Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter

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Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter

March 18, 2026

Prenatal vitamins are daily supplements containing essential vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron and calcium. They are designed to support a healthy pregnancy, aid fetal development and prevent birth defects.

Most doctors recommend prenatal vitamins for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, as well as women who have recently given birth and are still lactating. Taking a prenatal vitamin ensures you have all of the extra nutrients you need for you and your baby’s health during pregnancy.

Folic acid plays a key role in the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord and helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Iron supports the production of additional blood needed during pregnancy and helps deliver oxygen to the baby through the placenta—an essential process for brain development, healthy birth weight, and overall growth. Calcium is important for building strong bones and teeth and also supports the proper functioning of nerves, muscles, and blood vessels in both mother and baby.

Taking prenatal vitamins daily is an easy and important step toward a healthy pregnancy and a strong start for your baby.

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IMC Foundation Launches Project: Safe Schools

May 15, 2020
2 min read

Iberia Parish School Board and Iberia Parish School Administration recently joined Iberia Medical Center leadership and the Iberia Medical Center Foundation to officially recognize and launch Project: Safe Schools. The program is a collaborative effort between the hospital, the Iberia Medical Center Foundation and Iberia Parish School Administration. The goal of the health and safety initiative is to provide Covid-19 prevention resources to area schools to enhance efforts in the fight against the spread of the virus. The IMC Foundation donation included CDC Covid-19 prevention educational posters, social distancing floor vinyls and "Wash Your Hands" mirror clings for school bathrooms.

Earlier in the month, a live, virtual Q/A session was arranged between Iberia Parish School RNs, key faculty members and Dr. Moses Kitakule, Pulmonologist at Iberia Medical Center. Dr. Kitakule answered Covid-19 questions and had dialog with the nurses about best practices and CDC guidelines.

"Early partnering with the Iberia Parish School Board and Administration included the generous use of school parking lots for Covid testing and working with school system administration to provide clinical expertise. The conversations continued and the Iberia Medical Center Foundation and the hospital wanted to 'pay it foward' because the community has been so generous to Iberia Medical Center during Covid, providing meals, resources and support," stated Dionne Viator, Iberia Medical Center CEO.

On hand for the formal donation presentation was, Mr. Elvin Pradia, Iberia Parish School Board President, Niles Romero, Principal of Jefferson Island Road and President of the Iberia Principals Association, Dionne Viator, Iberia Medical Center, CEO, Jennifer Joseph, Assistant Superintendent, Iberia Parish Schools, Rachel Gonsoulin, IMC Foundation, Dr. Kurt O'Brien, IMC Board of Commissioners, Lucette Palmiano, IMC Foundation, Amy Langlinais, IMC VP of Finance.