News

BSA Provides a Safer Delivery Option for New Mothers

New mothers are challenged by the risks that come with being prescribed opioids following childbirth, specifically after Cesarean sections (C-section). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, one in every 300 women who has never taken an opioid before giving birth will continue to take opioids a year after surgery.

It's possible to perform C-sections without the use of opioids⁠— and BSA is on board.

Amarillo Mother Experiences Two Unique Deliveries at BSA

Following her Cesarean delivery (C-section) with her firstborn in 2013, Aly Hall was certain of one thing— she would deliver at BSA again if she had the opportunity.

“After our firstborn, I knew if I had another baby we would deliver at BSA. Our doctor and team of nurses were incredible,” Hall explained.

When it came time to deliver, the new mom-to-be felt at ease knowing she was in the care of an attentive staff.

BSA Nurses Comfort Mother during Son’s NICU Stay

What began as a trip to the emergency room for stomach pains ended up with Desirae Himes leaving to find out she was eight weeks pregnant.

“I was shocked because I was told I couldn’t have any more children after having my daughter,” Himes shared.

At 37 weeks pregnant, Himes gave birth to her son, Ezekial at BSA.

After birth, one of her nurses encouraged Himes to try breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Answers from Your BSA Lactation Consultant

Breastfeeding is a great way to provide your baby with a variety of nutrients that help to keep them healthy. While breastfeeding, you may have questions or concerns, especially if you are a first time breastfeeding mom.

For answers to common breastfeeding questions, read the tips from BSA Lactation Consultant, Tiffany Bateman, RN, BSN, IBCLC below.

Does breastfeeding get easier after the first few weeks?

Establishing a Back-to-School Sleep Routine with Your Children

With the summer season being full of barbeques, late nights and days spent by the pool, you and your family may have fallen out of your usual school year habits including a consistent sleep schedule. Jeannie Pruitt, BSA Sleep Disorders Clinic Manager, has some tips and tricks for how you can get your kids back on a healthy sleep routine for the beginning of the school year.

Pruitt suggests that consistency is key when it comes to establishing a healthy, back-to-school sleep routine.

Summer Colds vs. Allergies

Sometimes the common symptoms of a cold —runny nose, coughing, scratchy and sore throat, fever and body aches—can overlap with what we think are the signs of seasonal allergies.

Knowing the difference between a cold and an allergy can help you treat the root cause of your symptoms. Common colds are caused by viruses, whereas allergies are an immune system’s response to environmental triggers, known as allergens.

Colds are more likely to cause:

Milk Matters: Mom's Meal Plan While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a great way to provide your baby with a variety of nutrients that help to keep your baby healthy. While breastfeeding, it is important to keep up with your own health as well.

Follow the tips below to help you stay healthy while breastfeeding.

Get Those Calories

Surviving a Summer Pregnancy in Texas

A summer pregnancy in the Texas Panhandle may not always be the easiest. It is normal for expectant mothers to feel uncomfortable and overheated. While carrying your little one, your body is working overtime to cool down and the heat doesn’t help. That is why it is so important for pregnant women to take proper precautions, so overheating does not happen during pregnancy, which can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The most common symptoms of heat exhaustion (which can lead to heatstroke) include headache, dizziness, pale skin, profuse sweating, weakness and fainting.

Weight Loss Surgery at BSA Gives Mom New Lease on Life

For years, Chylo Graham was on a diet rollercoaster and wanted desperately to step off.

“I had tried all diets and my body just wouldn’t cooperate,” Graham explained. “Every time I would lose 15 pounds, I would gain back 30.”

At 27 years old, Graham weighed 265 pounds. The mother of four struggled to keep up with her children and husband on hikes and when visiting amusement parks.

“I got on a ride once and they told me I couldn’t ride because the seatbelt wouldn’t buckle,” Graham shared.

The excess weight was also taking a toll on her feet.

Gruver Man is Thankful for BSA's Exceptional Care during Open-Heart Surgery

Russ Chisum, 64, was on his way to meet his wife and sister in Panhandle, Texas, when he began experiencing severe discomfort in his chest.

“During the drive I stopped for gas and when I got back into the car, something felt very wrong,” Chisum said. “It started feeling like there was a belt tightening around my chest.”

This was not his first time experiencing discomfort in his chest. In the weeks prior, Chisum could barely catch his breath while walking or climbing stairs.