By Robert Felix, MotherToBaby Past President I’ll never forget the panic in her voice. “The web said, ‘stay away from cats when you’re pregnant because your baby can be mentally retarded!” It was the first thing this soon-to-be mom could get out the second I picked up the phone. “It is true? I got rid of my cat immediately because I was so worried and I feel terrible about it,” she breathlessly explained. As a teratogen information specialist (someone trained to answer questions about exposures …
The Baby Blog
About Our Baby Blog
Every person wants to know what’s best for their baby, especially when it comes to knowing how to minimize exposure risks. Our relatable stories are packed with practical information from our rotating staff of MotherToBaby expert bloggers. Whatever topic you’re looking for, our blogs will provide you a great foundation to learn more.
When Counting Sheep Doesn’t Work: Insomnia and Pregnancy
By Patricia Markland Cole, MPH, MotherToBaby Massachusetts During my work at MotherToBaby, I have received calls from pregnant woman who want to know what can they safely take to sleep? Usually they are looking at natural remedies like melatonin for information. For some who have been on medications like Ambien before they were pregnant, they now wonder if they can use it because they are having a hard time catching those Zzzz’s. Even though I am not pregnant, I am sure all of us can relate to …
Adoption: Sharing the Journey
By Lori Wolfe, Certified Genetic Counselor and Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby North Texas “Sometimes I forget I am adopted,” exclaims my sweet son as he grabs his backpack to head off to school. I had just let him know that his birthday this year falls on November 19th, National Adoption Day. “So cool! We will need to do something special this year on my birthday, to celebrate both my birthday and my adoption! See ya, mom!” To Shaun, adoption is as easy as one, two, three, and …
CMV During Pregnancy and Hearing Loss: A Perspective from the Sound Booth
By Heidi S. Neuburger, MS, MA, Indiana University Audiologist It was a busy day in the audiology clinic, but my 10AM patient made me pause. I reviewed the medical records for this adorable 2 1/2 year old. His mother, a daycare provider, had contracted cytomegalovirus (CMV) early in her pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is nothing unusual about this. You can get CMV by contact with bodily fluids from a person who carries the virus. If mommy is caring for toddlers, either at home or in her place of …
The Allure of Alcohol: Why do Women Continue to Drink during Pregnancy?
By Lori Wolfe, Certified Genetic Counselor and Teratogen Information Specialist, MotherToBaby North Texas Have you ever had a pregnant friend tell you, “it is OK to have just one glass of wine now and then, that’s what my doctor said,” or “my mother drank beer when she was pregnant with me, and I turned out fine.” As a Teratogen Counselor (a birth defects expert), I hear these statements more than you would imagine. You may think it is common knowledge that there is no safe level of alcohol …
