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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 Revises Hospital Entrance Policies

Iberia Medical Center has reopened the Main Campus front entrance as a result of the continued decline in Covid-19 hospitalizations and the parish positivity rate currently below 10%. 


Other important information when entering the hospital: 

  • Main Campus Front Entrance is now open to the public Monday through Friday 5:30 am – 5:00 pm.

  • After hours and weekends: Visitors will enter the campus through the ER public sliding glass doors.

  • Masks: Everyone entering the hospital will continue to be required to wear a mask.

  • Cafeteria:  The cafeteria is open to the public with limited occupancy to enforce social distancing.

  • Gift Shop: The gift shop at Main is open from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

Current Visitation Policies:

 IMC's inpatient visitation policy will continue allow one visitor at a time during established visiting hours. Visitors may switch out and must be age 18 or older. IMC's full visitation policy is as follows:

  • Outpatient Testing and OB Outpatients: Patient and one asymptomatic adult

  • Inpatients at Main and North: One asymptomatic adult visitor at a time during established visiting hours. Visitor may not stay overnight.

  • Inpatient Rehab: Asymptomatic adult visitor allowed during established unit visiting hours.

  • Inpatient Behavioral Health: Asymptomatic adult visitors (one at a time) allowed during established unit visiting hours.

  • Inpatient Laboring Moms: Spouse/partner/designated support person allowed

  • Special Needs Patient: (i.e. developmentally challenged) spouse/partner OR family member

  • Pediatric Patients: Two parents or guardians

  • End-of-Life Patients: Spouse/Partner or adult family member

  • Surgery: One adult for surgical patient (pre- and post-surgery) Visitor may not stay overnight.

  • Emergency Department: One adult per ED patient

  • Covid-19 positive patients or Covid-19 pending patients: only in end-of-life circumstances



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