. In this blog, we will delve into some of the funniest pregnancy myths and unravel the truth behind them. Cravings Indicate Baby's Gender: One of the most popular and entertaining myths is that a pregnant woman's cravings can predict the gender of her baby. Acco...

In today's fast-paced and dynamic world, the modern woman plays many roles, and none is more profound than that of a working mother. The journey of pregnancy and motherhood is an extraordinary experience, one that transforms a woman in ways that cannot be fully comprehended until lived. As we navigate the complexities of balancing work and family life, it is crucial to recognize the challenges fac...

The Positive Side of Forced Deliveries: Embracing Birth with Forceps Childbirth is a remarkable journey that brings forth new life and creates an everlasting bond between a mother and her baby. While the majority of births occur naturally, there are instances when medical intervention becomes necessary to ensure the well-being of both mother and child. One such intervention is the use of forceps d...

The world of genetics is an intricate and complex field, a web of codes that define every aspect of our being. Occasionally, unexpected changes that occur during the formation of these genetic blueprints, and these can lead to various genetic disorders. Among these disorders are Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13, also known as Edwards Syndrome and Patau Syndrome, respectively. Although relatively rare, th...

Obstetrical forceps have played a significant role in the history of childbirth assistance, but their use has declined in recent decades. One reason for this decline is the complexity and skill required to effectively and safely use forceps. Mastering the technique of forceps delivery requires extensive training and experience. The risk of complications increases when forceps are not applied corre...

As pregnancy progresses, expectant mothers may experience a range of sensations and bodily changes. One common occurrence during the latter stages of pregnancy is Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are often misunderstood, leading to confusion and concern. In this blog post, we will explore what Braxton Hicks contractions are and how they differ from real contractions. Understanding Br...

This episode is a continuation of the episode #104 on "What to Expect When Getting Induced" a step by step guide from getting admitted to delivery of the baby.  This episode focuses mainly on how an induction of labor dosen't need to drag on for days when it is actively managed and how Maternal Resources goes about utlizeing an active induction plan of care for their clients.  Pregnancy is a beaut...