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This article is part of The Bump’s Doctor Spotlight series featuring medical professionals who are dedicated to supporting and preserving Black maternal health. These doctors share their experiences, insights and advice to help guide and empower women of color who are planning or navigating pregnancy. When something hurts or feels off in our bodies, especially during pregnancy, we look to our doctors for care. But what happens when our concerns aren’t taken seriously?...

Maybe. We know some doctors who say that elective cesarean sections are just fine, or even that they save a woman’s pelvic floor from stresses that could lead to incontinence (aka peeing your pants) later in life. But we know plenty of others who think it’s a bad idea to go under the knife without necessity. A c-section, after all, is major surgery and isn’t without risks. You should also be aware that your health insurance might not cover an elective cesarean — look over your policy to be sure....

Sure, you’ve heard the benefits of breastfeeding. But have you ever thought about how what you eat while breastfeeding can affect baby? Certain nutrient-packed foods can help keep your body and your milk supply nice and healthy, while other foods can lower your milk production and impact baby’s digestive system. We’re here to help you get to the bottom of all your breastfeeding diet concerns, from the best foods to eat while breastfeeding to the best vitamins to supplement your meals, plus which foods to avoid or limit while breastfeeding and why....

I had an easy pregnancy. I know I’m not supposed to say that out loud, just like I’m not supposed to tell you my baby is a great sleeper. But he is (usually), and I did. I did not, however, have an easy—or traditionally successful—breastfeeding experience. I didn’t take a breastfeeding class before giving birth. I just assumed I’d be able to nurse my baby, as my mother did me. And as a long-time vegan, the idea of giving my baby anything other than my own breast milk wasn’t really something I had considered....

It’s not uncommon for pregnancy and parenthood to seriously affect your posture, causing aches, pains and other physical changes. As breasts grow during pregnancy, the increased weight tends to round shoulders and position the head forward, causing a hunchback-like posture that’s already worsened by hours in front of a computer screen and behind the wheel of a car. In this position, the curve of the back causes muscles to tighten and abdominal muscles to lose strength....

If there’s a perk of pregnancy (you know, besides the arrival of baby), it’s the absence of a monthly period for nine+ months. But as soon as baby is born, you’ll experience what’s called postpartum lochia. Basically, it’s the normal bleeding that lasts for a few weeks after delivery. Bleeding after birth is the last thing you want to deal with while juggling sleepless nights, establishing a feeding schedule and handling endless diaper changes....

The first place you should look for information on adopting from any country is the US State Department web page. This is by far the most reliable and complete source of basic information. Pay particular attention to the section on the number of adoptions to the US. If there are very few international adoptions, you need to be aware that you’re stepping off the well-trod path, and you should expect a bumpy ride....

Uterine inversion is a rare complication of childbirth that’s very serious and can be life threatening. What happens is the uterus turns inside out. This can be dangerous because the mother can hemorrhage and experience quite a bit of bleeding. And it can be difficult to get the uterus back into its normal position, especially if the cervix closes around the uterus while it’s inside out. On top of that, the uterus turning out can drop the mother’s blood pressure to a dangerous level....

When you see that telltale second line on a pregnancy test, your whole life changes in the blink of an eye. Finding out you’re expecting a baby is an experience unlike any other. You’ll find yourself consumed with joy, hope and expectation. Alongside this elation, however, can come the fear of miscarriage, stillbirth or loss of the baby you’ve dreamed about so fervently. Unfortunately, these experiences are more prevalent than you may think....

To cry it out? Or not cry it out? That is the question. And that question, apparently, has a shocking new answer. A new study released by Temple psychology professior Marsha Weinraub supports the idea that a majority of infants are best left to self-soothe and fall back to sleep on their own. Published in Developmental Psychology, Weintraub — an expert on child development and parent-child relationships — states that, “By six months of age, most babies sleep through the night, awakening their mothers only about once per week....

