Sounds Healthy

When a breastfeeding mom goes back to work, it helps to have a plan. Lactation consultant Kate McLachlan explains a mother’s rights under federal law, which employers must accommodate pumping breast milk and how to check out which ones step up (check TexasMotherFriendly.org). Kate also walks us through questions about nipple confusion, bottles and pacifiers, storage and transportation, and how skin-to-skin contact during feeding can help daddies, too.

Pumping breast milk is a great option for new moms who want to breastfeed but also need to head back to work, or may be separated because baby is in the NICU. It can add another level of anxiety by raising questions about how often moms should pump and how much milk supply you should produce.

Lactation consultant Kate McLachlan walks us through questions of breast pump options, managing leaks, encouraging milk supply, mimicking the breastfeeding cycle and remembering that skin-to-skin contact counts more than counting ounces when you feed your baby.

For more helpful information visit breastfeeding support.

A lot of medications can interfere with sexual function – meds for pain, for high blood pressure, for insomnia – the list is long. Dr. Carolyn Eaton sorts through the list and alternatives.

Encouraging immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and newborn is just one way we can help newborns latch on and new moms create a strong milk supply. Lactation consultant Kate McLachlan talks about delayed umbilical cord clamping, bedside bathing and other hospital practices that allow the amazing process of babies’ entry into the world to unfold naturally. She talks about how this supports baby’s physiology, and offers solutions to C-section challenges.

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition. Lactation specialist Kate McLachlan discusses breast milk benefits and the challenges of a good latch. 

What if you could give your child a shot that protects them from cancer? The HPV vaccine has been available more than a decade, and the data is in: where it’s used, it’s saving lives. But where it’s not (including Texas and Bexar County in particular) the numbers aren’t good. Dr. Rob Sanders discusses the myths and facts about the HPV vaccine.

Asthma attacks can be scary, but Dr. Sanders explains how to manage childhood asthma by understanding triggers (allergens, mold, pet dander, and cigarette smoke), staying on track with medications, using inhalers and spacers, and working out an action plan with your doctor.

When kids get fevers, parents get scared. Pediatrician Dr. Rob Sanders has seen more than a few of these cases in his urgent care clinic, and he breaks down the difference between who should see a doctor, and who should be just fine with rest and chicken soup.

Erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual  health issue male patients mention to Dr. Carolyn Eaton, a family medicine doctor. Many issues can contribute to ED, including high cholesterol. Good circulation and heart health is always a plus – testosterone supplements, not necessarily.

Lubricants are helpful, but which to choose? Dr. Carolyn Eaton, a family medicine doctor, describes the options and how the right pH and osmolality make all the difference in a quality vaginal lubricant (hint: keep the edibles outside).