About this time last year, I blogged about being an Autism Super Mom. But the fact is, having a child with Autism affects everyone in the family, which is something I find myself explaining when talking about my work with the Autism Society.

After my son, Philip, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three, my husband and I went into deep depressions. We felt an intense race against time as we knew that early therapies and intervention would give him the best chance at a full life, yet we were battling our own personal grief, a second child’s needs, the financial strain of spending thousands of dollars for therapies and schools. We were also dealing with our fear of what it all meant for his and our family’s future.

At the same time, we were fighting the school for services, health insurance agencies for coverage of his therapies (which they do not cover), and trying to address my son’s medical problems, which doctors did not know how to treat. Day-to-day life was also isolating. Being with other families was difficult because Philip had to be watched constantly. He would break things, he couldn’t share with other children, and he couldn’t speak to communicate his wants and needs. This led to constant tantrums.

When my doctor asked me why I had high blood pressure, I just laughed. One word: Autism. I couldn’t say the “A” word without crying. My husband’s depression challenged his very core as he coped with intense grief and fear for his son’s life. Our younger son only knows family life with Autism and loves his brother very much, but he, too, has expressed his sadness over feeling like the “older” brother.

Grandparents are also impacted by Autism. My in-laws were a great help during the early years, as they would watch my younger son so I could drive Philip to his many therapies. They would also watch the kids so my husband and I could take a break, which became that much more critical as we handled the strains Autism can put on a marriage.

Philip is now 12, and while our Autism journey has gotten easier over the years, there is no cure for Autism. Many of the same battles rage today, but either we have gotten used to them or they have just become our way of life. His life-long disability means that his family will always have a role in taking care of, and looking out for, his well-being. As parents, we will always worry what will happen when we are gone, who will take care of Philip, and what are reasonable expectations on his brother.

These are the reasons why the Autism Society was founded by parents in 1965 with the mission of “improving the lives of all impacted by Autism.” It is the reason my life and career have changed dramatically, and why I work for the Autism Society. It is one of the reasons we highlight Autism awareness, to recognize that when one million children in this country have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, it also affects the tens of millions of people who love them.

Pictured is the Cramer family at the Federal Reserve’s Autism Awareness Day. From the left is Pepa (named by Philip instead of Grandfather); husband Gregg holding onto brother, Robbie; Philip; Uncle Perry; Mema (also named by Philip instead of Grandmother); and Laurie Cramer.

Laurie M. Cramer
Director, Autism Society of Ohio, Greater Akron
Akron, Ohio

Angelina Jolie surprised the world on Tuesday when she revealed in a New York Times article that she had proactively undergone the surgical removal of both of her breasts because of her genetic risk of breast cancer. Jolie’s decision, called a preventive bilateral mastectomy, was appropriate and would have been supported by the breast care team here at Summa Akron City Hospital, where I serve as medical director. As a matter of fact, we have performed the operation many times over the last five years. Given what Jolie’s testing showed, if she was our patient, we also would support and strongly encourage her to have both her ovaries removed in the near future.

In her article, Jolie explains that she carries the BRCA1 gene and that her doctors concluded that she had an 87 percent chance of breast cancer and a 50 percent chance of ovarian cancer. Jolie’s mother died of ovarian cancer* at age 56, but also battled breast cancer {*This was originally published as breast cancer, which is incorrect.} “Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could,” she wrote.

The BRCA 1 and 2 genes are tested for here at Summa in a small percentage of patients. We recommend testing for women:

1. Under the age of 50 when first diagnosed with breast cancer
2. With two first-degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter) with diagnosed breast cancer
3. With a history of both breast and ovarian cancer in a combination of first and second-degree female relatives
4. With breast cancer in a male relative
5. Of Ashkenazi Jewish descent with a history of breast or ovarian cancer in their family.

