Podcast host Heidi Hatch is joined by former lawmakers Jim Dabakis (D) and Greg Hughes (R) for another Take 2 episode.
The trio talked the legacy of the recently late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, also known as the notorious RBG and now the GOP gets to fill her seat on the court while Utah’s Mitt Romney was the vote Democrats were counting on.
They also discuss the debate in Utah’s Congressional District 1. Do ideas even matter in such a right-leaning district or is it simply a party vote? They also talk about the upcoming gubernatorial debate next Tuesday.
Additional topics:
COVID-19 numbers are growing, this week reaching its highest peak. Should there be a statewide mandate?
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson is pushing for one and will this hurt her chances in November?
Provo High school tried to move its homecoming game this week to circumvent new restrictions
When you’re pregnant and you think about delivering your baby, you might worry about the pain during childbirth. But many women might not think too much about the pain that can continue after childbirth. Right after you have a baby, whether you’ve had a regular vaginal delivery or if you’ve had a Caesarean section, which requires abdominal surgery, women typically feel very tired and pretty sore for a few days.
Jade Elliott spoke with Kim Compagni, a pharmacist and executive operations director of pain management services for Intermountain Healthcare and Amy Campbell, a nurse and the Interim executive director for the women’s health clinical program at Intermountain Healthcare, about the things you can do to manage the pain after childbirth,
How does the pain after childbirth vary depending on the kind of delivery you have? What’s typical for a vaginal delivery?
Uterine cramping is the most common pain women experience after childbirth. The body releases oxytocin after your baby is born to begin the process of shrinking the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size. There is also pain as the uterus begins to contract and tighten back up. This also slows post-partum bleeding. This cramping pain may also increase during breastfeeding. Uterine cramping is typically described as dull, aching pain. Women typically also have perineum pain and some swelling. Most women describe it as a stinging type pain, sometimes throbbing pain. It’s common to have pain in the vaginal wall from an episiotomy or tearing of the perineum.
And what about if you have complications like delivering by Caesarean section, how can that affect your pain level?
Uterine cramping is normal after a Caesarean section as well. A C-section procedure is done by making a horizonal incision just above the pubic bone. The pain from a C-Section is incisional pain or surgical pain in that lower abdominal muscle. Women describe this as stinging, throbbing or sharp shooting pain.
How does pain tolerance vary from woman to woman?
Pain tolerance varies from person to person. Every woman is different and the trauma to the mother’s body varies during every birth. Typically, when it’s a second or subsequent birth, women have more cramping and after pains. Pain varies from woman to woman by her ability to cope and her endurance for pain as well. Rest is so important to improve pain tolerance. Many women have adopted the practice of meditation and hypnosis to prepare for the birth experience, and these same methods can be used after birth. Pain tolerance can be improved greatly with these practices.
In childbirth, the amount of after pains depend on if it’s your first birth. Typically, when it’s a second or subsequent birth, women have more cramping and after pains.
What should new moms know about alleviating pain after childbirth?
Pain is part of childbirth. It’s normal. Have realistic expectations afterward. Talk to your doctor, midwife and pharmacist to help determine if you might need pain control after childbirth.
Your postpartum nurses can help teach you simple ways to help alleviate postpartum pain. Positioning your body is important. You can use pillows for your back, or under your arms or knees. Ice packs placed on your perineal area or Caesarean incision are very helpful. Witch hazel pads help both soothe perineal pain and keep the area clean. Lidocaine spray or gel can be applied for instant topical pain relief.
5 Simple Ways to Relieve Pain After Childbirth
Use ice packs for soreness
Apply topical Lidocaine spray or gel
Use witch hazel pads to soothe and clean the perineal area
Use over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
For complications, use non-opioid prescription pain relievers.
What types of pain relief may be used?
The key to pain management is to take scheduled acetaminophen and Ibuprofen around the clock for 2-3 days postpartum. The scheduled doses of medications will allow for an opioid free postpartum period. Rotate every 3-4 hours taking 1000 mg acetaminophen and alternating with 600 mg of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen also reduces swelling. You should only rarely need an opioid after childbirth and usually only for one to two days.
After childbirth is a time period where constipation can be troublesome, and opioids compound the problem. Taking stool softeners, drinking plenty of fluids and getting a short walk in each day can alleviate the constipation.
Over the counter topical medications such as dibucaine ointment and witch hazel can provide some additional pain relief and can help with swelling. We want women to be comfortable, so discuss on-going pain issues with your provider.
Why might postpartum women be at risk for becoming addicted to prescription pain relievers?
