It's a new initiative designed as an educational and support space for mothers and mothers-to-be. Here, resources, guidance, and learning opportunities are offered about the pregnancy process, prenatal care, and essential support to empower and strengthen mothers during this very special time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby. It reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 64% and protects against respiratory infections, diarrhea, asthma, obesity, diabetes, leukemia, and dental problems, as well as promoting brain development.
In mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and breast and ovarian cancer. These benefits extend even beyond the first year, strengthening the long-term health of both mother and child.
Tips for successful breastfeeding
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Coloca al bebé en el pecho poco después del nacimiento.
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Ofrece el pecho a demanda, cuando el bebé lo pida.
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Asegúrate de que el bebé se agarre correctamente al pezón.
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Mantén una alimentación equilibrada y una hidratación adecuada.
Si experimentas dificultades, no dudes en buscar apoyo de una asesora de lactancia.
Fountain:
Puerto Rico Department of Health. (n.d.). Breastfeeding. Government of Puerto Rico. https://www.salud.pr.gov/CMS/585
Prenatal care is crucial for ensuring the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy. Regular doctor visits, a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and adherence to medical recommendations can help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
A healthy pregnancy begins with prenatal care from the start, or even before conception. Regular doctor visits help prevent complications, manage conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and protect the baby's health.
Avoiding harmful substances, consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, and following a balanced diet and getting adequate exercise reduces risks such as neural tube defects, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and problems related to alcohol consumption. Prenatal care also ensures that medications used are safe for the fetus, promoting healthy development.
Prenatal care recommendations
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Realiza tus chequeos médicos periódicos.
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Lleva una dieta rica en nutrientes, especialmente ácido fólico, hierro y calcio.
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Mantén una rutina de ejercicio leve, como caminar o yoga para embarazadas.
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Descansa lo suficiente y mantén un equilibrio emocional.
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Evita el alcohol, el tabaco y cualquier sustancia dañina.
Fountain:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (n.d.). Prenatal Care. https://espanol.nichd.nih.gov/salud/temas/pregnancy/informacion/prenatales
Having a baby is one of the happiest moments in life, but it can also come with physical and emotional challenges.
It's normal to feel like all you do in the first few weeks is eat, sleep, and care for your baby. And that's perfectly fine! During this time, it's common to experience some spotting, similar to a period, swelling in your legs and feet, constipation, or cramps. Even if you're not breastfeeding, you might feel tenderness in your breasts or notice some milk leakage.
Follow your doctor's advice about activities you can do, such as walking or climbing stairs. They will also likely recommend waiting four to six weeks before having sex.
Regarding your emotions, you might feel a little sad at times. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or struggling to care for yourself or your baby, it could be something more serious, such as postpartum depression. Don't hesitate to seek help; you're not alone in this.
Tips for postnatal care
Allow yourself to rest and regain strength.
Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections.
Perform exercises recommended by your doctor to strengthen your body after childbirth.
Seek emotional support if you feel sadness or anxiety; you are not alone.
Make sure you take care of your mental and physical health.
Fountain:
MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Postpartum Care. https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/postpartumcare.html
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that expectant parents schedule a prenatal appointment with their pediatrician during the third trimester of pregnancy. This fosters a trusting relationship, answers questions about the baby's arrival, and addresses topics such as postpartum depression and positive parenting strategies.
It's important to remember that visits to the pediatrician aren't just for when your child is sick; they're also essential for their overall well-being. Here's why well-baby visits are so important:
Prevention:
At these appointments, your child receives their vaccinations according to the schedule to protect them from diseases. It's also a good time to ask the pediatrician questions about feeding, safety at home, or at school.
Monitoring growth and development:
You'll be able to see how much your child has grown since your last visit and discuss their development. You can talk about their achievements, social behavior, and learning.
Address concerns:
If you have any questions about your child's development, sleep, feeding, or family relationships, write them down before the appointment. Bring your top three questions to discuss at the beginning.
Teamwork:
These visits strengthen the relationship between you, your pediatrician, and your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends these regular appointments to ensure healthy physical, emotional, and social development.
What to expect from the first visit?
The pediatrician will check weight, height, and other health indicators.
It will guide you on baby skin care, feeding, and sleep.
You will talk about the vaccination schedule and check-up visits.
It's the ideal time to resolve any doubts you may have about your baby's development.
Fountain:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Well-child care: A check-up for success. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/Spanish/family-lifeh/health-management/Paginas/well-child-care-a-check-up-for-success.aspx
Exercises for pregnancy: Move safely and comfortably!
Exercising during pregnancy can help relieve discomfort, manage your weight, and prepare you for childbirth. Activities like walking, swimming, or strengthening your core muscles will give you more strength, muscle tone, and endurance.
Here are some recommended exercises:
Wall push-ups: Strengthen arms and chest.
Squats with a Swiss ball: Ideal for opening the pelvis and facilitating childbirth.
Leg raises: Strengthen the abdomen and back.
Modified side plank: Improves balance and strengthens the core.
Seated rope row: Tones the upper back.
Before you begin, consult your doctor to make sure they're right for you. Start slowly and gradually increase the dosage as you feel comfortable. Check with your specialist if your pregnancy might be high-risk. Your well-being and your baby's go hand in hand!
Source: Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Pregnancy and exercise: Stay fit and healthy during pregnancy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-exercises/art-20546799
During pregnancy, taking care of yourself means taking care of your baby, and vaccines are an important part of that protection. They not only help you, but also provide your little one with antibodies before birth.
What are the key vaccines during pregnancy?
Flu: Ideal in any quarter, especially if it's flu season.
Pertussis (Tdap): Recommended between weeks 27 and 32 of pregnancy to protect the newborn.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): A new option to prevent complications such as bronchiolitis in babies. Application: weeks 32-36.
COVID-19: A single dose can make all the difference. Suitable at any stage of pregnancy.
Important fact: vaccines generate antibodies that pass to the baby through the placenta.
What if I'm planning a pregnancy?
Now is a good time to complete your vaccination schedule. Some vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or chickenpox vaccine, must be administered before becoming pregnant, as they are not safe during pregnancy.
Immunization after birth?
If you missed any vaccines during pregnancy, don't worry. It's the perfect time to catch up (including Tdap or MMR) and strengthen your protection. Plus, breastfeeding doesn't affect vaccination at all—quite the opposite!
Which vaccines should not be administered during pregnancy?
MMR: rubella, mumps and measles.
Chickenpox
BCG
Oral typhoid
Yellow fever
Remember: Your doctor will always be your best guide to knowing which vaccines you need at each stage. Taking care of yourself now is giving your baby a safer start in life.
Spanish Association of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Pregnancy and vaccines. AEP vaccines.
Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that affects women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Symptoms include sadness, anxiety, extreme fatigue, and difficulty performing daily tasks. While mild mood swings after delivery (baby blues) are common, perinatal depression lasts longer than two weeks and can be more severe.
Common symptoms:
Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.
Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, and sleep problems.
Difficulty bonding with the baby.
Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
Difference with postpartum blues (baby blues):
Postpartum blues are milder and last less than two weeks, while perinatal depression is more intense and prolonged.
Treatment:
Perinatal depression can be treated with psychotherapy and medication (antidepressants), with options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Risk factors:
History of depression or similar disorders.
Stress, hormonal changes, and the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and parenting.
Seeking help:
It is essential to speak with a healthcare professional to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call 988 or seek immediate medical help.
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Perinatal depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/espanol/perinatal-depression
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Stay up to date with the latest health information during your pregnancy.
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