The test costs a little over $3,000, usually covered by insurance, and is obtained by a simple buccal liquid swish and spit technique. When other family members are involved, it is usually best to do the test on someone who has previously been diagnosed with cancer. The test is done in some surgeons’ and oncologists’ offices, but we often recommend a complete genetic counseling service. The National Cancer Institute can provide lengthier information for reading, but we’re also a local resource for you at Summa Health System. Visit us online to schedule an appointment any time, or call (877) 842-2046 for a referral the Summa Comprehensive Cancer Institute.

Gary B. Williams M.D., FACS
Medical Director, Breast Center
Summa Akron City Hospital
Summa Health System
Akron, Ohio

Wednesday, May 15, marks the second Annual International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day, and on this day, we focus everyone’s attention on this life-saving and nurturing practice. We read earlier on the experiences of a first time breast-feeding mother and how Summa Akron City Hospital is one of only 90 hospitals in the United States selected to participate in the Best Fed Beginnings project. In addition to breast-feeding, Kangroo Care is another important practice for new moms.

What is Kangaroo Care, and Why Should I Do It? 

“Kangaroo Care” is when the mother and baby are skin-to-skin, chest to chest, and covered with a blanket. All moms and babies benefit from this type of care. At Summa Health System, we have encouraged Kangaroo Care with our premature babies for many years. We have more recently been providing our moms and full-term babies with this opportunity immediately after birth. Research shows that when moms and babies are provided with at least one hour of skin-to-skin time immediately after birth, the mom recovers more quickly and the baby adjusts to life outside the womb more easily.

During the month of May, Summa Health System will be promoting Kangaroo Care even more for our patients and their families. After delivery, if mom and baby are able, the baby will be placed skin-to-skin on the mother’s chest. The baby will be evaluated by the nursing staff while he or she is bonding with mom. The baby will remain skin to skin for at least an hour, and if breastfeeding, until the first feed.  The baby’s weight and measurements might not be available immediately. It is common for that to be one of the first things families and friends want to know, but it is OK to “wait for the weight.”

After mom moves to her room on the mother-baby unit, she should continue to provide skin-to-skin care for her baby as much as she is able. Visitors should be told to expect Kangaroo Care and to understand that this is very important for the baby’s adjustment to life outside the womb and mom’s recovery.

Kangaroo Care is important for the mother and baby because it:

• Keeps the baby warm
• Reduces crying
• Improves baby’s health
• Lowers mother’s stress
• Fosters bonding
• Makes breastfeeding easier and helps mother make more milk

We have had so many positive comments from families who have provided skin-to-skin, or Kangaroo Care, for their babies. If you recently delivered a baby at a Summa Health System hospital and had the opportunity to provide Kangaroo Care, please share your stories with us in the comments area below.

Jennifer Foster, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant

and

Lisa Yeary, RN, BSN
OB Informatics

Summa Women’s Health Services
Summa Health System
Akron, Ohio

I’ve dedicated my career to women’s health and wellness because I know that if we don’t feel our best, we can’t be at our best.  Most recently, I presented to a group of Summa women patients at the Ladies First luncheon in Naples, Florida (photo at left with Julia Rea Bianchi, myself, and Ginger Marchetta). I received many requests to publish my remarks, so here it goes:

The key to women’s health and wellbeing is to focus on four building blocks to wellness: diet, stress reduction, sleep and exercise.

Know your Numbers!

Ask your doctor about testing for the following key indicators or health. When you read your results, the ideal ranges are:

• Blood Pressure: Less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL “bad cholesterol:” Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL “good cholesterol:” Greater than 50 mg/dL
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
• Hemoglobin A1C: Less than 7.0%
• Body Mass Index: 18.4 – 24.9 kg/m2
• Waist Circumference: Less than 35 Inches

Eat a Healthy Diet!

The DASH diet is recommended by the American Heart Association. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, low fat or nonfat dairy. It also includes grains, especially whole grains; lean meats, fish and poultry; nuts and beans. Another diet that has been successful for weight loss in women is the Paleolithic diet.  It stresses low sodium, high potassium, high fiber, low fat and cholesterol, lean animal protein and contains a high intake of fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts, fiber, fish and fowl. It is also gluten and dairy free.

