The practitioners and staff at Morris Ahdoot Inc. Associates understand that this is a very special time in your life and are delighted that you have chosen to place your trust in us. From the initial visit through the delivery and beyond, you will experience the highest level of care and compassion.
Pregnancy Time Line
Curious about how your baby develops during your pregnancy? Click here to see an informative pregnancy timeline from Baby Center.
Medications During Pregnancy
Some of the most commonly asked questions during pregnancy relate to which medications are safe to take during pregnancy. We suggest that you not take any more medication than are necessary, especially during the first trimester which is when your baby’s organs are most actively forming. However, we have outlined medications that we recognize as safe during pregnancy for common ailments.. If you have any questions regarding medications that you have taken or that another physician may have prescribed for you, please contact us.
Delivery and Childbirth Education
Childbirth is a remarkable experience for an expectant mother. Whether you are preparing to deliver your first child or your fifth, childbirth education classes can help you prepare for and understand what happens during the birthing process. Childbirth education classes will also give your partner or labor coach the opportunity to better understand what happens during childbirth. These classes teach you to recognize the signs of labor, what pain management options you may have during labor and teaches the labor coach how to best support you during the process.
Breastfeeding and Lactation
Breastfeeding your child is a very important health choice for both you and your baby. While it is not always feasible to breast feed if you are returning to work, any amount of time that you can do it will be beneficial to your baby. Breast milk is easy to digest and contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Breastfeeding is not only beneficial to your baby but to you as well. Research indicates that women who breastfeed may have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers.
While breastfeeding isn't the only option for feeding your baby, every mother has the potential to succeed and make it a wonderful experience. Lactation consultants are available to you both during your hospital stay and once you return home. Please visit the Lactation site at Hoag Hospital to find resources available to you.
Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. This procedure is usually performed in the hospital prior to a newborn boy being discharged after delivery. For some parents, circumcision is a religious ritual. It can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care. While circumcision is relatively common in the United States, you may decide that it is not the right decision for your son. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) leaves the decision up to parents and supports use of pain relief for infants who have the procedure.
Cord Blood Collection
Dr. Ahdoot and his staff of Irvine OB/GYN believe it is important for all expectant parents to be thoroughly educated on the potential value of your baby’s cord blood and the options available to you for saving it. Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord after your baby has been delivered and the cord has been cut. The collection procedure is of no risk to the mother and the newborn. Cord blood is a rich source of stem cells which are used in many lifesaving medical treatments today. Additionally stem cells are showing promise in the treatment of brain injury and juvenile diabetes. Cord blood an only be collected immediately following birth, so you should understand your choices and make a decision before your due date.
We encourage all expectant mothers to view the patient education that is available to you at the link below. Your physician or midwife will discuss your decision with you prior to your delivery date. Click here for more information.