womenTALK: Notes from the Nursery

Tuesday, Nov 17th 2009

Must-Watch TV: Superstar Cancer Survivors Sing and Skate to Educate and Empower

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

Mark your calendar or set your DVR for Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 4 p.m. ET on FOX. Why? Because that's when “Kaleidoscope"—a holiday special featuring legendary Scott Hamilton (in his first television performance since being diagnosed with a brain tumor five years ago) and Dorothy Hamill—skate to the music of fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John.

Continue Reading

Friday, Oct 30th 2009

Struggling with Infertility? You're Not Alone

authored by Kristen Mucci-Mosier

I don’t know about you, but it seems like more and more I’m hearing from women about their difficulties getting pregnant. Riding that emotional rollercoaster can be really scary, but if you are going through it, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Continue Reading

Thursday, Aug 20th 2009

Children's Eating Habits Influenced by Friends

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

A U.S. study found that children, regardless of their weight, ate more when they were with their friends than with an unknown peer. An overweight child also was found to consume fewer calories when paired with a normal-weight friend than an with overweight friend.

Continue Reading

Tuesday, Jul 28th 2009

Your Pregnancy and Swine Flu

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

As my regular readers know, every year I get a flu shot. Why? I had the flu once and I never, ever, no-not-ever want to get it again. Last winter, I wrote about getting the vaccine while pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

Continue Reading

Tuesday, Jul 21st 2009

5 Summer Safety Tips

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather and having a fun summer! I know I am. Unfortunately, a Mommy-friend called me in tears last night because her little one suffered a pretty scary scrape from diving into their neighborhood pool in water that was too shallow.

Continue Reading

Monday, Jun 15th 2009

Vitamin Supplements May Lessen Miscarriage Risk

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

I'm a generally fit and healthy person but I'm never as conscious about my health as I am when I'm pregnant or planning a future pregnancy. For example, I was on prenatal vitamins 6 months before I even went off my birth control pills. Every time I went to my pharmacy to get both prescriptions filled my pharmacist felt the need to explain that the prenatal vitamin was for a healthy pregnancy and the birth control pill was to avoid pregnancy. He would then ask if I was certain I wanted both. He just didn't get it. Sigh.

Anyway, this morning I learned about a study from which it was determined that taking vitamins before and during early pregnancy is associated with reduced risk for miscarriage, researchers have determined. However, it may be that the connection is related to generally healthy practices among vitamin takers.

Continue Reading

Wednesday, Jun 10th 2009

Got Any Great Ideas for Dad?

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

Sunday, June 21st, will be my husband's first Father's Day. He's a wonderful partner. He loves our little munchkin more than anything in the world, he reads bedtime stories, changes dirty diapers and so much more which is why I want to do something special for him.

Continue Reading

Thursday, May 28th 2009

Pregnancy Weight-Gain Guidelines Updated to Reflect More Obese Moms

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

Alicia P. recently wrote me confused about how much weight she should gain during her pregnancy. Specifically she asked,

"I'm 5'4" and weigh over 210lbs which technically puts me in the "obese" category. I'm 13 weeks pregnant and have already gained 10lbs. Is that OK? I've heard pregnant women should gain only 20 during their entire pregnancy so I'm a little worried. What's the deal?"

Continue Reading

Monday, May 11th 2009

One Mom's Story: My Son Has an Egg Allergy

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

Guest post in honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week and Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month from Kerri A.

Continue Reading

Sunday, May 10th 2009

Happy Mother's Day!

authored by Gwynn Cassidy

As a mom, it's easy to put everyone else's needs before your own. In fact, now that I'm mom, I see how (almost) impossible it is to think of anything else!

Continue Reading