Childbirth is difficult. You’re tired, you’re in pain, especially with a c-section. Your hormones are fluctuating. It’s a big life change and adjustment. The combination of all those things could lead to postpartum depression, anxiety or addiction.
In the past, opioids were a common solution for pain. But now, we know more of the risks about opioids and about many opioid alternatives.
Are opioids safe for your baby if you plan to breastfeed?
When you’re nursing, medications can end up in your breastmilk and affect your baby. Check with your provider or pharmacist about what medications are safe when breastfeeding. If opioids are used by the mother, the infant should be monitored for sedation and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breast-fed infants when moms stop taking an opioid or when breast-feeding is stopped.
Is it safe for moms to take opioids short term after delivery?
In recent years, we’ve become much more aware of the risks of prescription opioids and opioid addiction. We recommend not taking opioids for more than three days after childbirth. If you have an opioid prescription and it says you can take it every four hours, you don’t need to take it every four hours. As your pain lessens, you should cut back the dose and frequency.
Why is it good to avoid opioids?
A side effect of opioids is drowsiness. Women have oxytocin in their body naturally after delivery and that makes you tired. So those things combined, can make it hard to take care of your baby. Your baby needs your full attention.
Opioids can be highly addictive. Taking opioids can lead to addiction, which can lead to other problems that could interfere with your ability to take care of your baby or family, maintain relationships, make good decisions, keep yourself and your baby safe, go to work or school or achieve your goals.
What is the potential for opioid addiction?
Physical dependence typically takes about seven days. The likelihood of developing opioid use disorder increases with time and dose. That is why it’s best to try to limit the number of opioids prescribed.
If your pain continues or increases after you get home from the hospital, when should you call your provider?
It’s normal to have perineal pain or C-section incision pain. But call your provider if you have chest pain or a hard time breathing, or pain or a lump in your legs or if you notice any redness, swelling, or heat on your body.
For more information about women’s health services and postpartum care at Intermountain Healthcare visit:
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
The new number of cases this week should be deeply concerning for all Utahns. The good news is that we are not yet stressing our healthcare facilities and we have beaten a wave like this once already…you know what to do!…
Who should make decisions over when schools shutdown with COVID-19 cases?
It seems like more people are expecting twins these days, and there are stories on the news about triplets, quads and more. What’s going on here? And what should moms know if they’re expecting multiples?
If you’re expecting more than one baby or think you might end up with multiples due to beginning fertility medication or treatment, you’ll want to listen in.
Jade Elliott is joined by Dr. Helen Feltovich, a maternal fetal medicine physician with Intermountain Healthcare who specializes in high-risk pregnancies to answer common questions about expecting multiples.
Is the Number of Twins and Multiples Increasing?
Actually, the number of multiples being born has decreased slightly in recent years, probably due to responsible assisted reproductive technologies.
What Increases Your Chances of Having Twins or Multiples?
While fertility medication or in vitro fertilization may increase your chance for carrying multiples, there are other factors, like genetics or demographics that can come into play.
Family history of twins or multiples
Over age 35
Previous pregnancy
Taller than average
Obesity – Body mass index of 30 or higher
African American women are slightly more likely to have twins
If you have multiple factors, your odds of having multiples, multiplies!
Types of Twins
Identical twins is the common name for “monochorionic” twins, which means one placenta. These twins result from the fertilization of a single egg that splits in two. Identical twins share all of their genes and are of the same sex.
Fraternal twins is the common name for “dichorionic” twins, which means two placentas. These twins result from the fertilization of two separate eggs during the same pregnancy. They share genes just like any other siblings. Fraternal twins can be of the same or different sexes.
The only way to really know if your twins are identical is through genetic testing. In some very rare cases, there can be identical twins that are different in some important ways, like sex.
With Good Prenatal Care, Most Twin Pregnancies Result in Healthy Babies
Most twins are delivered past 36 weeks. The estimated due date is at 40 weeks of pregnancy, and 37 weeks is considered term. Half of twins are delivered after 36 weeks, and half before then, either because of spontaneous labor or because of a maternal or fetal problem that requires delivery. Multiples higher than twins often arrive earlier.
Risks of Carrying Multiples
Preterm labor
Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure)
Gestational diabetes
Miscarriage
Placenta complications
Fetal growth concerns, especially for monochorionic (identical) twins
Increased risk for postpartum depression or anxiety due to complications
Prenatal Visits Are Even More Important If You’re Expecting Multiples
When you’re expecting twins or multiples, your doctor will likely want you to have more prenatal visits than for a singleton pregnancy due to a higher chance for complications. You’ll also likely need additional ultrasounds and fetal monitoring during pregnancy to check for any complications. That’s why it’s important to not skip prenatal appointments.