Women should eat three meals and two snacks and eat protein with each meal.  Aim for at least 20 grams of protein each meal. If you are sensitive to carbohydrates, (pre-diabetic, hormone imbalances) limit your carbohydrates to 20 grams each meal. Eat a variety of colors in your diet. Red/blue for antioxidants, green for vitamins. Drink water! It is recommended to drink half of your weight in ounces each day. Also, try to limit carbohydrate intake after dinner.

Keep a food diary and avoid artificial sweeteners. Aspartame (NutraSweet) is 200 times sweeter than sugar, and studies have shown that aspartame use is associated with weight gain and can increase sugar cravings. Sucralose (Splenda) is 2000 times sweeter than sugar and can affect your thyroid by the chloride molecules in it, and it could inhibit iodine in your thyroid. Stevia or Truvia is safe!

Main Obstacles to Weight Loss

Hormone imbalances including what’s experienced in perimenopause or menopause, low adrenal function and functional hypothyroidism can affect weight loss. In addition, food allergies and sensitivities, sleep deprivation, hidden toxins and nutrient deficiencies such as low Vitamin D and magnesium can affect weight loss. Low vitamin D Levels not only inhibit weight loss but also can increase your risk for other diseases, so get out in the sun or take a Vitamin D supplement.

Reduce Stress

Stress increases the amount of Cortisol in the body, which creates many problems including a breakdown of muscles, tendons and ligaments, decreased synthesis of protein and a drop in metabolic rate. Too much stress also increases blood sugar levels which results in reduced transport of sugar into cells, leaving more sugar in your blood, decreased insulin sensitivity, and an increase in appetite and carbohydrate cravings. Stress also increases body fat and contributes to redistribution of fat into abdominal region.

To reduce stress, try yoga, tai chi, needlework, reading, listening to music and laughing.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory. Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite. Sleep debt contributes to a greater tendency to fall asleep during the daytime. These lapses may cause falls and mistakes at work or on the roadway. Sleep loss may result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, and moodiness. Too little sleep can also leave you too tired to do the things you like to do. Serious sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone levels, and irregular heartbeat. Sleep deprivation also alters immune function, including the activity of the body’s killer cells. Keeping up with sleep may also help fight cancer.

To get better sleep, stick to a sleep schedule, pay attention to what you eat and drink and create a bedtime ritual which includes turning off iPhones, iPods, iPads and computers.

Exercise

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week.  You can break it up in to smaller increments to fit your lifestyle and what you like to do.

Tara Scott, M.D., is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and member of Summa Women’s Health Services in Akron, Ohio. She is an advanced Fellow and Board Certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and a Certified Menopause Practitioner.

She is also a Founding member of the Summa Foundation Circle of Women’s Health Philanthropists, an influential network of women leaders who are recruiting now and share a philanthropic vision for improving the overall health and wellbeing of women in our community. This group is dedicated to helping women in our community receive access to the very best healthcare available.

Ah, spring. It brings us warm and sunny days, fragrant and soft air, twinkling eyes and rosy cheeks and noses. Yes, noses!

Have you noticed that your face turns bright red when you exercise, work outside, or take a hot shower? Do your friends say: ”you’ve been out in the sun” when you haven’t? Then you may have rosacea. I have always loved my nose. It is my one vanity, but now I have to guard it. I have rosacea, along with 16 million other Americans. We are in good company. Even the late Princess Diana had it.

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition that is chronic and progressive. It is more frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 50, and especially around menopause. Rosacea occurs in those who have fair skin coloring or are of Celtic, Scandinavian or eastern European descent. However, darker skinned women can also develop rosacea.