As summer quickly approaches, kids (and parents too!) want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Whether it’s at the beach, in the pool or on the playground, you can’t forget to pack some summer safety tips before you go. You can still have fun in the sun while staying safe. Summer Heat Safety Tips We all know kids love running around outside. They aren’t necessarily thinking about how the heat can affect them....

Thrush is one of those conditions most adults never hear about until they become a parent—and even then, it may not be on your radar until your pediatrician explains why baby’s mouth is sore and spotted with a thick, white coating. That’s because, while this infection doesn’t typically pop up in adults, it’s relatively common to see thrush in babies. So what is thrush in babies, exactly, and what does it look like?...

Pros • Easy to clean • Easy for baby to grasp • Durable • BPA- and phthalate-free Cons • A little too wide to fit in diaper bag’s bottle compartment Bottom Line Tommee Tippee bottles checked off everything on our list—simple to use and clean, and easy for baby to grab on to. We couldn’t have picked a better bottle out of the overwhelming sea of choices. Ready to register? Shop our catalog for the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottle....

Now that you’re expecting, you may be radiating with excitment, but your pregnancy complexion doesn’t always reflect that inner joy. Skin issues can abound during pregnancy—we’re talking everything from teenage-like acne to stretch marks and strange rashes. Here are some of the most common skin problems women encounter during pregnancy, and what you can do about them. Issue #1: Newfound Sensitivities Your skin is extra-sensitive right now, so be easier on it now that you’re pregnant....

What mom-to-be hasn’t wondered what kind of parent she’ll be? Sure, you can read the baby books and come up with the beginnings of a parenting strategy, but the answer to your question might actually be written in the stars. Some say your astrological sign, based on how the planets and stars were aligned on the day you were born, can predict a whole range of personality traits—including your natural approach to parenting....

You want your child to eat healthy veggies, fruits, grains and protein. You don’t want him to eat a ton of chemicals. So look for “real” food whenever possible, and try to stay as close to the original version of the food as possible. An apple, for example, is always a better choice than fancy flavored (or colored) applesauce and a much better choice than an apple flavored roll-up. Whenever possible, stay away from ingredients you can’t pronounce; stick to simple things instead....

You look nine months pregnant. Someone told you that you’d deliver and look four months pregnant? If only. Your uterus has gone from about the size of an orange to the size of a watermelon throughout your pregnancy, and it doesn’t deflate quickly like a balloon. For most moms, it takes at least six weeks for it to contract back to its pre-pregnancy size. And according to Ryan C. McDonald, MD, assistant professor of ob-gyn at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, once it shrinks you could still have a pooch due to bloating, constipation, fluid retention and a stretched-out abdominal wall....

Swaddling The controversy: You know the age-old art of wrapping baby in a receiving blanket like a burrito? Well, some think it could be hazardous for baby. Critics say swaddling could cause problems including hip dysplasia, overheating and inability to wake when necessary. What’s not so bad: Some new parents swear swaddling helps baby sleep longer — she may be less likely to startle herself awake when her arms can’t flail....

You’ve tracked your ovulation, gotten it on with husband (a lot!), stocked up on pregnancy tests and now, you couldn’t be more ready for a BFP. But waiting another two whole weeks before finding out is killing you! Fortunately, Bumpies on the Trying to Get Pregnant board share how they distracted themselves during the dreaded wait when their patience started running low: “Besides getting on The Bump and other parenting/pregnancy sites, I try to stay busy with daily life… I try to limit the time I spend obsessing/wondering ‘What if?...

You’ve gained some weight, your belly looks like you swallowed a beach ball, and you generally feel “gross.” STOP RIGHT NOW. You’re about to bring sexy back, you hot mama! Our Bumpies on the 3rd Trimester board shared their secrets to feeling sexy while pregnant! Take these tips and ignite your weekend: “I shaved and polished my toes. I actually felt a little sexy for the first time in forever after!...