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Healthy Holiday Habits for Expecting Mothers

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Healthy Holiday Habits for Expecting Mothers

December 4, 2025

The holiday season is a time for celebration and connecting with family and friends. But, if you are expecting, you may also feel the pressure of balancing all the festive traditions with the physical and emotional needs of pregnancy.


Jillian Henry, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, has a few realistic healthy holiday habits to help you feel your best while still enjoying the season.


Keep a Balanced Plate

When possible, fill half of your plate with fruits and half with vegetables. Enjoy your holiday favorites, including desserts, in moderation. No need to skip them entirely!

Stay Hydrated

Holiday foods are often salty, and indoor heating can increase dehydration. Keep a bottle of water with you, and consider adding electrolyte or flavor packets if that helps you drink more. And of course, avoid alcohol throughout pregnancy.

Prioritize Rest

Holiday schedules can be draining. Be sure to incorporate quiet time to rest and nap. Give yourself permission to say no to certain events or stay for shorter periods of time.

Body Movement

Movement supports energy circulation and mood. Try taking short walks after meals. Always remember to listen to your body and avoid overdoing it.

Manage Holiday Emotions

The holidays can be emotional and overwhelming. Here are a few ways to help you cope: deep breathing for 2-3 minutes, remind yourself you can say no without guilt, and don’t forget to ask for help with cooking, shopping or hosting events. Most importantly, focus on joy – not perfection. It’s okay if traditions look a little different this year.




Jillian Henry, NP, OB/GYN

Iberia Medical Center Receives Workplace Safety Award

Iberia Medical Center is recognized as a 2024 LHA Trust Funds Safety Star Award winner. Each year, Louisiana Hospital Association Trust Funds (LHA Trust Funds) recognizes three outstanding healthcare facilities with the Safety Star Award — a public acknowledgment of their commitment to quality and organizational safety. LHA Trust Funds has bestowed the Safety Star award upon Louisiana healthcare facilities since 2012, recognizing providers who have developed innovative ideas that support safety in healthcare. Qualifiers must be a member of the LHA Malpractice and General Liability Trust fund and are recognized for demonstrating improved patient or organizational safety from new technology, improved processes or new programs.


In efforts to advance safety measures in the facility, Iberia Medical Center recognized critical gaps in staff fire drill performance. As a response, the hospital implemented targeted educational enhancements to its Fire Response Plan. Using tailored, department-specific training and hands-on fire extinguisher simulations, Iberia Medical Center empowered staff to respond confidently during fire emergencies. By the project’s conclusion, 100% of participants correctly selected the appropriate fire extinguisher, and 90% of ancillary staff successfully evacuated to external meeting points, far exceeding initial objectives.


“Our innovative Code Red Response project has earned us our third consecutive Safety Star Award. In 2023 we were recognized for our timely manner to repair any systems associated with hospital security that were impacted after an EF-2 tornado hit the Main Campus. The award recognition for 2022 honored the Workplace Violence Program that remains as a safe healing place for all. On behalf of Iberia Medical Center, we are proud to offer continued safety enhancements to benefit the staff and the community. We take pride in organization-wide commitment to quality and patient safety” says Dionne Viator, CEO.

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