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

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Iberia Medical Center: Safety Star Award Recipient...Again

Iberia Medical Center
Jan 10, 2024
1 min read

Iberia Medical Center was formally recognized by Louisiana Hospital Association Trust Funds (LHA Trust Funds) as a recipient of the prestigious Safety Star Award for 2023. The Safety Star Award is presented to three outstanding healthcare facilities and one physician's office or healthcare clinic demonstrating a organization-wide commitment to quality and patient safety.

This award presentation marks two consecutive years that Iberia Medical Center has received the coveted honor. Recipients must show that facilities and practices implemented successful enhancements in healthcare violence prevention programs and new processes or innovative ideas that improve patient safety.

By working together, Iberia Medical Center Administration, staff, and providers mobilized quickly to make necessary repairs and replacements to systems associated with hospital security that were impacted after an ER-2 tornado hit the Main Campus on December 14, 2022. All collective efforts helped to ensure that the Main Campus, medical office building and other adjacent buildings remained safe and secure during recovery and restoration after the tornado.

In addition to the award and statewide recognition, Iberia Medical Center received a check for $10,000 from LHA Trust Funds for these safety program efforts.

Learn more about Iberia Medical Center's commitment and efforts resulting in this prestigious award: https://lhatrustfunds.com/grants-and-awards/safety-star-award/iberia-medical-center