Monthly archive

A mother’s Labor of Love story supporting pregnancy and natural delivery

Michelle Amaya Schmidt welcomed her first child, a boy, Asher Hunter Schmidt on January 13, 2016. He was born at Lovelace Women’s Hospital after months of anticipation and preparation. Michelle joined the Lovelace Labor of Love program to learn more about what to expect during her first pregnancy, while taking advantage of every opportunity to give her baby the best start possible. “I was immediately drawn to the Labor of Love program,” she says.

Lovelace Regional Hospital – Roswell CEO shares passion for nursing, leadership and community involvement

“I knew nursing was my path,” shares Lovelace Regional Hospital – Roswell CEO Dawn Tschabrun, RN of her 31-year professional career and lifelong interest in nursing. It all began in her South Central Nebraska hometown, where Dawn was introduced to health care through her mother’s job as a materials management tech at their local community hospital. By high school, Dawn volunteered as a candy striper and met a charge nurse named Rita, who took her under her wing and opened her eyes to the field of nursing.

Painful swelling after cancer treatment - Lymphedema awareness and treatment

If you watch CBS Sunday Morning, you may have seen Kathy Bates share her story as a breast cancer survivor who experienced lymphedema after her mastectomy. As a spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education and Research Network, Ms. Bates has shared her journey with medical professionals and with the media.

Roots of Empathy has profound impact on school age children, teaches empathy

Empathy is the ability to identify with another person’s feelings. The ability to see and feel things as others see and feel them is central to competent parenting and successful social relationships in all stages of life.

Lovelace Labor of Love is proud to support Roots of Empathy, a curriculum for elementary school children that teaches empathy, social and emotional skills, and reduces aggression.

Albuquerque stroke survivor gives back at Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital

“Knowing you are not alone is the most important,” shares Darrell Yazza. “There are other people who have been through it and they’re doing well.” Once a month, Darrell brings the perspective only a stroke survivor would understand to stroke patients at Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital.

Protection from Zika in New Mexico

Concern continues to build as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a recent report that more than 300 people in the United States have contracted the Zika virus, 31 of those being pregnant women. The majority of cases are travel-associated cases with only locally acquired cases in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports one case of a 46-year-old Bernalillo County man who contracted Zika while traveling in Central America.

Reflecting on the spirit of Mother’s Day

Spring brings new life around each corner and we enjoy seeing growing bellies as moms visit our birthing centers. This spring, we are happy to take time to salute all mothers and mother figures for the widely celebrated Mother’s Day holiday. At Labor of Love, we recognize the extensive array of emotions this day can bring. Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 40 countries worldwide. Although the season or time of year may vary for this celebration, love for mother is often shown with flowers, cards, hugs, kisses or a special meal made by someone other than mom.

Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital helps retired doctor regain brain function after rare infection

Dr. William Cole, 77, has played bass clarinet throughout his life since high school. The retired family medicine physician joined a local band in Albuquerque, playing more regularly over the last two years than he was able to during his 34-year career practicing medicine in Juneau, AK. It was just one of the perks of retiring to New Mexico five years ago – the biggest perk being close to his daughter and three grandchildren. Retirement seemed to be treating him well in the warmth of an unseasonably mild winter, until one Thursday morning in February.

Grandmother advocates for family’s colon cancer screening after stage II diagnosis

“I told my husband, ‘I just don’t feel right,’” Tonnie Lucero, 62 recalls. “I was tired, sleepy, had gained weight and felt bloated. I didn’t know why.” Tonnie picked up the phone and scheduled an appointment with her primary care physician for a complete physical. Blood work revealed she was anemic, which would explain why she was fatigued.

Lovelace surgeon helps men with conditions many are afraid to talk about

Lovelace robotic surgeon Dr. Wayne Kuang joins us on the blog today to discuss a topic that affects men across the globe, yet many do not feel comfortable discussing: erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

Lifelong promise for better nutrition is highlight of National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages us all to consider how we nourish ourselves and our families through food choices, not only this month, but as a lifelong endeavor for better nutrition and health. It is an opportunity to embrace food as nutrition and fuel for our everyday lives. Lovelace dietitian and nutritionist, Teresa Anderson, RDN, LD CDE, explains the focus of this year’s campaign. “Food is an important part of our traditions and social experiences,” she says.

Why are we more worried about a colonoscopy than colon cancer?

There’s a list of reasons many of us give as to why we don’t need a colonoscopy. I can’t take time off work. I heard the preparation is terrible. I don’t have any symptoms. That sounds embarrassing. Yet, the list of reasons why we do need one make all of those excuses seem trivial. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States. Colon cancer may not present with any symptoms.

Lovelace lactation consultants are champions for breastfeeding

A lactation consultant with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential is a skilled health care professional who specializes in the science of human lactation (breastfeeding), and in the assessment of breastfeeding women and their babies. They are champions who support and advocate for breastfeeding in their communities and part of their role includes promoting and shifting breastfeeding back into the norm for infant feeding.

Mom and baby yoga classes offer unique experience

Establishing a habit of health and wellness begins at an early age. In fact, as early as four weeks old, babies are introduced to the movement of yoga through Mommy & Me Yoga classes offered by Labor of Love, a free program for expectant mothers. It is a unique opportunity for both mothers and their babies.

Local fire fighter shares story of surviving massive heart attack

Chris Serino, an Albuquerque Fire Department fire fighter, was boarding a flight home from Washington, D.C. in the spring of 2014, when he noticed a rash on his arms and legs. “I had taken an Aleve and it looked like I was having an allergic reaction,” he recalls. When he got home that evening, Chris took a Benadryl, hoping to relieve the symptoms. That next morning, however, they only got worse.

Common Mistakes After Weight Loss Surgery

Old habits. Eating the wrong food. Not exercising.

Which of these do you think are the most common mistakes patients make after weight loss surgery? Lovelace Bariatrics Director Dr. Duc Vuong says the answer can hold patients back from successful weight loss.

Exercise, Diet and Breastfeeding Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Live and Love. That is how I sign all my emails. I want to remember those two important practices every time I communicate with someone. February is a perfect time to reflect on living (American Heart Month) and loving (Valentine’s Day). Taking care of your heart allows you to live healthier, improve your quality of life and enjoy all those special moments as your baby grows up.

Lovelace offers Look Good Feel Better for cancer patients

“I feel much older,” shares Jane. “I feel I’ve aged tremendously.”

“I felt very weak,” Vanessa remembers. “It was horrible.”

“It was a shock to me when I was told I had cancer,” shares Vimala. “I had no symptoms.”

Daily Coke Drinkers Could Have Added Belly Fat

Do you drink sugary drinks often? Things like coke, energy or sports drinks, fruit drinks, sweetened coffee or sweetened tea have a lot of sugar are popular choices, but recently researchers found that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages every day is associated with an increase in a type of fat called visceral fat.

Why would I consider a doula and what do they do?

A doula is a trained professional in childbirth. She provides continuous support to a mother before, during and just after birth. The word doula comes from the Greek meaning “a woman who serves”, or “handmaiden”.

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