Nearly 3.1 million women in the United States are currently receiving treatments or are in remission from breast cancer. With it being one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, it is imperative that women schedule regular mammograms and know the early warning signs. To help you stay healthy and in control of your wellbeing, we’re sharing a few tidbits you should know about breast cancer in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

Early Warning Signs:

If you notice any abnormalities with your breasts, it could be an early warning sign of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor if you find any of the following:

• Portions of the breasts are swollen
• Abnormal breast or nipple pain
• Red or irritated skin on or surrounding the nipple
• Nipples are turning inward
• Discharge is coming from the nipples (other than milk)

 

Detection:

The best way to detect breast cancer is to schedule an annual mammogram. This appointment can detect breast cancer in its earliest phases when treatment options may be more manageable. Still, it is important to do self-breast exams in between mammograms to check for potentially cancerous lumps. Here are a few ways to check yourself, according to The National Breast Cancer Foundation:

• In the shower, use the pads of your fingers to move around your entire breast in a circular pattern, moving from outside in.
• Visually inspect your breasts in front of a mirror by raising your arms overhead and look for any changes in the contours or dimples of the breasts.
• Lie down and place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Move the pads of your fingers around your right breast in small circular motions. Repeat for your left breast.

 

Treatment:

The type of treatment needed for breast cancer depends on the stage, origin of the cancer and several other factors. Possible treatment routes include the following:

• Surgery is typically a part of the treatment. This can range from just removing the lump itself to removing the whole breast through various types of mastectomies.
• Many women receive radiation therapy, depending on the type of surgery that was performed. Radiation therapies include external beam radiation and internal radiation. One or both types may be required.
• Chemotherapy is commonly used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Your doctor may or may not recommend this route, depending on the patient’s individual situation.

 

Breast cancer is a daunting subject, but our licensed professionals are here to answer any questions you may have. Call us at (307) 634-5216 to set up an appointment today.

 

A new baby comes with so many decisions – vaccinations, where to give birth, maternity leave, the list goes on. One very important decision you will have to make is whether or not to breastfeed your newborn. While breastfeeding is generally the preferred choice during the first 6-12 months for the overall health of the baby, there are many factors to consider.

Advantages:

• Nutrition. Breastfeeding provides the most complete source of nutrients to your newborn baby.
• Protect against illness. Breastmilk also contains unique antibodies that help protect the baby from illness and future allergies.
• Aids in losing baby weight. Breastfeeding burns an average of 300-500 calories each time, which is great when trying to lose that stubborn baby weight. In addition, it can help your uterus return to normal size after delivery.
• Cheaper and more convenient. Because you don’t need to spend money on formula or take the time to prepare and sterilize the bottle, breastfeeding is oftentimes a less expensive and more convenient option.

Disadvantages:

• Difficult for working mothers. Because babies require to be breastfed 6-8 times a day, this can pose scheduling difficulties for working mothers. Formulas also fill up babies more, which means they need to be fed less often.
• More diet restrictions for mothers. Babies ingest everything you ingest when breastfeeding, which poses more diet restrictions. If a mother is on medication that could be harmful for the baby, breastfeeding could be unsafe.
• Breastfeeding can create sore nipples and leaky breasts, making this an uncomfortable option for many women.

Like every baby, every woman is different. And remember, there is no wrong decision in this instance – the most important thing is your baby is getting the nutrition he or she needs. Talk to your doctor to see which route is the healthiest option for you and your child.

 

Along with it being football season and time for pumpkin spice lattes, September is also Baby Safety Month. At Cheyenne OBGYN, we are committed to the care of you and your little one so that you can experience the healthiest pregnancy possible. Discussing your pregnancy with your care specialist is the best way to ensure you and your baby are staying safe, but here are some rules of thumb to keep in mind:

1. Take the right prenatal vitamins.

It is best to start these prior to pregnancy.  The neural cord develops in the first trimester, so it is extra important for your baby to get plenty of nutrients right off the bat. Prenatal vitamins are packed full of important nutrients – including calcium, folic acid and iron – that are essential to your baby’s healthy development.

2. Avoid heavy lifting and toxic chemicals.

Don’t look at this one as a restriction – consider it a free pass to get out of household chores! Throughout your pregnancy, be careful not to put too much strain on your body, so avoid lifting heavy objects. In addition, toxic chemicals, such as those in cleaning supplies and kitty litter, are harmful to breathe in, so limit your use of such items.

3. Know which foods and drinks to avoid.

Remember – everything you ingest, your baby ingests as well. Several everyday food and beverage items may seem harmless but actually contain certain bacteria that could be harmful to your baby. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, soft cheese, sushi or other raw fishes and lunchmeat. For a full list of foods to avoid, contact your care specialist.

4. Say goodbye to your sunbathing days.

While everyone wants to have the perfect glow for summer, we recommend taking certain precautions. Be sure you use sunscreen when out in the sun (SPF 30 or higher), as pregnancy makes your skin more sensitive. Avoid tanning beds as well, since studies have shown that they can hurt your baby.

5. Find the best time to travel.

If you choose to travel during your pregnancy, it’s imperative to find the right time for the safety of you and your baby. The second trimester is traditionally the best time to travel, as the first trimester carries the highest risk of miscarriage and travel during the third trimester could result in a delivery away from your intended hospital.

6. Exercise!

Exercising during pregnancy is a great way to stay in shape, lower your risk of miscarriage and increase chances for an easier birth. Taking a pregnancy exercise class or going for frequent walks is a good idea, as long as you are careful to not overdo it. Additionally, try practicing kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Talk to your doctor about the safest route for exercising.

As always, our doctors have all the answers to keep you and your baby safe during your pregnancy. Call us at (307) 634-5216 to set up an appointment today.