There are four subtypes of rosacea. The first subtype is characterized by a tendency to blush easily and progresses to a persistent redness in the center of the face. Tiny blood vessels become noticeable on the nose and cheeks, and the skin may become very sensitive. (We princesses are quite delicate!) The second subtype is known as inflammatory rosacea, in which small bumps or pimples may appear on the nose, cheeks, forehead or chin. This is most unfortunate – zits should be a thing of the past! In the third subtype, skin thickening occurs, especially of the nose (although this is more likely to happen to men, thank goodness). The last subtype is ocular rosacea, which consists of dry, irritated eyes and swollen eyelids. About half of women with rosacea experience ocular rosacea symptoms.

Although the causes of rosacea are unknown, some combination of heredity, skin bacteria, microscopic skin mites, abnormal inflammatory or immune response and sun damage seem to be the likely culprits. The flare ups can be triggered by many things such as hot or spicy foods and beverages, alcohol, stress, sunlight and temperature extremes. According to a survey of 1,066 rosacea patients, sun exposure triggers 81% of symptoms and hot weather 75%. So look out, here comes summer!

Although there is no cure for rosacea, there are treatments available.  The first treatment is typically a topical and oral antibiotic medication to help keep it under control, followed by long-term topical antibiotic use. The antibiotic is low-dose and is given for the anti-inflammatory action. For advanced cases, laser therapy, electrocautery or dermabrasion may be used to decrease redness, visible blood vessels, and remove thickened skin.

A good skin-care routine is also essential! Remember, we princesses have very sensitive skin! Here are a few tips:

• Avoid products with fragrance, alcohol, salicylic acid, benzyl peroxide, glycolic acid or astringents.
• Start the day washing with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser such as Dove, Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser or Cetaphil. Use lukewarm water and blot dry – and do not use a rough washcloth or towel.
• Apply topical medication if needed, allowing it to dry and soak in.
• Then, apply a moisturizer as desired.
• Next, put on your best friend, sunscreen, with a SPF of at least 15. If you are sensitive to chemical sunscreens, try a mineral sunscreen.
• Now for makeup! Using a green pre-base will cancel out the redness, and then your regular base can be applied.
• If you are going out in the sun, wear a hat with a broad rim. We princesses love millinery!
• At night, wash again, apply medication as ordered, and moisturize.

Some people are embarrassed and withdraw because of their rosacea. I say to get treatment, be aware of your triggers, get your green on and go! Princesses must carry on!

Need a dermatologist? View a list of Summa providers.

Heidi Eve-Cahoon, MSN, CNP
Breast Care Coordinator
Summa Health System
Akron, Ohio

This week is Nurse Recognition Week – and Heidi is just one of Summa’s 3,112 nurses who care for our community. Visit us on Facebook to thank a nurse or let us know how a nurse has impacted your life!

A private labor and delivery room on the 3 North unit at Summa Akron City Hospital.

I had a baby at Summa Akron City Hospital (also where I work) in 2010, and it was wonderful to have my birthing experience and be confident that I was in good hands. At the end of my pregnancy, I was worried about things like: “What if I don’t get to shave? Or paint my toe nails first?” and “What if I laugh too hard and leak?”  and “Who will watch my son if we need to run to the hospital at 3 a.m.?” One very important thing I was not concerned about was the quality of care I’d receive. That’s because Summa Akron City Hospital’s labor and delivery quality scores are among the best in Ohio. How do you score quality?  In obstetrics, quality is measured with the “perinatal core measures.” These are key statistics of quality care so you can compare apples to apples across hospitals. In 2010, the Ohio Department of Health made Ohio one of 19 states in the country to require the public posting of perinatal core measures.

Data from the year 2011 ranks Summa Akron City Hospital better than the state average for the measures of:

• Steroids to help premature babies’ lung development (97.2%, a higher percentage is better)
• Scheduled delivery before the mother is full-term  (0.3%, a measure where you want your hospital to have a low number)
• Unnecessary episiotomy (6.4%, another measure where lower is better)

Data from 2012 shows that Summa Akron City Hospital also has a better than average cesarean rate for low risk first birth mothers (25.7% versus current state average of 26%).

