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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

IMC Food Pantry in Jeanerette

Iberia Medical Center Community Food Pantry: Jeanerette. It was a beautiful day to formally dedicate and bless the new IMC food pantry at the Jeanerette Rural Health Clinic. Elected officials, Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce representatives, hospital leadership, clinic staff and patients gathered this morning for the event.


Dionne Viator, IMC CEO, shared some sobering facts about hunger during opening remarks: 


  • 44 million people in the United States are food insecure including 13 million children.  

  • People experience food insecurity in every community regardless of size or location.

  • Hunger can have serious health consequences.


Deacon Roland Jeanlouis, IMC Board of Commissioners President, offered the formal blessing and inspirational words to live by. 


 The IMC Community Food Pantry was over a year in the making, and was made a priority by hospital administration because of the initiative's alignment with the hospital's mission.

 

 Funds for the pantry were provided in part, by the IMC Foundation. The Berry Family provided funding, fabrication and installation of the pantry.  


The pantry is located in front of the Jeanerette Rural Health Clinic, 217 Bourg Street, and provides non-perishable food items and personal care items to persons in need.  

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