In recent years, the conversation surrounding postpartum care has evolved significantly, yet many fundamental challenges remain unaddressed. As a pediatrician with a specialization in neonatology and a personal history navigating the intensive demands of motherhood, I, Sonal Patel, am acutely aware of the shortcomings in the American healthcare system, specifically regarding the well-being of mothers
Pregnancy
In the realm of television, certain events elevate the significance of their accompanying advertisements to a near-equal standing with the programming itself. The Super Bowl, with its over-the-top commercials, and the Oscars, showcasing cinematic excellence, serve as prime examples. As the 92nd Academy Awards prepare to take center stage, a noteworthy controversy surrounding the rejection
Navigating the tumultuous waters of parenthood is a venture filled with countless surprises, some delightful and others, quite frankly, unexpectedly overwhelming. One of the poignant and often unspoken realities of this journey is the postpartum experience. While much attention is given to the beauty of bringing life into the world, far less is discussed about
Pregnancy is often romanticized, filled with images of joyful parenting, nursery preparations, and serene moments of bonding with the growing life within. However, for many women, including myself, the reality can be more nuanced, especially in those final weeks. The extreme anticipation mixed with physical discomfort creates a volatile emotional cocktail. Take, for instance, my
In an age defined by influencer culture, Chrissy Teigen stands out as an unapologetically authentic figure who openly shares her triumphs and tribulations as a mother. Widely known for her role on “Lip Sync Battle” and her spirited online presence, Teigen has used her platform to connect with her followers on a deeper level. As
The recent data released by the CDC in 2023 reveals a troubling reality: one in five women report experiencing mistreatment during labor. This statistic underscores a persistent issue within our healthcare system—a failure to prioritize the dignity and needs of women during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Experiences commonly cited include
For countless generations, cultures across the globe have recognized the significance of a devoted healing period for new mothers, commonly referred to as postpartum confinement. This vital phase, often lasting around 40 days after the birth of a child, is centered on the belief that a mother’s wellbeing in the years to come hinges on
Breastfeeding can often be perceived as a simple task that comes naturally to mothers and their newborns. However, the reality is that embarking on the breastfeeding journey is nuanced and often requires thoughtful preparation and education. As overwhelming as it may seem, taking proactive steps before childbirth can help create a supportive environment for both
Dear new mama, if only you could glimpse the beauty I perceive. It’s understandable that you might feel like a stranger to yourself right now. When I first entered motherhood, I found myself staring at a reflection I no longer recognized. The body I once inhabited appeared foreign and unwelcoming. I saw stretch marks that
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a topic frequently mentioned in conversations surrounding pregnancy, particularly as expectant mothers approach their third trimester. An intriguing aspect about GBS is the unexplainable disparity in its prevalence among pregnant women; it’s estimated that about 20% of women carry the bacteria, yet the reasons for this are still largely a