When to See a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
If your doctor is not comfortable with managing or delivering twins, or if you have additional complications, you’ll probably be invited to see a maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialist. This is especially true if your babies are monochorionic (identical). MFM specialists are trained in obstetrics and gynecology like general obstetricians, but then they do an additional three years of training specific to high risk pregnancies and deliveries. If you’re expecting three or more babies, it’s highly recommended you see an MFM specialist.
If there is not an MFM specialist in your area, ask your doctor about consulting with one through telehealth. We try to keep patients close to their home.
Things to Do at Home If You’re Expecting Multiples
Take prenatal vitamins as you would for a single pregnancy.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Eat well. Don’t focus on the number of pounds to gain. Your provider will watch the weight of your babies with growth ultrasounds.
Get enough exercise
Bed rest is not recommended just because you’re expecting multiples.
Be Aware of the Signs of Preterm Labor
If you feel more pressure or have cramping, bleeding, or are leaking fluid, or have decreased fetal movement, call your doctor.
Prepare for the Postpartum Period
Set up social support for after the babies arrive. Your chances of having premature babies or a Caesarean delivery are higher when you are carrying multiples. If your babies are born prematurely, one or more of your babies may need to stay in a neonatal intensive care unit. You may want to think about how close you live to a hospital with a NICU or ask your provider if they have access to telehealth consultations for your baby.
You may be at higher risk for postpartum depression or anxiety due to increased stress or complications.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is best for babies, especially premature babies. It is possible to nurse multiples successfully. If breastfeeding is not working, there’s no shame in needing to supplement with formula.
For more information, here are some helpful links:
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
The discussion on the weekly Take 2 podcast began with solemn commemoration of the 19 year anniversary of 9/11, a day when a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States included passenger airliners being hijacked and flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Podcast host Heidi Hatch, and former lawmakers Jim Dabakis (D) and Greg Hughes (R), recounted where they were Sept. 11, 2001, during the attacks.
The discussion then turned to current matters, such as the Senate Democrats walking away from the COVID-19 relief bill presented by the GOP. Is the deal dead until after the election – 53 day away?
Sen. Mitt Romney stated of the legislation:
We have an opportunity to either take steps to build on the important provisions we passed as a part of the CARES Act or we can do nothing. This targeted relief package, while not perfect, includes many important bipartisan provisions which would secure federal unemployment benefits, restart the Paycheck Protection Program, help parents with the expenses of childcare and homeschooling, and help our schools keep kids safe. Families, businesses, and communities in Utah need assistance now, not weeks or months down the road. I’m disappointed that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would not at the very least vote to move forward with this legislation today so we could have a debate on the merits.
Sen. Mike Lee posted on Twitter that the bill wasn’t perfect but it is a start to “real reforms.”
Additional topics discussed are:
Trump knew it was worse than the flu. Does this change any minds?
Bob Woodward releases book “Rage.”
5-15% undecided depending on poll.
Holy wind! Utah digging out from another mess. How are we doing at handling another crisis?
SLC schools push online start back a week with no power or WiFi.
Utah eliminates sexual assault backlog; 11,193 sexual assault kits tested, 5,025 DNA profiles entered into national database and 1,979 suspected identified through search of the DNA database. The turnaround time to process a kit is now 90 days instead of years
Western Wildfires: The left says climate change and the right says federal restrictions that don’t allow logging are to blame.
Real Housewives – Bravo releases the trailer. Who’s in to watch and is this good or bad for the great state of Utah?
Having a first baby is exciting. Having a second baby and introducing them to the sibling brings its own set of stresses for some. How will the sibling respond? How best to introduce the baby to the family?
Jade Elliott spoke with Peter Lindgren, pediatrician, Intermountain Healthcare, to learn about the best ways to introduce a new baby to the family on this episode of hte Baby Your Baby Podcast.
“It’s an adventure, and perfectly normal for parents to feel anxious about having another baby,” said Lindgren.. “My sister’s first response when I came home from the hospital was, ‘Send him back.’ But there also are many more stories of children who adore their new baby sibling, and often reflect the care and love that they have received.”
A new baby changes the family’s structure. Siblings might respond with feelings of betrayal or that they’ve been replaced or a regression in behavior. Mothers often experience a change in their relationship with an older child. Many fathers take on a more important role with older children, particularly as mothers feed a newborn.