If you compare hospitals within Summit and Medina counties, Summa hospitals (Summa Akron City Hospital, Summa Barberton Hospital and Robinson Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of Summa Health System) hold the top three rankings for the measure, “scheduled delivery prior to a mother being full-term.”  For the measure “c-section for low risk mothers having their first baby,” Summa hospitals hold the #1 and #2 spot, meaning they have much lower C-section rates than the state average.

Every birth is much more than a number, though.  It was clear to me that the physicians, midwives and nurses (my co-workers) practiced this way too.  It’s about providing compassionate, high quality care for every family, including baby Clare, Brian and me (pictured in the delivery room on March 18, 2010).

If you are shopping around for a birthing hospital, learn more about us or watch a virtual childbirth tour. It is equally important to ask your healthcare provider how he or she fits in with these quality measures, and what you can do personally for the best possible outcome.

Tiffany Kenny, RN, MSN, C-EFM
Informatics Administrator
Summa Women’s Health Services
Summa Health System
Akron, Ohio

In yesterday’s post, we talked about cancer survivorship side effects. Why this topic? Gynecologic cancer survivors have different side effects, and therefore, there is a need for a personalized approach to symptom management.  Women with ovarian cancer most commonly report cognitive changes, gastrointestinal disruption, and neuropathy (numbness, most commonly in the fingers and toes). Among women with cervical cancer, the most common reported side effect is pelvic pain. Lastly, with uterine cancer survivors, increased body weight is a challenge. What all three of these cancer survivor groups have in common is the side effect of periodic sexual dysfunction.

Causes of sexual dysfunction in gynecologic cancer survivors can be due to effects of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Surgery and radiation therapy can cause thinning or swelling of the tissue and narrowing of the vagina. Chemotherapy can cause menopause with loss of estrogen causing thinning, decreased lubrication and painful intercourse.

Therapy for sexual dysfunction due to thinning includes the use of vulvar and vaginal moisturizers, which are non-hormonal products and are available over the counter. These same products can also be used prior to intercourse to help prevent vulvar tears and to potentially minimize pain during intercourse. Sometimes, topical or intravaginal hormones may be prescribed.  Vaginal narrowing associated with surgery or radiotherapy can be treated with vaginal dilators several times a week.  Lower extremity lymphedema (or swelling) is an unusual side effect of pelvic surgery and radiation, and it can cause sexual dysfunction. Treatment of lower extremity lymphedema involves early recognition and referral to a specialist for early intervention.

In addition to the physical effects of cancer therapy, many gynecologic cancer survivors report sexual dysfunction due to lack of sexual desire and/or arousal. This is another treatable problem that the specialists at Summa Health System can address. Sometimes hormonal therapy such as estrogens, progesterone and testosterone can help.  Other options include mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy.

More research is needed to further define, prevent and manage these long-term side effects. Technologic research in surgery, chemotherapy and radiation has the potential to aid in the prevention of side effects. So why do women undergo cancer therapy with potential side effects? Because they want to get back to a healthy life.

Stephen Andrews, M.D.
Chief, Gynecologic Oncology
Summa Akron City Hospital
Summa Health System

Vivian E. von Gruenigen, M.D.
@DoctorViv
Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gynecologic Oncologist
Summa Akron City Hospital
Summa Health System
Akron, Ohio

Part one of a two-part series for survivors of gynecologic cancers

As of 2008, there are more than one million gynecologic cancer survivors in the United States. These women fought against and survived cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, among others. There has been a reduction in overall cancer death rates for women with cancer since the early 1990s, which is great! Nevertheless, this translates into an increasing number of long-term cancer survivors who have unmet needs. Although cured, these survivors may suffer from side effects of their cancer therapy that will adversely affect their quality of life. This two-part blog will provide updates on the treatment of some of the most common late effects reported by cancer survivors including: neuropathy, changes of bowel patterns, cognitive impairment, and sexual dysfunction.

