Are you a nursing mom? Perhaps you are expecting and have decided to breastfeed your baby. Or maybe you haven’t delivered yet and you are still trying to make up your mind.

At Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Women and Children’s Center, about 60 to 65 percent of all new moms begin feeding their babies with the best nutrition on the planet – breast milk! Within one week, more than half of those mothers have stopped. What happens during that first week that changes their minds?

Let’s hear from some mothers who are experienced in breastfeeding. I encourage you ...

Read More

It’s estimated that as many as 90 percent of infant car seats may be installed or used improperly, which can dramatically increase a child’s risk of injury in a crash. John Hedges, Mattoon Police Officer and State of Illinois certified car seat technician, says that every time he performs one of these car seat clinics at Sarah Bush Lincoln he finds that every car seat must be adjusted to ensure it is as safe as it can possibly be. That’s why we recommend leaving the installation of your car seat up to the experts!

The Safe and ...

Read More

We see it every day.

Nancy, the admitting nurse, smiled warmly at Katrina, who had just arrived at the Women and Children’s Center. “Here’s a gown you can change into. You’ll need to remove your bra and undies, empty your bladder, put the gown on, and then hop into the birthing bed.” A few minutes later, Katrina appeared in the bathroom door, walked the few steps to the bed, and climbed in.

“So….”, Nancy said in a calm, inviting tone. “Why did your doctor send you to the hospital today?”

With a slightly apprehensive look on her ...

Read More

“The pregnant young woman looked into the doctor’s kind eyes. He reminded her vaguely of her father - someone who knew how to take charge. “I’d rather not be there when it happens,” she stated flatly. He smiled knowingly behind his wire-rimmed glasses. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Giving birth years ago

This was the scene occurring 30 to 40 years ago, and as recently as 25 years ago, all across the country. The rule, not the exception, was to totally medicate the laboring mother, many times with amnesia-producing drugs such as scopolamine, a drug commonly associated ...

Read More

Part II of Scope Out Your Colon

Making Simple Changes

Lifestyle is yet another determining factor of colorectal cancer, but it is also one factor that is easy to change through simple steps such as diet and increased physical activity.

People who lead an inactive lifestyle void of regular exercise are more at risk for colon cancer as are those who are overweight or obese. The same is true of those who smoke. Studies suggest that smokers are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than those who do not smoke.

Lower Your Risk

You can lower your risk of ...

Read More