At these appointments counselor will typically discuss the basics of breastfeed, the importance of staying on a regular schedule to maintain a supply of breast milk, and give guidance on positioning, latching techniques, and ways to increase comfort for the mother.
“We have seen many new mothers on the verge of giving up breastfeeding,” said SouthCoast Health lactation specialist Alisha Bennett (pictured). “ But with the support of our breastfeeding specialists at SouthCoast Health, we are able to help the majority of these women successfully overcome the hurdles that come with breastfeeding.”
If you are a new mom looking for support or guidance on this issue, call SouthCoast Health at 912-691-3600 or request an appointment here.
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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
According to the American Academy Pediatrics Journal, while many mothers initiate breastfeeding, only 29 percent of babies are breastfed during their first 12 months.
Breastfeeding can be hard, especially for new mothers. Pair that with the fact that it can often be difficult to find trusted information and medical professionals to aid in the process, it’s no wonder many moms turn to formula.
The following is one of a series of weekly guest posts for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program
Are you having pelvic pain? Urinary incontinence? Overactive bladder? All of the above? These symptoms could be related to your pelvic floor muscles, which are basically a bowl-shaped set of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, rectum and uterus.
The good news is that physical therapy could be the answer. Yes, that’s right. There are physical therapists who specialize in treating the pelvic floor and I’m proud to be one.
At Optim Therapy’s Pelvic Health & Wellness Program, our goal is to provide a comfortable environment with excellent treatment programs individualized to make sure you receive the most from each of your visits.
At your first visit, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options.
Although pelvic conditions are not life-threatening, they can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Our approach to patient care is to achieve the highest possible outcomes for you. Treatments may include:
• Manual and soft tissue techniques
• Education on proper contraction of pelvic floor muscles, posture, body mechanics, positioning, and more
Optim Therapy recently launched their Pelvic Health & Wellness Program and Physical Therapist Stacey McKenzie can work with you one-on-one to make sure you are successfully activating your pelvic floor. It can be accomplished in as little as one visit.
Stacey is one of Optim Therapy’s dedicated therapy professionals, all of whom utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to providing patients with the best treatments and outcomes. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Armstrong Atlantic State University and says that the most rewarding aspect of being a therapist is making people feel and move better.
If you are interested in improving your pelvic health, please talk to your personal physician about a referral to physical therapy. If you have any questions, or need help with a referral, feel free to contact Stacey directly at smckenzie@optimhealth.com, (912) 644-5333.
Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The following is one of a series of weekly guest posts for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program
Do you notice… frequent urination day or night? difficulty emptying your bladder? a “falling out” feeling in your pelvis? trouble with constipation? difficulty controlling bowel movements?
Do you have… painful urination? painful bowel movements? painful intercourse? pain in your genitals? pain when you squat and/or stand?
Do you ever leak urine… when you cough or sneeze? on the way to the bathroom? when you stand up? during exercise?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, these symptoms could be related to your pelvic floor muscles, which are basically a bowl-shaped set of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, rectum and uterus.
The good news is that physical therapy could be the answer. Yes, that’s right. There are physical therapists who specialize in treating the pelvic floor and I’m proud to be one.
At your first visit, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options. There’s significant and exciting research out there about treatments for urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.
Optim Therapy recently launched their Pelvic Health & Wellness Program and Physical Therapist Stacey McKenzie can work with you one-on-one to make sure you are successfully activating your pelvic floor. It can be accomplished in as little as one visit.
Stacey is one of Optim Therapy’s dedicated therapy professionals, all of whom utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to providing patients with the best treatments and outcomes. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Armstrong Atlantic State University and says that the most rewarding aspect of being a therapist is making people feel and move better.
If you are interested in improving your pelvic health, please talk to your personal physician about a referral to physical therapy. If you have any questions, or need help with a referral, feel free to contact Stacey directly at smckenzie@optimhealth.com, (912) 644-5333.
Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Follow this link to submit your question for the chance to have it answered by Dr. Patel.