Neuropathy, or numbness (most commonly of the fingers and toes) is a frequent side effect for gynecologic cancer survivors.  The standard chemotherapy, or medicine and drug-related treatment, for many gynecologic malignancies includes taxane and platinum, which can cause neuropathic side effects.  There is no well-established option to prevent the development of neuropathy. Agents used to treat neuropathy include anti-inflammatory agents, antidepressants, acupuncture and neuropathic medications. However, these agents are not uniformly effective and can cause other undesirable side effects.

Radiation therapy is well established in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.  It is used to treat the pelvis and vagina initially or as extra therapy (adjuvant). Bowel side effects may occur because the bowel is located in the pelvis along with the reproductive organs. Early side effects of radiation to the bowel usually involve direct damage to the bowel mucosa (or inside lining) with resulting diarrhea, nausea and cramping. It usually resolves at the completion of therapy.  In contrast, the development of chronic radiation enteritis or bowel inflammation appears six months after treatment.  Prevention strategies are being explored and radiation technology continues to improve. Treatment includes modification of diet and medication.

Cognitive impairment or “chemobrain” is a common reported side effect of chemotherapy; however, it may be due to cancer, hormonal changes, cancer treatment, stress and/or anxiety.  Unfortunately, this is a challenging area to study for clinicians and researchers. Whether loss of estrogen (the female sex hormone) either due to surgically or chemically induced menopause during cancer treatment actually causes cognitive decline in women is unclear, and research continues.  The treatment of cognitive impairment focuses on the most likely cause for the individual patient.  Some medications are available, but lifestyle options such periodic rest and exercise may also be helpful.

As healthcare providers and medical researchers, we continue to explore not only how to treat cancer but also how to eliminate side effects. Next week, we’ll be discussing how we can alleviate the sexual side effects that impact many women after gynecologic cancer treatment. After all this, why do women undergo cancer therapy with potential side effects? To survive!

Stephen Andrews, M.D.
Chief, Gynecologic Oncology
Summa Akron City Hospital
Summa Health System

Vivian E. von Gruenigen, M.D.
@DoctorViv
Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gynecologic Oncologist
Summa Akron City Hospital
Summa Health System
Akron, Ohio

I am a first-time breast-feeding mom who also happens to be an OB/GYN. We told everyone right around Thanksgiving and announced that it was a girl with pink booties and pink chocolate cigars at Christmas. At left is Abby’s picture from Easter. I knew I could handle the pregnancy and delivery, and while I was nervous about the delivery due to my strong aversion to pain, I thought I could handle that part too. After all, I was a doctor who specializes in women’s health. I was trained to handle this, and I was right. I sailed through the pregnancy and my delivery (with the help of a good epidural).

The part I was not prepared for was taking my bundle of pink joy home. I was like every other first-time mom. I had no clue what to do. Of course, my husband and I read a ton of books. What I did not anticipate was how hard breast-feeding would be. After all, it’s baby’s natural feeding place, so it should go naturally and easily, right? Some moms get lucky, and it goes very smoothly, but this was not the case for me. My precious daughter latched well, but my milk took its time coming in, so we ended up with a frustrated and hungry baby – not to mention a tearful mommy.

She was not making wet diapers, so we supplemented with formula after talking to our pediatrician. I was devastated that I could not make enough milk for my little girl. First, I thought I would just pump and supplement as needed, but this takes a lot of time! I was spending all of my time pumping, and I almost gave up. I did not pump all that much volume initially, and after all, everyone said, “She will do just fine on formula.” But I wanted more than “just fine” for my baby. I wanted her to have my milk, what nature had intended for her, so I called my lactation consultant, and I got support from other breast-feeding women. I did my own research to figure out what could be affecting my supply and did things to improve it.

First, I saw the lactation nurse and checked my latch again. My baby was latching well, and I could hear her drinking. Then I hydrated myself and kept myself well-fed and as rested as possible. I learned to read her cues. Like many first time Moms, I took every cry to be a cry for milk, but then I learned that sometimes she cries because she is tired, or wet, or just lonely and wanting to be held. I learned some techniques to soothe her between feedings like the 5 S’s from “Happiest Baby on the Block.” I learned that unlike bottle babies who often feed on a schedule, she may want to nurse every 1 ½-2 hours, and this was actually her way of helping my supply! (Such a good girl to be helping Momma out so early in life.)

