Tackling Unwanted Pregnancy Advice

APS • May 08, 2018

People often have strong opinions about everything baby-related. From diapers, sunscreen and breastfeeding to dressing for cold weather. No two moms do things exactly the same way. So how do you handle all the (often conflicting) advice?

Now that you’re pregnant it can seem like complete strangers are telling you how to parent. In those situations, it may be wise to thank them, tell them you’ll think about it… and move on.

Out of love, those close to you from family to friends may try to help. With them one option is to share that you appreciate their concern and that you’re thinking about their advice. Your doctor can often be a great ally when you’re not comfortable with their advice. Try to affirm areas that you agree.

If you’re looking for support or have concerns, APS is here for you. Call 414-727-8177 today to speak with a volunteer. We offer a range of services from pregnancy tests to parenting classes.

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By APS Medical 29 Aug, 2019
When you are pregnant, something odd happens. Suddenly, everyone becomes an expert. Your mom tells you what foods to avoid, your friends tell you the things to buy, your coworkers tell you how much rest you need. Everyone and anyone has an opinion, and it can be challenging to sort through the clutter. How do you separate the good advice from the bad advice? Though it may seem difficult, the answer is actually quite simple. Take each piece of advice and run it through two filters. 1. Consider the Source Who is advising you? Do they know you well? Do they understand your needs or desires? Is your wellbeing their ultimate concern? Was it expressed with loving concern? If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then consider their opinion. Think about what they are telling you, and understand that this advice was given to help you. This advice was given with pure intentions, and it is worth considering. Similarly, remember the difference between your cousin and your OBGYN. Your cousin is advising you based on her experience. Your OBGYN is advising you with years of experience, a medical degree, and a commitment to patient care. He or she knows your physical needs and will give you the best advice on managing a healthy pregnancy. 2. Compare with What You Know You know yourself the best. You know what you need, and only you can determine which pieces of advice work for you. Maybe your friend thought ten hours of sleep was necessary during her pregnancy, but you feel fine with eight. Maybe your coworker thought eating first thing in the morning was what cured her morning sickness, but you want to vomit every time you choke down those Cheerios. Maybe your sister used cloth diapers, but you feel physically ill every time you think about washing the soiled diapers. Be true to yourself and make decisions based on what works best for you and your family. Do not let others dictate your pregnancy! Take care of yourself and be confident in your decision! As long as you are showing yourself (and your baby) love, you will be just fine!
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By APS Medical 24 May, 2019
When you are pregnant, you may hear someone remark, “now you are eating for two!” While this is often in the context of humor, this is a true statement. During your pregnancy, you are responsible for fulfilling two sets of needs when you eat: yours and baby’s. This can be daunting as you realize that everything you eat impacts your baby. You may wonder, “Can I eat this while pregnant? How many changes do I need to make? What foods will cause harm?” We are here to help! We have provided a simple list of foods to avoid while you are pregnant. Hopefully this will help you make the dietary changes necessary for your health and baby’s development! **Disclaimer: This is general advice and not specific to your health. Please contact your doctor with your concerns so you can find the diet best suited for you and your baby** 1. High-Mercury Fish Mercury is a highly toxic element known to dangerously affect the human body. Found most commonly in fish from polluted waters, mercury can cause damage to the nervous system, immune system, and kidneys. It can also negatively impact a child’s development. For this reason, doctors recommend limiting consumption of shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tuna to less than twice a month. 2. Raw Eggs Consuming raw eggs can put you at risk for Salmonella. While rare, Salmonella can cause severe cramps leading to premature birth or stillbirth. Foods that commonly contain raw eggs include lightly scrambled eggs, poached eggs, salad dressings, hollandaise sauce, homemade mayonnaise, homemade ice cream, and cake icing. 3. Caffeine Take heart, avid coffee drinkers! You do not have to completely avoid caffeine during your pregnancy, but you may need to restrict yourself to an extent. Medical professionals recommend limiting your intake to 200 mg per day. Be sure to look at the labels for common caffeinated items, such as coffee, soda, energy drinks, or chocolate so you are aware of how much you are consuming. 4. Unwashed Produce Eating fruits and vegetables without washing them can put you at risk. Produce may contain bacteria or parasites such as Toxoplasma, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. These can wreak havoc on both mom and baby. Some parasites, like Toxoplasma, may not display immediate symptoms but may cause blindness or intellectual disability later in life. 5. Undercooked Meat Similar to unwashed produce, undercooked meat may increase your risk for bacteria or parasites. These include Toxoplasma, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. These may cause severe birth defects for your baby. Ensure that the meat you are eating is thoroughly cooked and be extra cautious while dining out. You should also avoid eating processed meats unless they have been reheated and are steaming hot. 6. Alcohol While you likely already know to avoid alcohol while pregnant, we would like to remind you that no amount of alcohol is known to be safe to consume while pregnant! Skipping alcohol during your pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby!
By APS Medical 04 May, 2019
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By APS 21 May, 2018
Whether we're looking for a great restaurant or a good doctor, most of us ask people in our area for recommendations. We want to benefit from their experience. Here are a few of the comments clients shared that visited our center last week. "I like how comfortable the ladies made me feel." "I'm going to [...] The post What were clients saying last week? appeared first on APS Medical West Allis, WI.
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