On Aug. 29, check back on the SouthernMamas Facebook page for the video of Dr. Patel answering your questions. The video with answers to your questions will also be spotlighted in the SouthernMamas.com Weekly e-letter to our subscribers on Wed. Aug. 29.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here. Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The following is one of a series of weekly guest posts for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program
Are you having low back or pelvic pain and are pregnant? With an increase in the hormone relaxin making our joints and ligaments have more laxity and the increase in weight and size of our abdomens, pregnancy puts great demand on our bodies.
The good news is that physical therapy could be the answer. Yes, that’s right. There are physical therapists who specialize in treating the pelvic floor and I’m proud to be one.
At your first visit, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options.
Physical therapists can teach you exercises to help strengthen your core and hips as your baby and belly are growing! We can also teach you safer ways to move to protect the spine. If needed, we can even try some taping techniques or instruct in braces that may help to take some load off of your spine or to help stabilize your pelvis. Pregnancy should be an exciting time in your life. Don’t let pain take that away from you.
Optim Therapy recently launched their Pelvic Health & Wellness Program and Physical Therapist Stacey McKenzie can work with you one-on-one to make sure you are successfully activating your pelvic floor. It can be accomplished in as little as one visit.
Stacey is one of Optim Therapy’s dedicated therapy professionals, all of whom utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to providing patients with the best treatments and outcomes. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Armstrong Atlantic State University and says that the most rewarding aspect of being a therapist is making people feel and move better.
If you are interested in improving your pelvic health, please talk to your personal physician about a referral to physical therapy. If you have any questions, or need help with a referral, feel free to contact Stacey directly at smckenzie@optimhealth.com, (912) 644-5333.
Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The following is one of a series of weekly guest posts for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program
Have you ever done Kegel exercises? Kegels are exercises that target the pelvic floor, which are basically a bowl-shaped set of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, rectum and uterus.
But even if you regularly do Kegels, you could still suffer from urinary incontinence or pelvic pain or overactive bladder. The reason could be that you’re not firing your pelvic floor muscles properly. As many as 1 out of 2 women do not properly activate their pelvic floor muscles.
As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I can work with you one-on-one to make sure you are successfully activating your pelvic floor. It can be accomplished in as little as one visit!
At Optim Therapy’s Pelvic Health & Wellness Program, our goal is to provide a comfortable environment with individualized treatment programs to make sure you receive the most from each of your visits.
Optim Therapy recently launched their Pelvic Health & Wellness Program and Physical Therapist Stacey McKenzie can work with you one-on-one to make sure you are successfully activating your pelvic floor. It can be accomplished in as little as one visit.
Stacey is one of Optim Therapy’s dedicated therapy professionals, all of whom utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to providing patients with the best treatments and outcomes. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Armstrong Atlantic State University and says that the most rewarding aspect of being a therapist is making people feel and move better.
If you are interested in improving your pelvic health, please talk to your personal physician about a referral to physical therapy. If you have any questions, or need help with a referral, feel free to contact Stacey directly at smckenzie@optimhealth.com, (912) 644-5333.
Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
You asked and baby expert Dr. Brandy Gheesling has answered!
Thank you for submitting your questions to our Pediatric Associates of Savannah Q&A.
Here’s the video of Dr. Gheesling answering questions submitted by SouthernMamas.com readers.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here. Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist Optim Therapy in Savannah
The following is a guest post for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program
Your pelvic floor muscles are very important. They support your internal organs, give you urinary and fecal continence, and help to stabilize your core. So why don’t we hear about exercise programs for the pelvic floor? Just like your other muscles, you need to work on getting them stronger.
Let’s use our bicep muscle as an example. When you bend your arm, your bicep muscle has to contract (or shorten) and this will lift your arm. If you couldn’t lift your arm or you had pain, you’d be very concerned, right?
Can your pelvic floor muscles contract through their full range of motion? Are you leaking urine or having pain in your pelvic region? It could mean your pelvic floor muscles might not be strong enough or you might not be firing them properly. As a pelvic floor therapist, I can examine you and teach you the proper way to fire your pelvic floor muscles.