Finally, things started to go better, and we started to breast-feed more and formula feed less. My body and my baby got in sync with each other. Then, I finally got to a point where we stopped offering a bottle after breast-feeding because she did not need it. She would fall asleep in my arms, her head resting on my chest, right where she belonged. I knew things were going to be OK the day I held her in my arms, and she didn’t cry to eat, she simply wiggled herself to her side and opened her mouth in the perfect round O the lactation nurses love and looked at me like, “OK, Momma, I’m ready, and I know you have what I want and need.”

I learned so much from my breast-feeding journey. While I still struggle a bit with pumping enough milk when I am away from my baby, she is mostly breast-fed. She is 11 months old now, and I still pump while at the office and on-call. I am proud that I am able to give her something so special as her own mother’s milk. Each woman’s breast-feeding journey is different, but I hope my experience will let other mothers know that many of us struggle at first, and it is a journey. Just because it is natural and best does not mean it is easy. If you are a new mother and struggling to breast-feed, call your hospital’s lactation nurse, talk to your OB/GYN, and talk to your pediatrician about resources and assistance. You can also sign up for Summa’s breast-feeding classes and access other childbirth and parenting programs. Invite Daddy to go with you to the classes, so he can learn too.

For the breast-feeding mom, I also recommend the following:

1. Make skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room, and bring your baby to your breast as soon as the baby is ready and able.
2. Stay in the same room with your baby while at the hospital. This allows for easy access and helps you learn your baby’s hunger cues early on (see below). Summa’s new all private postpartum rooms make lots of skin-to-skin contact possible, and “rooming in” is easy and comfortable. Daddy can stay to help and learn too!
3. Watch for rooting, lip smacking and hand sucking. Crying is a late sign of hunger. You want to catch baby when he or she is alert and ready but not so hungry that he or she is too frustrated to get a good latch.
4. I also recommend additional reading at The Leaky Boob and La Leche League International.
5. Ask for help, and do not be surprised if at different times in your journey you need help again, especially around growth spurts, returning to work, and weaning.

Good luck!

Amy M Burkett, M.D., FACOG
Associate Residency Director
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Summa Health System
Akron, Ohio

It seems like you can’t turn on the television or open a magazine without seeing something about healthy aging. And why not? Who of us is looking forward to unhealthy aging, anyway?

Do you find yourself wondering what healthy aging really means? Taking your medicines? Maintaining an ideal body weight? Reducing your risk for stroke or heart disease?

What if it’s softer than that? What if it’s more about attitude and mindfulness than a list of do’s and don’ts?

Our team of specialists in senior health at Summa want to introduce you to a more well-rounded view of healthy aging – for both yourself and your older loved ones. We invite you to attend our inaugural seminar on Wed. April 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summa Akron City Hospital called “Holistic Options for Healthy Aging.” This conference is designed for physicians, nurses, social workers, caregivers and even older adults themselves. In other words, it’s designed for YOU!

You’ll begin the day with a catered healthy breakfast from Mustard Seed Market & Café including fruit and Greek yogurt, muffins, and a variety of juices. Then, you’ll listen to Dr. Paula Hartman-Stein who will discuss ways to protect your brain as you age. You’ll get out of your seat and learn, along with me, what Qi Gong is all about from Nancy Gardner. Father Norm Douglas will teach us about the importance of spirituality. Dr. Mok will talk about alternative medicine and will introduce us to the concepts of energy medicine. Finally, we will have a delicious lunch and hear from a panel of older adults who will share their secrets of aging well with us.

Interested? Register for “Holistic Options for Healthy Aging” by April 17 for only $15 and join us for a delicious and stimulating morning devoted to, what else? Healthy aging!

Looking forward to seeing you on April 24!

Maryjo Cleveland, M.D.
Medical Director
Senior Services at Summa Health System