Monthly archive

The history of midwifery in New Mexico comes from a long linage of rural, indigenous, and modern midwives. Midwives are often much more to their patients and communities than birth assistants. They are the caregivers and empowerers of women and thusly families and communities. A women’s reproductive life starts long before she has a child and lasts throughout the lifespan.

On the heels of National Nurses’ Day (May 6), I asked my co-worker, who has been a Labor and Delivery nurse for over 20 years, to reflect on her experience. She shared:

The COVID-19 pandemic has reignited the practice of social distancing. Advised by government and health officials, social distancing is essential to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

To keep our patients and staff safe, we now have a no-visitor policy with few exceptions until further notice.

Managing stress and anxiety during this time of uncertainty will make you, and those around you stronger. If you are practicing social distancing or home quarantining here are a few helpful tips to maintain and improve your mental health.

We all know how great a good night’s sleep makes us feel, and how groggy we feel if we don’t get enough shut eye. If you are continuously not getting quality sleep, you may have a sleep disorder.

A sleep disorder is a condition that impairs your ability to sleep or causes increased sleepiness during the day. Everyone can experience sleep problems from time to time, but if you are regularly experiencing sleep issues, you might not be getting proper sleep at night. Some common characteristics of sleep disorders include:

As we ring in the New Year, the nation also welcomes playoff football. It’s a no brainer that game days can be filled with large quantities of food and alcohol, and long periods of time sitting front of the television.

Karla Giese, DNP, NP, BC-ADM, CDE, a diabetes specialist with Lovelace Medical Group, provides tips for making healthy choices on game days:

Don’t go out with an empty tank.

A doula, also known as a birth companion, is a trained professional in childbirth. The word doula comes from the Greek meaning “a woman who serves” or “handmaiden.” Doulas can provide educational, physical and emotional support to an expectant mother and her family during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Knowledge eases anxiety, while increasing the satisfaction of the birth process. A doula is not a replacement for your partner, but a trustworthy, educated, prepared, mentor and coach.

Bonding with your baby during pregnancy is called attachment. Pregnancy is an ideal time to start the attachment process, which affects development significantly during pregnancy and after the baby arrives. Bonding with your baby is similar during pregnancy as it will be after baby is born. You can send loving signals to your baby through senses like hearing, language, memory, sight and touch.

Getting together with friends and family is the best part of this season. If you have the responsibility of hosting guests, you’ve got a lot to plan to make sure your guests are happy and comfortable. Making sure everyone is healthy should also be at the top of your priorities.

There are many to promote healthy habits and create a safe environment for all your house guests. Follow these tips and you’ll have each room guest-ready!