Besides being able to contract a muscle, you also have to be able to relax it. Going back to the bicep muscle example, for you to be able to straighten your elbow all of the way, the bicep muscle has to relax. If there are any tight parts in the bicep muscle, it may hurt to straighten your arm or it may feel tight. These restrictions can lead to pain, altered movement, and further dysfunction.
Your pelvic floor muscles are just like any other muscle in your body. They have to be able to fully contract and fully relax. The overall tone and mobility of the muscles cannot be hindered or this could lead to dysfunction (i.e. urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, etc.).
At your first visit to Optim Therapy’s Pelvic Health & Wellness Program, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options.
Optim Therapy recently launched their Pelvic Health & Wellness Program and Physical Therapist Stacey McKenzie can work with you one-on-one to make sure you are successfully activating your pelvic floor. It can be accomplished in as little as one visit.
Stacey is one of Optim Therapy’s dedicated therapy professionals, all of whom utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to providing patients with the best treatments and outcomes. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Armstrong Atlantic State University and says that the most rewarding aspect of being a therapist is making people feel and move better.
If you are interested in improving your pelvic health, please talk to your personal physician about a referral to physical therapy. If you have any questions, or need help with a referral, feel free to contact Stacey directly at smckenzie@optimhealth.com, (912) 644-5333.
Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
We’re excited to kick off our partnership with Pediatric Associates to offer you an exclusive Q&A opportunity.
Follow this link to submit your question for the chance to have it answered by baby expert Dr. Brandy Gheesling.
On Aug. 1, check back on the SouthernMamas Facebook page for the video of Dr. Gheesling answering your questions!
Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here. Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Brock Counseling in Savannah provides outpatient mental health services, offering both traditional and evidence-based alternative treatment options for a variety of psychological issues.
Beth Brock LCSW, RPT-S is Savannah’s only certified practitioner of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). ART is used with such problems as trauma, phobias, addiction, anxiety, depression and stress.
In addition to these specialized services, Beth also offers Play Therapy for children age 2 and older as well as an array of traditional therapy methods.
Brock Counseling, 785 King Georgia Blvd., Suite A, Savannah, 31419, 912-303-7599, email bethbrock65@gmail.com, www.brockcounseling.com, Brock Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Bright Life Chiropractic in Savannah invites your family to a free Kids’ Day, Sat. May 20, 2017, noon – 4PM. This free fun event will focus on children’s health, safety and environmental awareness plus will also feature fun activities like bounce houses, raffle prizes, petting zoo and food trucks.
FREE & open to the public.
Bright Life Chiropractic
2 Park of Commerce Blvd. Suite D
Savannah, 31405
Dr. Samantha Hornick and Dr. Jared Brown at Bright Life Chiropractic are Webster Technique Certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
At Bright Life Chiropractic, Dr. Jared Brown and Dr. Samantha Hornick assist people in gaining victory in their health by offering cutting-edge chiropractic corrective care in Savannah’s most state-of-the-art chiropractic health care facility. Dr. Jared and Dr. Samantha focus on setting people free from their current conditions so they may live their lives to their fullest potential.
Dr. Jared Brown and Dr. Samantha Hornick provide specific, scientific neurologically based chiropractic care for you and you family!
Free to expectant families, come join Dr Brandy Gheesling (pictured here) or one of Pediatric Associates of Savannah’s other 8 Board Certified Pediatricians.
Classes are held after office hours the first Thursday of each month. The next class is this Thurs. March 2 2017 @ 6PM.
Space will be limited, so to register or for more information about the class please email BabyBasics@pedsav.com.
Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, but ‘liking’ Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Facebook here.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here. Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Memorial Health’s free email program – Mommy Mail – for expectant and new parents includes customized information, news and resources tailored to your specific stage of pregnancy and/or your child’s age—as well as announcements from their staff and access to support information—all conveniently delivered right to you.
As you prepare for childbirth and caring for your new baby, this program allows Memorial Health staff to touch base with you by email each week to make sure you have additional support on your journey into parenthood.
Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, but ‘liking’ Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Facebook here.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here. Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
This class is FREE to expectant families (but reservations requested).
Come join Dr Brandy Gheesling (pictured here) or one of Pediatrics Associates other 9 Board Certified Pediatricians.
