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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

Revised Campus Entrances and Visitation

Due to the continued rise in Covid-19 cases in our community, IMC's inpatient visitation policy for both campuses is being revised for the continued safety of patients and all others in our facilities.  


VISITOR POLICY (Effective 08.03.21) 


Iberia Medical Center will allow one unique, assigned visitor per day during established visiting hours at Main and North Campuses. Last week, patients were allowed one visitor and were allowed to have different visitors switch out during the day.   IMC's full visitation policy including this change is as follows:


  • Outpatient Testing and OB Outpatients: Patient Only (Exceptions: patient is a minor or is developmentally challenged). One asymptomatic, unique assigned visitor only for the duration of testing/observation

  • Inpatients at Main and North: One asymptomatic, unique assigned visitor per day during established visiting hours. Visitor may not stay overnight.

  • Inpatient Rehab: One asymptomatic, unique assigned visitor allowed during established unit visiting hours

  • Inpatient Behavioral Health: One asymptomatic, unique assigned visitor per day allowed during established unit visiting hours

  • Inpatient Laboring Moms: Spouse/partner allowed

  • Special needs patient: (i.e. developmentally challenged) Spouse/partner OR family member (one unique visitor per day) 

  • Pediatric Patients: Two parents or guardians per day 

  • End-of-Life Patients: Spouse/partner or adult family member (one asymptomatic, unique visitor per day). Adult is defined as 18 or older.

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

  • Emergency Department: If patient is a minor or is developmentally challenged, one unique adult may accompany.

  • Covid-19 Patients: Visitation for one asymptomatic, unique assigned visitor will be allowed from 5-6 pm only. All visitors must be Covid-19 negative and must remain in the patient’s room at all times.


MAIN CAMPUS ENTRANCES (Effective 08.03.21) Because of the large number of patients and visitors at our Main Campus, visitors will now enter the facility through the ER only. The front doors to the Main Campus entrance are no longer accessible.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. This is being done to protect our patients, visitors, staff and physicians.


Visitors will not be allowed to enter the hospital if they have a fever, have a cough, are experiencing shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms.


 Reminders


  • No visitor under 18 will be allowed to enter either facility. 


  • Social distancing guidelines and proper wearing of masks will be required at all times while inside the hospitals and medical office buildings. Masks are required for anyone entering either campus and will be strictly enforced.


Thank you for helping to keep our patients, staff, physicians and visitors healthy and safe. 

 
 
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