There is no one recipe for how to introduce baby to his or her siblings. But here are some tips on how you can help children – and yourselves – through change:
Involve Siblings
– Before the baby is born, talk to your children about having a new sibling. For children under 2 years, it’s helpful to wait until the baby is closer to delivery (around 30 weeks of pregnancy).
– Read books together, such as “Peter’s Chair” by Ezra Jack Keats and “I’m a Big Brother/Sister” xx by Joanna Cole.
– Make caring for baby a team sport by including older siblings.
Reassure and teach
– Play it cool, but don’t be afraid to show your feelings. Children learn to navigate the world by watching their parents.
– Acting out is normal. Recognize the behaviors that you want to see.
– Jealousy can’t be avoided. Reassure, spend time with, hug, and make physical contact with older siblings.
– Keep your sense of humor!
More to think about
– Showering siblings with gifts is likely to make them feel like something really ominous is going on.
– Some wonder if the newborn should give a gift to the older sibling. Consider your older child’s personality before deciding.
Be Kind to Yourself
It’s okay to let your child respond in whatever way they are going to respond. Give them time to process their feelings, and yourself time to find your family’s new equilibrium. Remember that you get to do all of this in a sleep-deprived state, while recovering from a physically and emotionally intense experience. Above all, be kind to each other and yourselves.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
So, you’re excited to be pregnant. You’re supposed to be glowing, but instead you look kind of green. If you feel nauseous or you just threw up, it’s probably morning sickness.
Jade Elliott spoke with Hannele Laine, here an OB/Gyn from Intermountain Healthcare To help you know how to make it through morning sickness.
Morning sickness is common and may be under-treated
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 50-80 percent of pregnant women experience nausea and 50 percent experience vomiting or retching.
Morning sickness may be undertreated. It often begins prior to the first appointment, so women sometimes wait for the appointment rather than asking for help. In addition, women may not seek treatment because they believe it is common and usually temporary or because they’re concerned about the safety of taking medications while pregnant.
What causes morning sickness?
The specific cause of vomiting during pregnancy is not known. One hypothesis is that it due to the change in hormones levels during pregnancy.
Common myths about morning sickness:
1. It only occurs in the morning. False: You can have morning sickness any time of day.
2. It’s resolves after the first trimester. False: A few women have it last into the second and sometimes even into the third trimester.
3. It harms the baby. False: Typical morning sickness does not harm the fetus.
What increases your risk of severe morning sickness?
Severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is called hyperemesis gravidarum. It is more likely to occur with these risk factors:
• A twin or triplet pregnancy.
• A previous pregnancy with nausea and vomiting.
• In women who have family members with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
• A history of motion sickness or migraines.
• Being pregnant with a female fetus.
Simple ways to help reduce morning sickness:
Eat small meals, every 1-2 hours to avoid a full stomach and to avoid hunger.
Eat bland, dry foods like crackers, cereal, toast or baked potatoes.
Eat some protein with every meal.
Avoid spicy or fatty foods.
Eat something before you get out of bed. Keep crackers on your nightstand.
Take prenatal vitamins at night after a meal or switch to folic acid alone.
Avoid unpleasant smells as they may trigger nausea.
Try ginger capsules or candies, ginger ale or tea made with real ginger.
Wristbands that put pressure on or electrically stimulate a pressure point on the wrist may help.
How to prevent morning sickness from becoming severe:
Avoid getting dehydrated. Try taking little sips all day of something like Gatorade.
Seek treatment early to prevent severe symptoms requiring hospitalization.
Talk to your provider about how to manage your morning sickness and review possible medications that can help.
Keep your prenatal visits and call if you are having trouble between visits.
When to call or see your provider:
• If nausea or vomiting is severe
• You pass only a small amount of urine or it’s dark in color
• You can’t keep liquids down
• You feel dizzy or faint when you stand up
• Your heart races or is pounding
• You’re losing weight
• If nausea or vomiting begins after nine weeks of pregnancy
Severe nausea and vomiting could be caused by something else:
Warning signs that your nausea and vomiting may be due to another cause:
• abdominal pain or tenderness
• fever
• headache
• thyroid enlargement or swelling on the front of the neck
• nausea and vomiting that occurs for the first time after nine weeks of pregnancy.
If you have severe nausea and vomiting, your provider may want to do additional tests to evaluate other causes of the symptoms. Some medical conditions can cause nausea and vomiting during pregnancy such as an ulcer, food-related illness, thyroid or gallbladder disease.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