Held after office hours the first Thursday of each month, at the Waters Ave location. Space will be limited, so to register or for more information about the class please email BabyBasics@pedsav.com.
Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, by ‘liking’ Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Facebook here.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.comOn Facebook here. Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Memorial Health’s free email program – Mommy Mail – for expectant and new parents includes customized information, news and resources tailored to your specific stage of pregnancy and/or your child’s age—as well as announcements from their staff and access to support information—all conveniently delivered right to you.
As you prepare for childbirth and caring for your new baby, this program allows Memorial Health staff to touch base with you by email each week to make sure you have additional support on your journey into parenthood.
Starting Mon. May 9 2016, Pediatric Associates of Savannah’s Main Office on Waters avenue will be open for walk in sick patients, no appointment necessary, starting at 7:30AM.
Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, but ‘liking’ Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Facebook here.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here. Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. Feb. 6,
Memorial University Medical Center
This full-day course gives an overview of reproductive anatomy and physiology and explains the process of labor and delivery in simple, easy-to-understand terms. It is designed for parents who live outside of Savannah or have schedules that make it difficult to attend weekday classes. This course includes a tour of the labor and delivery unit. This class is popular, so please register early. The cost is $75 per couple. For more information, call 912-350-BORN (2676).
Labor and Delivery Tour
3:45-4:45 p.m., Sun. Feb. 7
Memorial University Medical Center
Want to take a look around before the big day? Register for a tour of our labor and delivery areas. The tour is held once a month and fills up quickly, so please register early. Call 912-350-BORN (2676).
Baby Basics
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat. Feb. 20
Memorial University Medical Center
This class is strongly recommended for first-time parents. A variety of topics are covered, including basic newborn care, feeding, infant hygiene, life with a new baby, safety in the home, car seat safety, and infant CPR. $45 per couple.
If you have questions, please call 912-350-BORN (2676).
Dr. Mobley is now accepting new patients at the office located in the Mulberry Office Park (101 West Mulberry Boulevard, Suite 100, across from Cheddar’s).
For a limited time, her new OB patients will receive a free copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, the New York Times bestseller that has become the “pregnancy bible” for women everywhere.
Dr. Mobley is a Savannah native and avid Georgia Bulldog. She earned her medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. After completing her OB/GYN residency at Memorial University Medical Center, she joined Provident OB/GYN Associates.
Returning to work is a major factor in derailing many moms’ breastfeeding plans. The good news is that women and their employers can take some simple steps to support successful breastfeeding and, ultimately, healthier babies.
Wendy Nichols, R.N., a board-certified lactation consultant
Wendy Nichols, R.N., a board-certified lactation consultant at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, says a robust milk supply that can last must be well established early on. It should start during the first 60 minutes after birth.
A few weeks before returning to work, mothers may begin expressing some extra milk every day and freezing it. Milk stored in containers designed for breast milk can be frozen for at least three months in a refrigerator freezer, and twice that long in a deep freeze.
Finally, the Affordable Care Act requires employers to provide “reasonable break time” for an employee to express breast milk, as well as a private location (other than a bathroom) for milk expression.
For a list of resources for breastfeeding moms, visit women.memorialhealth.com or call 912-350-8164.
Congratulations Savannah pediatricians Dr. Keith Seibert and Dr. Ben Spitalnick on their new book “Baby Care Anywhere” – a quick guide to parenting on the go. The book comes out July 7.
This portable pocket covers 150 of new parents’ most frequent questions and concerns including jaundice, diaper rash, earaches, immunizations, sleep, reflux, fever, and picking a pediatrician. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon here.
Dr. Spitalnick will be live on SiriusXM Wed. July 1 11AM-Noon on Ch 81 talking about the book.
The book launches July 7 @ Amazon, Target, Walmart, Nook, Kindle, Kroger & more.
Learn about their upcoming book signings by following these two beloved Savannah physicians by liking their Facebook page here & following them on Twitter here.
Attention expectant Savannah parents: FREE Baby Care Basics classes are offered @ 
Prepared Childbirth Saturday Session
