Dr. Paul MacKoul, MD

For your baby's health, breastfeeding should begin within the first hour of existence. Breastfeeding gives babies access to their mother's colostrum, which includes antibodies that strengthen your baby's immune system . When placed skin-to-skin with their mothers right after delivery, babies also grow strong instincts. This can aid in their autonomous learning of how to latch, suck, and feed. The immune system defends the body against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. White blood cells respond to germs or viruses in the body by producing specific proteins known as antibodies that aid the body in fighting off illness. During nursing, more antibodies are transferred to a baby's stomach through the placenta. Passive immunity is known as, but it disappears shortly after delivery. A significant worry for new parents is the start of sudden infant death syndrome. It is brought on by the baby's brain not maturing sufficiently to regulate breathing and arousal from slu...

Although labor pains can be highly unpleasant and even incapacitating, many natural remedies help alleviate the discomfort. Some approaches are supported by evidence from scientific studies and may even reduce reliance on painkillers and epidurals. Active labor, massage, heat packs, water immersion, relaxation techniques, self-hypnosis, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative treatments can help ease labor pains. Both you and your baby are entirely safe when utilizing these methods. Heat is a great pain reliever and comforter during labor. If you feel cold during labor, this can be a helpful way to warm up. You can use anything from a heating pad or water bottle to a rice sock for this technique. They need to be rewarmed because their heat is lost during use. Reducing inflammation with cold therapy is another potential benefit. Decreasing blood flow to the area may alleviate swelling and pain. Use caution if you are very young or old or have diabetic neuropathy or Raynaud...

Pelvic physical therapy is a way to treat problems with the pelvic floor, such as urinary incontinence and prolapse of the pelvic organs. Physical therapists working with the pelvic floor use various methods to help your pelvic muscles, tendons, and ligaments work again. These include exercises, hands-on therapy, and learning to coordinate your movements. A pelvic floor is a group of muscles that run from the pubic bone (in the front) to the tailbone (in the back) (back). They work with other small muscles, nerves, and soft tissues to make a sling supporting the bladder, uterus, rectum, and urethra. When the pelvic floor is weak or hurt, it can cause problems with the bladder and bowels, such as incontinence, painful urination, inability to have a bowel movement, and other symptoms. Physical therapists can help with these problems by strengthening the muscles, which helps support the urinary tract. Physical therapists working with the pelvic floor can help you strengthen your pelvic m...